It was a beautiful thing indeed-a Dresden | and let her have freedom to go and come as clock of exquisite design and colouring. Mr. she pleases?" Brown said it was one of a few pet things Mr. Mainwaring had retained on breaking up his quarters at Oxford, and which had been since under his care. A little more chat about that friend, and then Mr. Merton Brown departed to sleep the night at the Silver Swan, promising to breakfast with me on Saturday.

On the afternoon of Friday I went over to Darliston. I had promised Helen to look over certain dress affairs connected with her visit. I had a few friendly words with Mr. Wainwright, who mentioned Mr. Brown's visit to the Hall with satisfaction, and invited me to meet the young gentleman at dinner on Sunday.

Proceeding to Helen's bedroom, I had the attendance of Mrs. Cargill while I turned over collars and laces. Noticing she had rather look of worry, I presently said, "I am afraid you have had to bear some annoyance from Mr. Grant's temper; he has been rather violent of late ?" I

She shook her head dismally-"I don't know where it's to end, ma'am. If he's this violent now, what will he be when he knows the truth?" "He will know violence is useless then. I wish it were possible to acquaint him with the truth at once, rather than Helen should suffer such annoyance; for his sake, too, it would be much better."

"Do you think then, ma'am, there's any hope he will ever be reconciled to the notion of it?" "Well, Nanny, he must have sense to see that when Helen is another man's wife, the sooner he forgets he had a mind to take her himself the better. After what I am told he said the other evening, I do not think he can have a very tender affection for her."

"Ah! but, dear ma'am, that was in his passion, and he did not mean it. Helen knows better than to think when a Wainwright says those things in passion, they ought to be thought about at all; and it do seem cruel in her not to listen to the poor lad when he's ready to go down on his knees and beg her pardon. He has been very careful not to vex her this long time; only he was so provoked at the Castle people taking her away. Of course it is right they should; but he don't know it: and then Miss Helen, you see, she tried him strumming her fingers on the pianny, while he was in that taking; and she would not speak to him;-" here poor Nanny's apron went to her eyes.

"I suppose he is very much annoyed at her refusing his note," I said; "but it would not do for her, considering who she is now, to subject himself to such insolent language from anyone." "You see, ma'am, he's her cousin, and the Wainwrights are all passionate. He's been spoilt a bit, being the youngest at home. remember his father was such another when he was young; but he's sobered down, and is a very respectable man."

I

"Do you think then, if Helen were to receive his apology, he would now behave like a gentleman,

"Well, ma'am, I think he'd promise anything, for he's right down broken-hearted, and really I think it's for being such a fool as to lose his temper and swear at her, as much as for the squire's anger and forbidding him to come to the hall."

"Well, Nanny, Helen must judge for herself. I cannot promise to try to influence her, but I will mention what you say of his trouble at having forgotten himself."

I awaited Helen's return from school in the drawing-room, and then spoke as I had promised. She looked serious and annoyed, and then, with a sigh, said

"I wish I knew any better way than quarrelling; but, indeed, I will not see him if I can help it. Do not think," she continued, "dear Mrs. Gainsborough, that I would be so unamiable without feeling reason for it. I could stand his hating and swearing at me, and would not mind for my dignity as far as that goes; but if quarrels are to be followed by making up-if, oh! if they must be made up, let grandfather do it in his fashion ;" and Helen burst into tears. "My dear girl, I did not think this matter could so really grieve you. You are getting nervous; I am afraid your studies have been too close of late?"

་

"No, dear," she said. "Let me have my cry ;" and she nestled up to me on the sofa. "I am a little tired, but I shall come right presently."

I saw her hand pressing where her little treasures lay, as if she sought some strength from their talismanic power. She soon raised her face, pushed back her hair from her forehead, smiled faintly, and said

"Now I am better, and I will be sensible, and try to explain how it is. Grant has been at times passionate since he came from Scotland. I think before, that he was really trying to behave better, and perhaps he expected a warmer welcome on his return than I thought good to give. On Monday evening-I had heard he was going to Marsham, and had no idea of his coming again to the Hall, I was here enjoying a little singing, which I only can when I have no fear of his coming. Well-he must have been some time in the room before I was aware. He came up to the piano when I had finished my song, which was 'Come, Mariner, down in the Deep with me,' and said, 'I wish you would keep on singing that, Helen. I have been dreaming I was the mariner, and it was so pleasant!' I said, in a jesting sort of way, that it was not the fashion for first-rate singers to repeat their songs; but I would give him something else. Of course I chose to keep off sentimentals, and started something lively. He stopped me, and asked for some quiet song quite a new thing for him to require. I believe I was teasing, and he became angry. Then I chose to be offended a little. Then then he said he

was sorry he had vexed me, and actually begged my pardon as if he meant it. I was angry with myself more than with him, and did not know at once how to carry the thing off. So he, still thinking I was displeased, begged me so earnestly to make friends, and spoke so much more humbly than he ever did before, I-I felt I should cry; and was obliged to rush up suddenly to my bedroom to prevent him seeing I was such a fool. I sent him word by Nanny afterwards that I knew he did not mean to vex me, but I was tired, and out of temper."

I spoke next about Mr. Witham, having Helen's authority to state the whole of the case Mr. Brown gave serious attention, and did not so entirely pronounce against our first opinion, in regard to the identity of Mr. Witham with the robber, as I had anticipated. Admitting all the evidence adduced by Mr. Mainwaring as accurate, he said it did not appear to him to be definitive. "If he had seen this Mr. Witham," he argued, "he might have taken means to ascertain if he had lately been in this part of England; as it is, we cannot be quite certain he is the same. The description Arden sends corresponds, you say, to the person who was here?"

"Very nearly corresponds," I answered; "as nearly as you would expect, allowing for some difference of taste or terms. For instance, I should not myself describe Mr. Witham as a small person. He is several inches shorter than you are, but rather too muscular in his proportions to coincide with my idea of a small person."

I felt more concerned than I chose to express at hearing of this new course of conduct on Grant Wainwright's part, and saw the propriety of Helen's desire to avoid any other than forinal intercourse with him. All I could say at the time was, that she had acted rightly in taking occa sion by his fit of rage to widen the distance between them. As I walked homewards I felt no less anxious than poor Mrs. Cargill as to the state of affairs. It seemed too probable that opposition had augmented Grant's inclina- I showed the passage describing him. Mr. tion; and I thought too that Helen's growing Brown smiled as he read it, and said, "It is refinement, while it thwarted, might very possi-curious, but I once met a Mr. Witham to whom bly still more attract him. I felt so troubled this description might exactly have applied; with the sense of Helen's difficult position, and and he, I know, died in France. He was my own responsibility, for towards Mr. Main- consumptive when I met him, poor fellow; it waring it seemed to me I stood much as her was when I was on a visit at Cambridge four mother might do, that I even thought of parti- years ago. I should think he must have been cipating the matter with his friend Mr. Merton a brother of the gentleman abroad, for I reBrown. In this, however, I felt restricted by member his speaking of some old castle in Irethe shortness of our acquaintance. land he had been staying at."

CHAP. XXIII.

A FRIEND AND A FOE.

When, next morning, Mr. Merton Brown joined me at breakfast, I mentioned Grant Wainwright to him, and went so far as to say that I feared he might be some source of trouble, since, though rejected by Helen, he had never acknowledged his cause defeated.

Mr. Mainwaring had already mentioned the matter to his friend in a letter. That gentleman said it was a pity Mr. Grant Wainwright could not be convinced his suit was impracticable; but he ought to have better manners than to make it a source of annoyance to a lady, aven if he could not find in his heart to consider her refusal definitive. "The proper thing," he said, "would be that he should leave the neighbourhood for a time. If that is out of the question, he should be denied the privilege of visiting at the Hall; severity in this case would be kindness."

Perhaps," I said, "as you will be at Darliston to-morrow, you may hear something on this subject from Mr. Wainwright. I fear his nephew's services on the estate are so desirable, that he would not like parting with him."

"But this must be our Mr. Witham; else how should these photographs be sent by him?"

"If your Mr. Witham is a rogue, and wishes to be thought a gentleman on the continent of the same name-mind I do not say it is soit would be quite possible for him to find means to have these sent. I will undertake, if you require it, to procure you such photographs from almost any large city in Europe or North America. Newspapers also may be had through agents. The envelopes certainly appear to be in the same handwriting, but there is a slovenliness about them which I should scarce expect to see from such a pattern ladies' man."

As we were wending our way up the hill-side to meet Helen, I said to Mr. Brown, "Do you know, it occurs to me I may have done an imprudent thing in asking you to join us to-day? If Grant Wainwright hears of it, he is very likely to take umbrage at the circumstance; more especially when it is followed by your dining to-morrow at Darliston Hall, and while he is forbidden to enter it. I really fear."

"Do not look so serious about it," he answered; "I am not inclined to shrink from the position. If Mainwaring were here, he would incur this same dreadful Grant Wainwright's displeasure, and, if I know him, would readily stand the brunt of it. If I had sufficient occasion for it, there is nothing I would enjoy better than to give this troublesome fellow a hint that his right and title to Miss Dalziel is disputed."

"Oh! don't, Mr. Brown; don't talk so; pray

keep out of quarrels. This young Wainwright
is a companion of boxers, and that low set."
He laughed, and said, "Ladies have a great
horror of anyone who is a boxer. I am afraid
to confess that I—what shall I say? that I am
scientific. Do not give me up as graceless |
when I acknowledge that I am rather proud of
it than otherwise. It is one of the things Main-
waring put me up to. You see at school I was
a great booby, and used to let my schoolfellows
do much as they pleased with me; not because
I could not fight, but, you see, I felt so tremen-
dously strong, I used to be afraid that if once
I set at it in earnest I should kill somebody.
I don't know now that I was so very strong,
but I felt so, and I could stand a deal of pum-
melling. Well, Arden said that I was just the
fellow who should be taught how to make use
of strength. So I studied the art of self-defence,
which, you see, is a very good thing in its way;
but, because a bad lot have got hold of it, is
likely to be very much cried down and abused.
Boxing, my dear lady, is just a scientific way of
teaching your opponent that he cannot hurt
you, and that he is only hurting himself if he
tries. Now although I have two or three times
accidentally had to take part in a town-and-
gown fight, the occasions were not serious. I
never had a regular earnest set-to with any one
yet; it's all been play. I quite long to find
how far it is the same thing in reality."

We had now reached the bridge, and Mr. Brown was as much struck as I had been with the beauty of the spot. As for the bridge itself, I must confess to an inclination to get across it as quickly as maybe. A narrow stone structure, strong, but nearly devoid of parapet; the rush of water under it gives me a sort of fascinated feeling, as if I should be drawn in. There are posts still standing, indicating that some time this dangerous bridge was railed.

I have before described the road as descending in a direct course from this point to the gate of Darliston Manor. The descent however is not immediate. Nature having done something to form a pass or partial gap in the ridge of rocky hill on the side nearest Dingleton, and afforded a rough sort of pathway to the waterfall, Art has been at work for the special benefit of Darliston. The summit of the hill, some thirty yards beyond the bridge, has been cut through, and consequently there is a level on the Darliston side of the bridge. High banks crowned with trees tower on the right; on the left, the ground is lower; close to the bridge a stile indicates the way to the waterfall; and here I sat down to await Helen's coming.

I could see Darliston Hall as in a vista framed in by rocky banks and trees, and the figure of my young friend drawing every moment nearer. She guided us past the waterfall into an old road running along the Darliston side of the ridge towards the abbey, and on the way we discoursed on the probable connection between the ruin in the croft and St. Brides. Arrived at the latter, our portfolios were opened; I took up my position as before, among the ivy, and

| Helen and Mr. Brown, near together, also commenced sketching, the young lady making believe she was to profit by his suggestions. I heard, however, so frequently, a certain name which I had first heard spoken in this same ruin, that I became a little nervous, and presently begged Mr. Brown would make a tour of inspection to satisfy me that there could be no listeners. He obeyed, but soon assured me there was no one in sight, except an old woman with a basket on her arm. "I think she intends to come here," he said; "and if so, I shall introduce her into my sketch. There she is, just the thing; only I shall take the liberty of giving her a red cloak instead of that neutral thing she has on."

"She has come into my picture too," said Helen; "and she comes so well I wish I could secure her."

“Oh! do try, Miss Dalziel. I'll go and induce her to stand still."

This he effected; I suppose by means of a silver charm. She came afterwards in a dondering sort of way, urging us to have our fortunes told with a dirty pack of cards; and we had some difficulty in convincing her we did not desire her services. It did not increase our faith in her powers when she gratuitously informed Helen that she should not marry the one she had set her heart on; but that one who loved her "better than rough bear or smooth fox," would be her own true love yet, for all seas might divide them.

Mr. Brown here burst into the song

"Over the sea, over the sea,

Hear what a bonny bird whispered to me !"

in such a fine, cheerful voice, that we cared for no old woman's rigmarole, but went on our way homewards right merrily. We were talking and laughing about it, however, when we came to the stile again. I had said the rough bear must be well known in the neighbourhood as Helen's wooer; but who was the smooth fox? "Not you, I hope, Mr. Brown ?" I concluded.

"No," he said, "she meant to do a handsome thing by me, as I was the one to give her money. She promised me a rich wife, and I have no doubt would have crossed both your loves if she thought it necessary in order to make me a happy man.”

Here he vaulted over the gate beside the stile, and stood ready to hand us over. I could not help remarking, "You look happy enough, in all conscience," as I stepped down.

Helen followed, and was balanced on the top of the stile with one hand held by our young esquire, when I heard a quick step from the direction of the bridge, and saw Grant Wainwright. They saw him, too, speedily. He walked to within ten paces, then stopped and raised his hat; but the direful displeasure visible on his countenance made the act of politeness appear at best anironical one. I was not minded to be frightened: I turned to Mr. Brown, who had divined at once who was pre

sent, and said, 'I will wait for you here, while you take Miss Dalziel to the gate."

horseback; and Mr. Wainwright, not liking to
go himself, offered a horse to Mr. Brown.
"To-morrow,"
," said that gentleman, as we were
about parting, "I am off early to visit a friend
a mile beyond Marsham, and shall have to re-
main the night: I will take care, however, to
be over here in time to join your party. What
hour did you say?"

Helen was not quite so ready, but after a moment's hesitation bade me good-day, and went down-hill with Mr. Merton Brown. My position was certainly an unpleasant one, as Grant Wainwright turned his lowering brows now upon the two, then on myself. Once I thought he intended following them, but he checked the movement when it had brought him opposite to myself, and said, in an insolent tone, "I should like to know, Mrs. Gainsborough, what right you have to be pushing your friends into acquaintance with Miss Dal-bent on preparations for my company, having a ziel ?"

"Mr. Wainwright," I replied, "you have not put your question civilly."

six.

"My friends are to be with me at half-past Do not be later than seven; or expect to be punished with cold tea!"

*

*

*

Next morning I rose, with my mind much

natural solicitude that all should go well on this my first grand occasion of entertaining. It seemed to me, in respect to my drawing-room, "You're a confounded meddlesome woman, a sort of house-warning. The improved apthat's what you are!" he rejoined. "I believe pearance of the garden, my piano, and lastly you are at the bottom of everything that has my very beautiful Dresden clock, have comgone wrong since you came to the neighbour-bined to make the room look pleasanter than it hood-you, with your fine notions of things I warn you to keep to your own business in future, and if you or any of your set don't keep your fingers out of mine, I'll— I'll—” He had sworn at me three times in the course of this speech, which else I think I have precisely recorded.

"Mr. Wainwright," I said, "I know what you mean by your business, and I frankly tell you I am opposed to your wishes in regard to Miss Dalziel. I hope she will have a husband who knows better the respect due to women than you appear to do. At the same time I disclaim any interference with your suit, of which I knew nothing positive until you were refused."

"You were for bringing in that scamp of a painter; but the old man wouldn't stand that game. And who is this fellow you've brought to-day?"

"I refer you to your uncle."

O aye, to be sure. Then you have given him an introduction, and it's all in form, and correct after the latest pattern: but I'll spoil your plotting and planning. If I find him coming this road again I'll horsewhip him back to Dingleton-so that's what you may tell your fine gentleman!"

He turned off by the stile we had crossed, and strode away.

Of course, when Mr. Brown came up, I informed him of the benevolent intentions held in regard to him. Nothing daunted, he accompanied me next day, when morning service was over, to Darliston Hall. Helen had not been to church. She was anxious to know what had passed between her cousin and myself: I told her in part, not omitting his threat concerning our friend. This Helen communicated to her grandfather, and, in consequence, when the time came for us to leave, we were escorted most of the distance by the old squire in person.

It was arranged that Mr. Brown should accompany Helen to Cardington Castle on Thursday. It is most convenient she should go on

did to me at first, when a certain bareness,
commonly apparent in newly-furnished rooms,
rather repelled me.

I have added fowls to my live stock, and on
descending the stairs I ordered Barbara to boil
me an egg. I am rather particular about this
process, and commonly find it necessary to
regulate it by my watch. When Barbara came
in with it, I said, "It will not do yet; put it in
for quite another minute longer.

"I'm sure it's done, ma'am," says Barbara.
"To your liking, maybe, but not to mine," I
answered; and when she brought it again she
apologized for having made a mistake in the
time, adding, "My head was moidered about
that gentleman as was here-Mr. Brown. Only
think, ma'am, he'd like to have been knocked
down by Mr. Grant Wainwright last-night,
just after he brought you to the gate. They
was for sending for the constable-and my
aunt was so frightened! She never had such a
row in her house-not with gentlemen!"

"What! a quarrel occurred at the Silver
Swan ?"

"Yes, ma'am."

I

suppose I looked rather seriously concerned, for she went on: "But you need not be afraid for Mr. Brown, for he has taken himself offearly this morning he went."

"I knew Mr. Brown was leaving this morning, Barbara; but I expect him to join me at tea to-morrow."

"Lor', bless you, ma'am! he'd better not come. How frightened you'd be if there was to be a fight in front of your house! And Mr. Grant Wainwright's a fearful man in a passion. He might go near to kill him!"

"Did Mrs. Peters tell you of this?"

"No, ma'am; how should she? I've had
no time to go talking to my aunt now you're
going to have company. I've been putting the
curtains on the bed Miss Dalziel is to sleep in ;
and that, with the regular work, was enough
for me up to this time, maʼam."

"How did you hear of it, then ?"
"The boy told me."

"Mr. Brown he laughed, and he says, Does it matter?' and steps forward towards the door, when Mr. Grant, he stretch his arm across the doorway, and he says, 'A word with you, my lad; this neighbourhood is not good for your health. I've warned you once; and I've a great mind at this moment to give you a good hiding.' "But it's Sunday night,' says the gentleman,