more unexpected quarter.

On the day before Scarfe's proposed visit, Walker accosted him as he was
going out, with the announcement that my lady would like to speak to him
in the morning-room.

This rare summons never failed to wring a groan from the depths of the
librarian's spirit, and it did now as he proceeded to the torture-
chamber.

The lady was alone, and evidently burdened with the importance of the
occasion.

"Mr Jeffreys," said she, with a tone of half conciliation which put up
Jeffreys' back far more than her usual severe drawl, "kindly take a
seat; I wish to speak to you."

"It's all up with me!" groaned the unhappy Jeffreys inwardly, as he
obeyed.

Mrs Rimbolt gathered herself together, and began.

"I desire to speak to you, Mr Jeffreys, in reference to my niece, Miss
Atherton, who, in her father's absence, is here under my protection and
parental control."

Jeffreys flushed up ominously.

"It does not please me, Mr Jeffreys, to find you, occupying, as you do,
the position of a dependant in this house, so far forgetting yourself as
to consider that there is anything in your respective positions which
justifies you in having communications with Miss Atherton other than
those of a respectful stranger."

Jeffreys found himself frivolously thinking this elaborate sentence
would be an interesting exercise in parsing for the head class at
Galloway House. He barely took in that the remarks were intended for
him at all, and his abstracted look apparently disconcerted Mrs
Rimbolt.

"I must request your attention, Mr Jeffreys," said she severely.

"I beg your pardon. I am all attention."

"I am quite willing to suppose," continued she, "that it is ignorance on
your part rather than intentional misconduct which has led you into
this; but from henceforth I wish it to be clearly understood that I
shall expect you to remember your proper station in this house. Miss
Atherton, let me tell you, has no need of your attentions. You
perfectly understand me, Mr Jeffreys?"

Jeffreys bowed, still rather abstractedly.

"You do not reply to my question, Mr Jeffreys."

"I perfectly understand you, madam."

"I trust I shall not have to speak to you again."

"I trust not," said Jeffreys, with a fervour which startled the lady.

He left the room, outraged, insulted, sorely tempted to shake the dust
of the place once and for all from off his feet. The evil temper within
him once more asserted itself as h