at--except I be shoeing a horse--I can leave it when I
choose. Any time you want to go anywhere, don't forget as you've got
enemies about, and just send for me. You won't have long to wait till I
come. But I am main sorry the rascal didn't have something to keep him
in mind of his manners."

Part of this conversation, and a good deal more, passed on their way to
Testbridge, whither, as soon as Joseph seemed all right, Mary, who had
forgotten her hunger and faintness, insisted on setting out at once. In
her turn she questioned Joseph, and learned that, as soon as he knew
she was going to settle at Testbridge, he started off to find if
possible a place in the neighborhood humble enough to be within his
reach, and near enough for the hope of seeing her sometimes, and having
what help she might please to give him. The explanation afforded Mary
more pleasure than she cared to show. She had a real friend near
her--one ready to help her on her own ground--one who understood her
because he understood the things she loved! He told her that already he
had work enough to keep him going; that the horses he once shod were
always brought to him again; that lie was at no expense such as in a
town; and that he had plenty of time both for his violin and his books.

When they came to the suburbs, she sent him home, and went straight to
Mr. Brett with Mr. Redmain's message. He undertook to be at Durnmelling
at the time appointed, and to let nothing prevent him from seeing his
new client.

CHAPTER LIV.

THE NEXT NIGHT.

Mr. Bratt found no difficulty in the way of the interview, for Mr.
Redmain had given Mewks instructions he dared not disobey: his master
had often ailed, and recovered again, and he must not venture too far!
As soon as he had shown the visitor into the room he was dismissed, but
not before he had satisfied himself that he was a lawyer. He carried
the news at once to Sepia, and it wrought no little anxiety in the
house. There was a will already in existence, and no ground for
thinking a change in it boded anything good. Mr. Mortimer never deigned
to share his thoughts, anxieties, or hopes with any of his people; but
the ladies met in deep consultation, although of course there was
nothing to be done. The only operative result was that it let Sepia
know how, though for reasons somewhat different, her anxiety was shared
by the others: unlike theirs, her sole desire was--_not_ to be
mentioned in the will: that cou