as he tied the bundle
up again. "Case of settle or be sorry," he said to himself. "I wonder
how much will settle it?"

When he faced Blake again, he had pulled the mask of professional
stolidity over his features; also he lied boldly.

"I can see nothing to corroborate this story," he said; "but it may
be that Miss Grant would rather pay a few pounds than have the
unpleasantness of a trial. I will get her in and ask her if you like,
but I don't think it will lead to anything."

They were holding their conference in the office. Outside, the station
was dozing in the sun. The house dog slept in the yard, and a stray wild
pigeon had come down into the quadrangle, and was picking at some grain
that was spilt there. From the garden came the shouts of the children
and the happy laughter of Mary Grant.

"There she is now," said Pinnock. "Hadn't I better get her to come in
and get the thing over?"

He went out, and came back very soon. "Mrs. Gordon and Miss Grant are
coming," he said. "She said she would like Mrs. Gordon to be with her."

Before long they came in and sat down. Mary Grant had no idea what she
was wanted for. She greeted Blake with a glad smile, and waited to hear
what Pinnock had to say. It did not take the lawyer long to put the
story before her: but it was some time before she could understand
it. Nothing so tragic had ever entered her life before, and she seemed
almost stunned.

Mrs. Gordon moved to her side and took her hand.

"It is very terrible for you--for us all, dear," she said. "You must
listen to what Mr. Pinnock says, and make up your mind. He can advise
you best what to do."

Again Pinnock went through the case. As a full understanding broke in on
her, she drew herself up; the look of distress and perplexity left her
face, and her eyes were full of scorn and anger.

"Hello, what's coming now?" thought Pinnock. "I hope she says nothing
rash."

She tried to speak once or twice, but the words seemed to choke her.

"What do you advise me to do, Mr. Pinnock?" she said, turning to him
suddenly.

"I advise you to give me power to act for you in the matter as I think
best," said Pinnock, who saw that matters were likely to slip beyond his
control. "From what Mr. Blake tells me, I daresay this woman can give
you a lot of trouble and annoyance. Whatever you pay her, you won't miss
the money. You will save the family here from being turned out; you will
avoid scandal; and if there should be