it, together with a little book that she had borrowed some time
previously, and the whole was so done up in stiff paper that Miss
Christie Grant supposed herself to be returning the book only.

"So you gave it to John, auntie," said Emily, when Miss Christie came
back, "and told him I was going out, and he read the note?"

"Yes," answered Miss Christie curtly.

"Is he looking well?" asked Emily with a faint attempt at the tone of
ordinary interest.

"I should say not at all; it would be queer if he was."

"Why, Aunt Christie?"

Miss Christie Grant paused. Confidence had not been reposed in her; to
have surprised Emily into it would have given her no pleasure; it would
have left her always suspicious that her niece would have withheld it if
she could; besides, this rumour might after all be untrue. She answered,
"Because, for one thing, he has had great, at least considerable,
losses."

"Yes, I know," said Emily.

"But he aye reposed great confidence in me, as a friend should."

"Yes."

"And so I would have asked him several questions if I had known how to
express myself; but bonds and debentures, and, above all, preference
stock, were aye great stumbling-blocks to my understanding. Men have a
way of despising a woman's notions of business matters; so I contented
myself with asking if it was true that he was arranging to take a
partner, and whether he would have to make any pecuniary sacrifice in
order to effect this? He said 'Yes;' but I've been just thinking he
meant that in confidence."

"You shouldn't tell it to me then."

"And then he told me (I don't know whether that was in confidence or
not), but----"

"But what?"

"But I don't want to have any reservations with my own niece's child,
that was always my favourite, any more than I suppose ye would have any
with me."

Miss Christie here seemed to expect an answer, and waited long enough
for Emily to make one, if she was so minded; but as Emily remained
silent, she presently went on.

"I made the observation that I had heard he meant to sell his late
father's house; but lest he should think I attached too much importance
to his losses, I just added that I knew his children were very well
provided for under the will. He said 'Yes.'"

"And that was all?" asked Emily, amused at the amount of John's
confidence, and pleased to find that nothing but business had been
talked or.

"Yes, that was all--so far as I know there was nothing more to tell;