He then said he would lunch at the inn, told his coachman to put up,
and, while his meal was getting ready, went to Mary's shop, which was
but a few doors off. There he asked for a certain outlandish stuff, and
insisted on looking over a bale not yet unpacked. Mary understood him,
and, whispering Letty to take him to the parlor, followed a minute
after.

As soon as she entered--

"Come, now, what's it all about?" he said.

Mary began at once to tell him, as directly as she could, that she was
under obligation to Mr. Wardour of Thornwick, and that she had reason
to fear Miss Yolland was trying to get a hold of him--"And you know
what that would be for any man!" she said.

"No, by Jove! I don't," he answered. "What would it be?"

"Utter ruin," replied Mary. "Then go and tell him so, if you want to
save him."

"I have told him. But he does not like me, and won't believe me."

"Then let him take his own course, and be ruined."

"But I have just told you, sir, I am under obligation to him--great
obligation!"

"Oh! I see! you want him yourself!--Well, as you wish it, I would
rather you should have him than that she-devil. But come, now, you must
be open with me."

"I am. I will be."

"You say so, of course. Women do.--But you confess you want him
yourself?"

Mary saw it would be the worst possible policy to be angry with him,
especially as she had given him the trouble to come to her, and she
must not lose this her last chance.

"I do not want him," she answered, with a smile; "and, if I did, he
would never look at one in my position. He would as soon think of
marrying the daughter of one of his laborers--and quite right, too--for
the one might just be as good as the other."

"Well, now, that's a pity. I would have done a good deal for _you_--I
don't know why, for you're a little humbug if ever there was one! But,
if you don't care about the fellow, I don't see why I should take the
trouble. Confess--you're a little bit in love with him--ain't you, now?
Confess to that, and I will do what I can."

"I can't confess to a lie. I owe Mr. Wardour a debt of gratitude--that
is all--but no light thing, you will allow, sir!"

"I don't know; I never tried its weight. Anyhow, I should make haste to
be rid of it."

"I have sought to make him this return, but he only fancies me a
calumniator. Miss Yolland has been beforehand with me."

"Then, by Jove! I don't see but you're quits with him. If he behaves
like th