is
letter says nothing so plainly as, "While I can stand fair with you I do
not wish to break with you."'

'He will not find that quite so easy.' cried Mr. Edmonstone. 'I am no
fool to be hoodwinked, especially where my little Amy is concerned. I'll
see all plain and straight before he says another word of her. But you
see what comes of their settling it while I was out of the way.'

Mrs. Edmonstone was grieved to see him so hurt at this. It could not
have been helped, and if all had been smooth, he never would have
thought of it again; but it served to keep up his dignity in his own
eyes, and, as he fancied, to defend him from Philip's censure, and he
therefore made the most of it, which so pained her that she did not
venture to continue her championship of Guy.

'Well, well,' said Mr. Edmonstone, 'the question is what to do next--eh,
Philip?' I wish he would have spoken openly. I hate mysteries. I'll
write and tell him this won't do; he must be explicit--eh, Philip?'

'We will talk it over by and by,' said Philip.

His aunt understood that it was to be in her absence, and left the room,
fearing it would be impossible to prevent Amy from being distressed,
though she had no doubt that Guy would be able to prove his innocence of
the charges. She found Amy waiting for her in her room.

'Don't, ring, mamma, dear. I'll fasten your dress,' said she; then
pausing--'Oh! mamma, I don't know whether I ought to ask, but if you
would only tell me if there is nothing gone wrong.'

'I don't believe there is anything really wrong, my dear,' said Mrs.
Edmonstone, kissing her, as she saw how her colour first deepened and
then faded.

'Oh! no,' said she.

'But there is some mystery about his money-matters, which has vexed your
papa.'

'And what has Philip to do with it?'

'I cannot quite tell, my dear. I believe Margaret Henley has heard
something, but I do not know the whole.'

'Did you see his letter, mamma? said Amy, in a low, trembling voice.

'Yes, it is just like himself, and absolutely denies the accusations.'

Amy did not say 'then they are false,' but she held up her head.

'Then papa is satisfied?' she said.

'I have no doubt all will be made clear in time,' said her mother; 'but
there is still something unexplained, and I am afraid things may not
go smoothly just now. I am very sorry, my little Amy, that such a cloud
should have come over you, she added, smoothing fondly the long, soft
hair, sad at heart t