deas were very hazy, and he knew himself that he was ignorant of
the laws respecting marriage. It occurred to him, therefore, that he had
better consult his brother, and confide everything to him. That Jack was
wiser than he, he was always willing to allow; and although he did in
some sort look down upon Jack as a plodding fellow, who shot no seals
and cared nothing for adventure, still he felt it to be almost a pity
that Jack should not be the future Earl. So he told his aunt that he
proposed to ask his brother to come to Scroope for a day or two before
he returned to Ireland. Had his aunt, or would his uncle have, any
objection? Lady Scroope did not dare to object. She by no means wished
that her younger nephew should again be brought within the influence
of Miss Mellerby's charms; but it would not suit her purpose to give
offence to the heir by refusing so reasonable request. He would have
been off to join his brother at Woolwich immediately. So the invitation
was sent, and Jack Neville promised that he would come.

Fred knew nothing of the offer that had been made to Miss Mellerby,
though he had been sharp enough to discern his brother's feelings. "My
brother is coming here to-morrow," he said one morning to Miss Mellerby
when they were alone together.

"So Lady Scroope has told me. I don't wonder that you should wish to see
him."

"I hope everybody will be glad to see him. Jack is just about the very
best fellow in the world;--and he's one of the cleverest too."

"It is so nice to hear one brother speak in that way of another."

"I swear by Jack. He ought to have been the elder brother;--that's the
truth. Don't you like him?"

"Who;--I. Oh, yes, indeed. What I saw of him I liked very much."

"Isn't it a pity that he shouldn't have been the elder?"

"I can't say that, Mr. Neville."

"No. It wouldn't be just civil to me. But I can say it. When we were
here last winter I thought that my brother was--"

"Was what, Mr Neville?"

"Was getting to be very fond of you. Perhaps I ought not to say so."

"I don't think that much good is ever done by saying that kind of
thing," said Miss Mellerby gravely.

"It cannot at any rate do any harm in this case. I wish with all my
heart that he was fond of you and you of him."

"That is all nonsense. Indeed it is."

"I am not saying it without an object. I don't see why you and I should
not understand one another. If I tell you a secret will you keep it?"

"Do not te