y, I trust I can bring that about.'

'If he would but come here!'

'No, that must not be, as mamma says, till there is some explanation;
but if I was but in my usual state, I would go with papa and meet him
in London. I wonder if there is any chance of it. The 28th of March--ten
weeks off! If I can but get hold of those trusty crutches of mine by
that time I'll do, and I'll do, and I'll do. We will bring back Amy's
knight with flying colours.'

'Oh how happy we should be!'

'If I only knew what sort of sense that Markham of his may have, I would
give him a hint, and set him to ferret out at St. Mildred's. Or shall I
get Dr. Mayerne to order me there for change of air?'

So schemed Charles; while Guy, on his side, busied himself at Redclyffe
as usual; took care and thought for the cabin-boy--returned Lord
Thorndale's call without finding him at home--saw the school finished,
and opened--and became more intimate with the Ashfords.

He said he should not come home at Easter, as he should be very busy
reading for his degree; and as his birthday this year fell in Holy
Week, there could be no rejoicings; besides, as he was not to have his
property in his own hands till he was five-and-twenty, it would make
no difference to the people. The Ashfords agreed they had rather he was
safe at home for the vacation, and were somewhat anxious when he spoke
of coming home to settle, after he had taken his degree.

For his own part he was glad the season would prevent any rejoicings,
for he was in no frame of mind to enter into them and his birthday had
been so sad a day for his grandfather, that he had no associations of
pleasure connected with it.

Markham understood the feeling, liked it, and shared it, only saying
that they would have their day of rejoicing when he married. Guy could
not answer, and the old steward remarked the look of pain.

'Sir Guy,' said he, 'is it that which is wrong with you? Don't be angry
with an old man for asking the question, but I only would hope and trust
you are not getting into any scrape.'

'Thank you, Markham,' said Guy, after an effort; 'I cannot tell you
about it. I will only set you at rest by saying it is nothing you could
think I ought to be ashamed of.'

'Then why--what has come between? What could man or woman object to in
you?' said Markham, regarding him proudly.

'These unhappy suspicions,' said Guy.

I can't make it out,' said Markham. 'You must have been doing something
fo