k as thunder when I came in. He
is about no good here. I will go away first, and wait for you and Major
Pendennis at Hyde Park Gate."

Mr. Morgan helped Major Pendennis to his great-coat when he was quitting
the house; and muttered something about having accepted a temporary
engagement with the Clavering family.

"I have got a paper of yours, Mr. Morgan," said the old gentleman.

"Which you can show, if you please, to Sir Francis, sir, and perfectly
welcome," said Mr. Morgan, with downcast eyes. "I'm very much obliged
to you, Major Pendennis, and if I can pay you for all your kindness I
will."

Arthur overheard the sentence, and saw the look of hatred which
accompanied it, suddenly cried out that he had forgotten his
handkerchief, and ran upstairs to the drawing-room again. Foker was
still there; still lingering about his siren. Pen gave the siren a look
full of meaning, and we suppose that the siren understood meaning looks,
for when, after finding the veracious handkerchief of which he came in
quest, he once more went out, the siren, with a laughing voice, said,
"Oh, Arthur--Mr. Pendennis--I want you to tell dear Laura something!"
and she came out to the door.

"What is it?" she asked, shutting the door.

"Have you told Harry? Do you know that villain Morgan knows all?"

"I know it," she said.

"Have you told Harry?"

"No, no," she said. "You won't betray me?"

"Morgan will," said Pen.

"No, he won't," said Blanche. "I have promised him--n'importe. Wait
until after our marriage--Oh, until after our marriage--Oh, how wretched
I am," said the girl, who had been all smiles, and grace, and gaiety
during the evening.

Arthur said, "I beg and implore you to tell Harry. Tell him now. It is
no fault of yours. He will pardon you anything. Tell him to-night."

"And give her this--Il est la--with my love, please; and I beg your
pardon for calling you back; and if she will be at Madame Crinoline's at
half-past three, and if Lady Rockminster can spare her, I should so like
to drive with her in the park;" and she went in, singing and kissing her
little hand, as Morgan the velvet-footed came up the carpeted stair.

Pen heard Blanche's piano breaking out into brilliant music as he went
down to join his uncle; and they walked away together. Arthur briefly
told him what he had done. "What was to be done?" he asked.

"What is to be done, begad?" said the old gentleman. "What is to be done
but to leave it alone? Begad,