that amiable and most
unfortunate girl."

He said this so sadly and solemnly that Mrs. Little's anger fell
directly, and they both sat silent a long time.

"Guy," said Mrs. Little, "tell me the truth. Has my son done anything
wrong--anything rash? It was strange he should leave England without
telling me. He told Dr. Amboyne. Oh, there is some mystery here. If I
did not know you so well, I should say there is some deceit going on
in this house. There IS--You hang your head. I cannot bear to give you
pain, so I will ask you no more questions. But--"

There was a world of determination in that "but."

She retired early to bed; to bed, but not to rest.

In the silence of the night she recalled every thing, every look, every
word that had seemed a little strange to her, and put them all together.
She could not sleep; vague misgivings crawled over her agitated mind.
At length she slumbered from sheer exhaustion. She rose early; yet, when
she came down-stairs, Raby was just starting for Woodbine Villa.

Mrs. Little asked him to take her into Hillsborough. He looked uneasy,
but complied, and, at her desire, set her down in the market-place
of Hillsborough. As soon as he was out of sight she took a fly, and
directed the driver to take her to Mr. Little's works. "I mean," said
she, "the works where Mr. Bayne is."

She found Mr. Bayne in his counting-house, dressed in deep mourning.

He started at sight of her, and then she saw his eye fall with surprise
on her gray dress.

"Mr. Bayne," said she, "I am come to ask you a question or two."

"Be seated, madam," said Bayne, reverently. "I expected a visit from you
or from your agent, and the accounts are all ready for your inspection.
I keep them as clear as possible."

"I do not come here about accounts. My son has perfect confidence in
you, and so have I."

"Thank you, madam; thank you kindly. He did indeed honor me with his
confidence, and with his friendship. I am sure he was more like a
brother to me than an employer. Ah, madam! I shall never, never, see his
fellow again." And honest Bayne turned away with his hand to his eyes.

This seemed to Mrs. Little to be more than the occasion required, and
did not tend to lessen her misgivings. However, she said gravely, "Mr.
Bayne, I suppose you have heard there is to be a wedding in the town
to-day--Miss Carden?"

"That is sudden! No, madam, I didn't know it. I can hardly believe it."

"It is so. She marries a Mr.