. But now he was named
as though he were undoubtedly a wolf. Why had not Mr. Comfort said
then, at that former interview, when no harm had as yet been done,
that it would be desirable to know more of the young man before any
encouragement was given to him? Mrs. Ray felt that she was injured;
but, nevertheless, her trust in her counsellor was not on that
account the less.

"I suppose it must be answered," said Mrs. Ray.

"Oh, yes; of course it should be answered."

"And who should write it, Mr. Comfort?"

"Let Rachel write it herself. Let her tell him that she is not
prepared to correspond with him as yet, any further that is, you
understand, than the writing of that letter."

"And about,--about,--about what he says as to loving her, you know?
There has been a sort of promise between them, Mr. Comfort, and no
young man could have spoken more honestly than he did."

"And he meant honestly, no doubt; but you see, Mrs. Ray, it is
necessary to be so careful in these matters! It is quite evident his
mother doesn't wish this marriage."

"And he shouldn't have called her a goose; should he?"

"I don't think much about that."

"Don't you, now?"

"It was all meant in good-humour. But she thinks it a bad marriage
for him as regards money, and money considerations always go so far,
you know. And then he's away, and you've got no hold upon him."

"That's quite true, Mr. Comfort."

"He has quarrelled with the people here. And upon my word I'm
inclined to think he has not behaved very well to Mr. Tappitt."

"Hasn't he, now?"

"I'm afraid not, Mrs. Ray. They were talking about him last night in
Baslehurst, and I'm afraid he has behaved badly at the brewery. There
were words between him and Mr. Tappitt,--very serious words."

"Yes; I know that. He told Rachel as much as that. I think he said he
was going to law with Mr. Tappitt."

"And if so, the chances are that he may never be seen here again.
It's ill coming to a place where one is quarrelling with people. And
as to the lawsuit, it seems to me, from what I hear, that he would
certainly lose it. No doubt he has a considerable property in the
brewery; but he wants to be master of everything, and that can't be
reasonable, you know. And then, Mrs. Ray, there's worse than that
behind."

"Worse than that!" said Mrs. Ray, in whose heart every gleam of
comfort was quickly being extinguished by darkening shadows.

"They tell me that he has gone away without paying his