ed and minded, there would be very little friendship
in the world. Come, Trevannion, shake hands, and forget it for auld lang
syne, as I will do when any one brings such a tale to me."

As Hamilton spoke, his eye rested on Norman, fired with indignation,
and lighted a second on the principal offender, but no longer, for he
did not wish to draw Louis into notice.

"It may seem a little nonsensical matter to you, Hamilton," said
Trevannion, putting his hand behind him; "but these little things
exhibit more than the greatest professions. I am not too lazy to
cure myself of old habits, if you are."

"I never make professions," said Hamilton, proudly; "and I have done."

He was turning away, when a sudden motion from Jones arrested him.
Jones had been standing silently by Trevannion, and now, leaping over
a desk, seized Louis, and dragged him in the centre of the group, to
the great astonishment of both himself and his brother, exclaiming:

"Here's the offender, the tell-tale, the hypocrite, the meek good boy,
so anxious of Ferrers' reputation!"

"What do you want with me?" exclaimed Louis angrily, struggling to free
himself from his captor.

"Hands off! Leave him alone, Jones," shouted Reginald. "What's all
this about?"

"Do let him go," said Hamilton. "Can't you let him alone?"

"He's the traitor, Hamilton."

Hamilton could not deny it, for it could have been no one else.

"Well, it is past, and the punishment he has in his own feelings will
be enough," he said. "Let him alone."

"Louis, _you_ haven't been telling tales and making mischief?"
cried Reginald.

"I don't know," said Louis. "I said something to Mrs. Paget, I believe--I
didn't know there was any harm. Hamilton didn't say he didn't want any
thing said about it."

"_Didn't say!_" echoed Jones, scornfully.

Hamilton's look was more in reproach than anger. Louis felt struck to
the heart with shame and anger; but so much had he lately been nursed
in conceit and self-sufficiency, that he drove away the better impulse;
and, instead of at once acknowledging himself in the wrong and begging
pardon, he stood still, endeavoring to look unconcerned, repeating,
"I didn't mean any harm."

"Oh, Louis!" exclaimed Reginald, reproachfully, "I didn't think
you could."

"Let the boy go, Jones," said Hamilton, trying to remove the grasp
from Louis' shoulders.

"Not so fast, an't please your majesty," said Jones: "I like to see
hypocrites unmasked. Here, gentl