ad done queer things,
within his knowledge; but this lady showed herself too cautious for
that.

"I know what my father would have done in such a case," she continued,
with her tranquil smile recovered: "he would just have ridden up to his
solicitor's office, demanded the implement of robbery, brought it home,
and set it upon the hall fire, in the presence of the whole of his
family and household. But now we live in such a strictly lawful age that
no crime can be stopped, if only perpetrated legally. And you say
that Mr. More--something, 'Moresharp,' I think it was, knows of that
iniquitous production?"

"Madam, we can not be certain; but I have reason to suspect that Mr.
Mordacks has got wind of that unfortunate deed of appointment."

"Supposing that he has, and that he means to use his knowledge, he can
not force the document from your possession, can he?"

"Not without an order. But by filing affidavit, after issue of writ in
ejectment, they may compel us to produce, and allow attested copy to be
taken."

"Then the law is disgraceful to the last degree, and it is useless to
own anything. That deed is in your charge, as our attorney, I suppose,
sir?"

"By no other right, madam: we have twelve chestfuls, any one or all of
which I am bound to render up to your order."

"Our confidence in you is unshaken. But without shaking it we might
order home any particular chest for inspection?"

"Most certainly, madam, by giving us receipt for it. For antiquarian
uses, and others, such a thing is by no means irregular. And the oldest
of all the deeds are in that box--charters from the crown, grants from
corporations, records of assay by arms--warrants that even I can not
decipher."

"A very learned gentleman is likely soon to visit us--a man of modern
family, who spends his whole time in seeking out the stories of the
older ones. No family in Yorkshire is comparable to ours in the interest
of its annals."

"That is a truth beyond all denial, madam. The character of your ancient
race has always been a marked one."

"And always honorable, Mr. Jellicorse. Undeviating principle has
distinguished all my ancestors. Nothing has ever been allowed to stand
between them and their view of right."

"You could not have put it more clearly, Mistress Yordas. Their own view
of right has been their guiding star throughout. And they never have
failed to act accordingly."

"Alas! of how very few others can we say it! But being of a