I'm doing pretty well, and likely, as far as I can see, to
do better. I don't grudge you money; far from it. All I want to know
is, that you'll marry me for my own sake.'

He dropped his voice, not to express tenderness, but because other
people were near. Upon Louise, however, it had a pleasing effect,
and she smiled.

'Very well,' she made answer, in the same subdued tone. 'Then let us
settle it in that way.'

They talked amicably for the rest of the time that they spent
together. It was nearly an hour, and never before had they succeeded
in conversing so long without a quarrel. Louise became light-hearted
and mirthful; her companion, though less abandoned to the mood of
the moment, wore a hopeful countenance. Through all his roughness,
Cobb was distinguished by a personal delicacy which no doubt had
impressed Louise, say what she might of pretended fears. At parting,
he merely shook hands with her, as always.

CHAPTER VII

Glad of a free evening, Emmeline, after dinner, walked round to Mrs.
Fentiman's. Louise had put a restraint upon the wonted friendly
intercourse between the Mumfords and their only familiar
acquaintances at Sutton. Mrs. Fentiman liked to talk of purely
domestic matters, and in a stranger's presence she was never at
ease. Coming alone, and when the children were all safe in bed,
Emmeline had a warm welcome. For the first time she spoke of her
troublesome guest without reserve. This chat would have been restful
and enjoyable but for a most unfortunate remark that fell from the
elder lady, a perfectly innocent mention of something her husband
had told her, but, secretly, so disturbing Mrs. Mumford that, after
hearing it, she got away as soon as possible, and walked quickly
home with dark countenance.

It was ten o'clock; Louise had not yet returned, but might do so any
moment. Wishing to be sure of privacy in a conversation with her
husband, Emmeline summoned him from his book to the bedroom.

'Well, what has happened now?' exclaimed Mumford. 'If this kind of
thing goes on much longer I shall feel inclined to take a lodging in
town.'

'I have heard something very strange. I can hardly believe it; there
must have been a mistake.'

'What is it? Really, one's nerves--'

'Is it true that, on Thursday evening, you and Miss Derrick were
seen talking together at the station? Thursday: the day she went off
and came back again after dinner.'

Mumford would gladly have got out of this s