guard the secret, since, if once it
came to the knowledge of his creditors, it would be all over with him.
Concealment of his present difficulties was therefore no less necessary
than assistance in paying the sum he owed. Indeed, as far as Guy was
able to understand his confused statement, what he wanted was at once
to pay a part of his debt, before he could go on to a place where he was
engaged to perform, and where he would earn enough to make up the rest.

Guy had intended to have sent for Deloraine, but had since given up the
idea, in order to be able to help forward some plans of Miss Wellwood's,
and resigning this project would enable him to place thirty pounds at
his uncle's disposal, leaving him just enough to pay his expenses at
South Moor, and carry him back to Hollywell. It was sorely against his
inclination that, instead of helping a charity, his savings should go
to pay gaming debts, and his five-miles walk was spent in self-debate on
the right and wrong of the matter, and questions what should be done
for the future--for he was beginning to awaken to the sense of his
responsibility, and feared lest he might be encouraging vice.

Very early next morning Guy put his head into his tutor's room,
announced that he must walk into St. Mildred's on business, but should
be back by eleven at the latest, ran down-stairs, called Bustle, and
made interest with the farmer's wife for a hunch of dry bread and a cup
of new milk.

Then rejoicing that he had made up his mind, though not light-hearted
enough to whistle, he walked across the moorland, through the white
morning mist, curling on the sides of the hills in fantastic forms, and
now and then catching his lengthened shadow, so as to make him smile by
reminding him of the spectre of the Brocken.

Not without difficulty, he found a back street, and a little shop, where
a slovenly maid was sweeping the steps, and the shutters were not yet
taken down. He asked if Mr. Dixon lodged there. 'Yes,' the woman said,
staring in amazement that such a gentleman could be there at that time
in the morning, asking for Mr. Dixon.

'Is he at home?'

'Yes, sir but he is not up yet. He was very late last night. Did you
want to speak to him? I'll tell Mrs. Dixon.'

'Is Mrs. Dixon here? Then tell her Sir Guy Morville would be glad to
speak to her.'

The maid curtseyed, hurried off, and returned with a message from Mrs.
Dixon to desire he would walk in. She conducted him through a