-boy
with the Bellamy crest on his buttons delivering a letter to Philip.
It is true that there was nothing particularly alarming about that,
but its contents might have given a point to Angela's forebodings. It
ran thus:

"Rewtham House, Monday.

"My dear Mr. Caresfoot,

"With reference to our conversation last week about your daughter
and G., can you come over and have a quiet chat with me this
afternoon?

"Sincerely yours,
"Anne Bellamy."

Philip read this note, and then re-read it, knowing in his heart that
now was his opportunity to act up to his convictions, and put an end
to the whole transaction in a few decisive words. But a man who has
for so many years given place to the devil of avarice, even though it
be avarice with a legitimate object, cannot shake himself free from
his clothes in a moment; even when, as in Philip's case, honour and
right, to say nothing of a still more powerful factor, superstition,
speak so loudly in his ears. Surely, he thought, there would be no
harm in hearing what she had to say. He could explain his reasons for
having nothing to do with the matter so much better in person. Such
mental struggles have only one end. Presently the smart page-boy bore
back this note:

"Dear Lady Bellamy,

"I will be with you at half-past three.

"P.C."

It was with very curious sensations that Philip was that afternoon
shown into a richly furnished boudoir in Rewtham House. He had not
been in that room since he had talked to Maria Lee, sitting on that
very sofa now occupied by Lady Bellamy's still beautiful form, and he
could not but feel that it was a place of evil omen for him.

Lady Bellamy rose to greet him with her most fascinating smile.

"This is very kind," she said, as she motioned him to a seat, which
Philip afterwards discovered had been carefully arranged so as to put
his features in the full light, whilst, sitting on the sofa, her own
were concealed. "Well, Mr. Caresfoot," she began, after a little
pause, "I suppose I had better come to the point at once. First of
all, I presume that, as you anticipated would be the case, there
exists some sort of understanding between Mr. Heigham and your
daughter."

Philip nodded.

"Well, your cousin is as determined as ever about the ma