ve and hear what is going on without being
observed yourself."

Having said this, she led the way into another room on the opposite side
of the passage, which was usually occupied by the owner of the house,
but which she had this morning lent to her lodger for her use, as it was
rather larger than the one Mrs Vivian occupied, and more convenient for
the reception of a visitor. On the farther side of this apartment was a
door leading out to the back part of the house. It was seldom used now,
and a curtain hung before it, as the weather was cold and a strong
current of air came through it. In an upper panel of this door was a
small glass window, now disused, for some alterations had been made in
the back premises which blocked out the light. The panes of this window
had been pasted over and covered by paper similar in colour to the door,
so that the existence of any glass there would not have been suspected
by any ordinary observer.

When this door and its window had been shown to Walter, what he should
do flashed upon him at once. "May we take the landlady in a measure
into our confidence?" he asked.

"Yes," said his sister, "I am sure you may. She knows my trials and
troubles too well."

Amos having assented, Mrs Allison was called, and it was explained to
her that Walter wished to watch behind the door unobserved, and to be
able, if possible, to see as well as hear what was going on in the room
during the interview between his brother and brother-in-law. The good
woman, at once comprehending the situation, gave cheerful leave to
Walter to take his stand where he proposed, promising that no one should
interrupt; and then with her own hands scratched with an old pair of
scissors two small round holes in the paper which had been pasted on the
small window, such as would not attract the notice of any one in the
room, but through which Walter would be able to see everything that was
going on inside.

A few minutes before twelve he duly took his stand behind this disused
door. The curtain had previously been removed by the landlady, so that
any conversation in the room could be readily heard through the not over
tight-fitting woodwork. Anxiously did the young man wait for the coming
interview. He was not kept long in suspense. A loud ring at the front
door was followed by the sound of a heavy stalking tread. Mr Orlando
Vivian entered the other parlour, whither Amos and his sister had
retired, and saluted th