s it should do. But it struck him
that the words "Eliza Carnaby" were written too boldly for that lady's
hand; and the more he looked at them, the more he was convinced of
it. That was no concern of his, for it was not his duty, under the
circumstances of the case, to verify her signature. But this conviction
drove him to an uncomfortable conclusion--"Miss Yordas intends to
destroy that deed without her sister's knowledge. She knows that her
sister's nerve is weaker, and she does not like to involve her in
the job. A very brave, sisterly feeling, no doubt, and much the wiser
course, if she means to do it. It is a bold stroke, and well worthy of
a Yordas. But I hope, with all my heart, that she never can have thought
of it. And she kept that order in my handwriting to make it look as if
the suggestion came from me! And I am as innocent as any lamb is of the
frauds that shall come to be written on his skin. The duty of attorney
toward client prevents me from opening my lips upon the matter. But she
is a deep woman, and a bold one too. May the Lord direct things aright!
I shall retire, and let Robert have the practice, as soon as Brown's
bankruptcy has worn out captious creditors. It is the Lord alone that
doeth all things well."

Mr. Jellicorse knew that he had done his best; and though doubtful of
the turn which things had taken, with some exclusion of his agency, he
felt (though his conscience told him not to feel it) that here was one
true source of joy. That impudent, dashing, unprofessional man, who was
always poking his vile unarticled nose into legal business, that fellow
of the name of Mordacks, now would have no locus standi left. At least
a hundred and fifty firms, of good standing in the county, detested that
man, and even a judge would import a scintillula juris into any measure
which relieved the country of him. Meditating thus, he heard a knock.

CHAPTER LI

STAND AND DELIVER

The day was not far worn as yet; and May month having come at last, the
day could stand a good deal of wear. With Jordas burning to exhibit the
wonders of the new machine (which had been bought upon his advice),
and with Marmaduke conscious of the new gloss on his coat, all previous
times had been beaten--as the sporting writers put it; that is to say,
all previous times of the journey from Scargate to Middleton, for any
man who sat on wheels. A rider would take a shorter cut, and have many
other advantages; but for a driver