change
his mind if he thinks he is doing what is right."

"I certainly would not ask him to do what he thinks is wrong," said Lady
Elverston, "and I am quite sure that the marquis did not give authority
to Mr Gooch to use any threats. Lord Elverston told me this morning
that he was willing to offer any reasonable compensation to your husband
for quitting the farm, and he would probably give him ample time to find
another equally suitable."

"I was sure, my lady, that the marquis would not have allowed the
bailiff to make use of the threats he did; and if you will speak again
to his lordship and induce him to make a fair offer to my husband,
though it would well-nigh break our hearts to move, I will try and get
him to accept it."

Lady Elverston, who suspected that the marquis had been deceived by Mr
Gooch, promised again to speak to him; though well aware that he was as
obstinate as the farmer, she did not say that she was certain of
success. Lady Julia in the mean time was talking in her gentle way to
Janet, and promised to call for her the first sunny day to take her out
for a drive in the pony-carriage. Her ladyship then inquired for Dick,
and expressed a hope that he would harbour no ill feelings towards her
son.

"I pray that he won't, my lady; he has ever been a good and faithful son
to us, though somewhat headstrong at times, but he has not a revengeful
spirit, and I am sure he would not wish to harm Lord Reginald. We are
in sad trouble about him, for Mr Gooch frightened him so by his
threats, that he has gone away, we don't know where."

"Have you no clue to his hiding-place?" asked Lady Elverston. "I should
much like to have some conversation with him, and I trust that I might
soften any lingering ill feeling--should such exist in his breast--
towards my son."

"I shall never forget your kindness, whatever happens, my lady," said
Mrs Hargrave.

After some further conversation, the marchioness took her departure,
accompanied by Lady Julia, still, however, in considerable doubt whether
she had done much to settle the vexed question.

The time of the two midshipmen's stay at Elverston Hall was drawing to a
close. Voules had received a letter from a messmate, saying that the
_Wolf_ was nearly ready for sea. He flattered himself that he had not
let the grass grow under his feet; that he had established himself in
the good graces of Lord and Lady Elverston; and he had even the vanity
to suppose that