word of professional comfort. He, like Sir Patrick,
acknowledged the scandalous divergence of opinions produced by the
confusion and uncertainty of the marriage-law of Scotland. He, like
Sir Patrick, declared it to be quite possible that another lawyer might
arrive at another conclusion. "Go," he said, giving her his card, with a
line of writing on it, "to my colleague, Mr. Crum; and say I sent you."

The lady gratefully thanked Mr. Camp and his wife, and went next to the
office of Mr. Crum.

Mr. Crum was the older lawyer of the two, and the harder lawyer of the
two; but he, too, felt the influence which the charm that there was in
this woman exercised, more or less, over every man who came in contact
with her. He listened with a patience which was rare with him: he put
his questions with a gentleness which was rarer still; and when _he_
was in possession of the circumstances---behold, _his_ opinion flatly
contradicted the opinion of Mr. Camp!

"No marriage, ma'am," he said, positively. "Evidence in favor of perhaps
establishing a marriage, if you propose to claim the man. But that, as I
understand it, is exactly what you don't wish to do."

The relief to the lady, on hearing this, almost overpowered her. For
some minutes she was unable to speak. Mr. Crum did, what he had never
done yet in all his experience as a lawyer. He patted a client on the
shoulder, and, more extraordinary still, he gave a client permission
to waste his time. "Wait, and compose yourself," said Mr.
Crum--administering the law of humanity. The lady composed herself. "I
must ask you some questions, ma'am," said Mr. Crum--administering the
law of the land. The lady bowed, and waited for him to begin.

"I know, thus far, that you decline to claim the gentleman," said Mr.
Cram. "I want to know now whether the gentleman is likely to claim
_you._"

The answer to this was given in the most positive terms. The gentleman
was not even aware of the position in which he stood. And, more yet, he
was engaged to be married to the dearest friend whom the lady had in the
world.

Mr. Crum opened his eyes--considered--and put another question as
delicately as he could. "Would it be painful to you to tell me how the
gentleman came to occupy the awkward position in which he stands now?"

The lady acknowledged that it would be indescribably painful to her to
answer that question.

Mr. Crum offered a suggestion under the form of an inquiry:

"Would it be pai