to whom he had
written letters, letters that gave the young woman some reasons to
suppose that he was offering her marriage. He saw the matter more
wisely after a time and naturally wished Miss Feverel to restore the
letters, but this she refused to do. Both Garrett and myself have done
what we could and have, I am afraid, failed. Miss Feverel is quite
resolute--most obstinately so. We are afraid that she may take steps
that would be unpleasant to all of us--it is rather worrying us, and we
thought--it seemed--in short, I determined to ask you to help us. With
your wider experience you will probably know the best way in which to
deal with such a person."

Clare paused. She had put it as drily as possible, but it was,
nevertheless, humiliating.

There was a pause.

"I am scarcely surprised," said Harry, "that Robin is ashamed of the
affair."

"Of course he is," answered Clare eagerly, "bitterly ashamed."

"I suppose you made love to--ah--Miss Feverel?" he said, turning
directly to Robin.

"Yes," said Robin, lifting his head and facing his father. As their
eyes met the colour rushed to his cheeks.

"It was a rotten thing to do," said Harry.

"I have been very much ashamed of myself," answered Robin. "I would
make Miss Feverel any apology that is in my power, but there seems to
be little that I can do."

Harry said no more.

"I am really sorry," said Clare at last, "to speak about a business
like this just now--but really there is no time to lose. I am sure
that you will do something to prevent trouble in the Courts, and that
is what Miss Feverel seems to threaten."

"What do you want me to do?" he asked.

"To see her--to see her and try and arrange some compromise----"

"I should have thought that Robin was the proper person----"

"He has tried and failed; she would not listen to him."

"Then I am afraid that she will not listen to me--a perfect stranger
with no claims on her interest."

"It is precisely that. You will be able to put it on a business
footing, because sentiment does not enter into the question at all."

"Do you want me to help you, Robin?"

At the direct question Robin looked up again. His father looked very
stern and judicial. It was the schoolmaster rather than the parent,
but, after all, what else could he expect? So he said, quite
simply--"Yes, father."

But at this moment there was an interruption. With the hurried opening
of the door there came the sounds of ag