ng course of trusting to her father rather than to her
husband, and she was glad to find that her conduct and her father's
conduct were approved by so competent a judge as Mrs. Montacute Jones.
And throughout the whole interview there had been an air of kindness
which Mary had well understood. The old lady had intended to be useful,
and her intentions were accepted.

On the next morning, soon after breakfast, the Dean received a note
which puzzled him much, and for an hour or two left him in doubt as to
what he would do respecting it,--whether he would comply with, or
refuse to comply with, the request made in it. At first he said nothing
of the letter to his daughter. He had, as she was aware, intended to go
to Lincoln's Inn early in the day, but he sat thinking over something,
instead of leaving the house, till at last he went to Mary and put the
letter into her hands. "That," said he, "is one of the most unexpected
communications I ever had in my life, and one which it is most
difficult to answer. Just read it." The letter, which was very short,
was as follows:--

"The Marquis of Brotherton presents his compliments to the Dean of
Brotherton, and begs to say that he thinks that some good might
now be done by a personal interview. Perhaps the Dean will not
object to call on the Marquis here at some hour after two o'clock
to-morrow.

"Scumberg's Hotel,

"Albemarle Street.

"_29th June, 187--_."

"But we go to-morrow," said Mary.

"Ah;--he means to-day. The note was written last night. I have been
thinking about it, and I think I shall go."

"Have you written to him?"

"There is no need. A man who sends to me a summons to come to him so
immediately as that has no right to expect an answer. He does not mean
anything honest."

"Then why do you go?"

"I don't choose to appear to be afraid to meet him. Everything that I
do is done above board. I rather imagine that he doesn't expect me to
come; but I will not let him have to say that he had asked me and that
I had refused. I shall go."

"Oh, papa, what will he say to you?"

"I don't think he can eat me, my dear; nor will he dare even to murder
me. I daresay he would if he could."

And so it was decided; and at the hour appointed the Dean sallied forth
to keep the appointment.

CHAPTER XLI.

SCUMBERG'S.

The Dean as he walked across the park towards Albemarle Street had many
misgivings. He did not at all