ny one. "I neither deny nor allow your claim, Mr.
Dockwrath," said he. "But I shall pay nothing except through my
regular lawyers. You can send your account to me if you please, but I
shall send it on to Mr. Round without looking at it."

"Oh, that's to be the way, is it? That's your gratitude. Very well,
Mr. Mason; I shall now know what to do. And I think you'll find--"

Here Mr. Dockwrath was interrupted by the lodging-house servant, who
brought in a note for Mr. Mason. It was from Mr. Furnival, and the
girl who delivered it said that the gentleman's messenger was waiting
for an answer.

"SIR," said the note,

A communication has been made to me this morning on the
part of your brother, Mr. Lucius Mason, which may make
it desirable that I should have an interview with you.
If not inconvenient to you, I would ask you to meet me
to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock at the chambers of
your own lawyer, Mr. Round, in Bedford Row. I have
already seen Mr. Round, and find that he can meet us.

I am, sir,
Your very obedient servant,

THOMAS FURNIVAL.

J. Mason, Esq., J.P.
(of Groby Park).

Mr. Furnival when he wrote this note had already been over to Orley
Farm, and had seen Lucius Mason. He had been at the farm almost
before daylight, and had come away with the assured conviction that
the property must be abandoned by his client.

"We need not talk about it, Mr. Furnival," Lucius had said. "It must
be so."

"You have discussed the matter with your mother?"

"No discussion is necessary, but she is quite aware of my intention.
She is prepared to leave the place--for ever."

"But the income--"

"Belongs to my brother Joseph. Mr. Furnival, I think you may
understand that the matter is one in which it is necessary that I
should act, but as to which I trust I may not have to say many words.
If you cannot arrange this for me, I must go to Mr. Round."

Of course Mr. Furnival did understand it all. His client had been
acquitted, and he had triumphed; but he had known for many a long day
that the estate did belong of right to Mr. Mason of Groby; and though
he had not suspected that Lucius would have been so told, he could
not be surprised at the result of such telling. It was clear to him
that Lady Mason had confessed, and that restitution would therefore
be made.

"I will do your bidding," said he.

"And, Mr. Furnival,--if it be possible, spare my mother." Then the
meetin