better if it concerned himself, and the others were not slow to acquiesce.

were in the grounds, but did not think of intruding on your party until this made it expedient. Fortunately I had a good look at the man before he saw me. When he did I was prepared to seem as if he were unknown to me, and I thought my turning back and asking to speak with General Witheral would rouse his sus

66

"Mrs. Gainsborough will remember," he continued, that the following afternoon I called at Fairclough for a book she was kind enough to lend me. On my return thence, about six o'clock, I fell in with Mr. Witham near the spot where we had been practising archery the day previous. I found him in conversation with a strange man of very inferior appearance, and my suspicions having been awakened, I took especial notice of this stranger. Mr. Witham told me he was the son a rash marriage and become poor and negligent of appearances. About a fortnight after Mr. Witham left, Mr. M'Kinnom asked me if I had seen a man loitering about the lanes, and, taking a paper from his pocket, read to me a very clear discription of this-tenant of Mr. Witham's. I heard he had been taken by the police in company with one of the noted Black Band; but no charge having been as yet made against him, he was likely to be set at liberty. Mr. M'Kinnom had heard from one of our labourers that he had seen this man more than once, and had been questioned by him concerning our affairs."

"We know the man, Helen-do we not?" I said, when Alfred had proceeded thus far. "Is he not a pale-faced man, about thirty years of age, five feet eight inches in height, with a light sandy beard and thin hair ?"

"The very description read to me; a good description too: and yet I have taken his portrait more minutely, and should like to know if you recognize some peculiarities not there indicated. His eyes are sunken and devoid of eyelashes; there is a sly look in them, and they are seldom steady. Some of the muscles on the left side of his face have sunk near the jaw, but perhaps that would not strike you as it did myself."

66

"I cannot say I observed it, but what you before described I think quite correct."

"It gave me a feeling of his face being out of drawing," resumed "Alfred. "However, I will now give you my first important fact. That man, with his pale face tinged with colour, his hair cut close and dyed, and his beard shaved, is serving in the stables yonder. He has been for the last ten days an out-door servant at Harby Hall."

Mrs. Wellwood uttered an exclamation of alarm, and asked if he had informed the General.

"I was leaving the Hall when I saw the man," Alfred eplied; ad been told you

66

"You say," said Mr. Littington, "that it is your first fact of importance: this is raising our expectations for something equally strange. Pray proceed."

I felt certain Alfred would now revert to Mr. Witham, and he did so, mentioning the newspaper he had received from Vienna and the recent commission dated from Paris. Then he spoke of the Dulwich difficulty, of receiving the telegraphic message I had sent, and of acting immediately upon it.

66

Yesterday morning," he went on, "I received a reply from Chamberi; here it is." He produced a letter and read as follows: "DEAR SIR,-You are under some mistake, for I neither money nor commission for a picture to England since I left it. Take this note and show it to Mr. Harvey, New-Square, Lincoln's Inn. He may possibly give you some information." Yours truly,

"Carlton Witham."

"Of course," continued Alfred, "I obeyed the direction and went immediately to Lincoln's Inn. The gentleman, who is a solicitor, cast his eyes over the note I tendered, and questioned. "What's the matter?"

666

He

"All

"I banded the letter from the other Carlton Witham, and explained the impediment I had met with in carrying out the commission which had led to my writing to Savoy. "He appeared rather amused, and said, 'You've got the money "Yes,' I replied; 'but you perceive I cannot rightly execute the commission ?" " "Well, but you are safe,' he said; 'do it as well as you can, and he added, 'What on earth could induce him to turn patron of art? Ten guineas? must be flush of cash.' "Do you know him, sir?' I enquired with anxiety. "I have seen this handwriting before,' he said, 'but have heard nothing of the person for the last twelve months. Perhaps you will not object to tell me where and when you last met him?" " I knew I was willing to tell, and I had to be on my guard, or this skilful gentleman would have extracted from me also what others had suspected. I was afraid, too, I was to receive no requital, but as Mr. Harvey refolded and handed over the Paris letter, he said, 'I congratulate you, young sir, that you stand on the safe side in regard to this correspondent, and if you will take my advice you will be very careful in all your transactions with him. One observation I feel called upon to make on the part of my client, Mr. Carlton Witham-it is going a little too far to have letters sent from abroad in his I do not discern from anything you have related what purpose was to be served by taking so much pains; possibly time may dis

name.

close it to you. Can there be any reason for wishing to get you away from your home?" "None but a kind one, that I can perceive,' I answered." He elevated his eyebrows: 'Have you been of any use to him?'"None whatever,'" I answered. "If you rest in the idea that he is so soft as to do you a disinterested kindness, you must have very little knowledge of the world in general or of this man in particular;' so the lawyer spoke. 'I suppose this is your first visit to London. Take my advice, go back again. Ten to one the fellow is after some mischief."""" "Am I to understand, then, that he is an imposter?' I asked. 'Mr. Harvey's answer was this. He told you he was the eldest son of the late Carlton Witham, | Esquire, first cousin to the Earl of Clondace. So far he told you true. Nevertheless he has no right to the name of Witham. His proper designation is Cornelius Carlton: his mother was a laundress. This is not the first time he has endeavoured to pass himself off for Mr. Carlton Witham, and he has been altogether a source of great annoyance to my client, who, if he were not one of the kindest-hearted of men, would have done with him long ago. As it is, he allows him residence on one of his estates, and makes him a liberal allowance. I certainly shall counsel Witham to withhold the latter for the future if he does not refrain from taking such liberties with his identity. Should you meet your correspondent it may be friendly to give him this warning from me. Good-day.' I have little more to say; I started early this morning from London, and finding on my arrival a note from you, Mr. Littington, apprising me that General Wetheral had given leave for my copying a certain picture, I repaired to Harby Hall to measure the size for a canvas. Had Mr. M'Kinnom been at home I should have gone first to him; but he left yesterday for Scotland, and I am told is not likely to return for a week. Mrs. Gainsborough knows I had some special reasons for being solicitous about the safety of Harby Hall, and having heard another robbery had been effected in the neighbourhood, I took occasion to mention it to Truscot, and asked some questions which led to my hearing that a new groom had been engaged, and that he slept in the stables. I purposely left the Hall by the back way, that I might see if the man looked like a serviceable defender, little expecting so to recognize him."

"You are quite positive then in regard to the identity?" asked Mr. Littington.

"I feel perfectly convinced."

There was silence among us for a few moments, each member of our party looking serious enough. Helen whispered to me, and I then announced what her suspicions had been in regard to Mr. Witham; and mentioned the affair of the drawings, and his sudden departure.

Mr. Littington said the police must be informed. The new groom could of course be immediately arrested, but it might be more desirable to watch him, since he had already

|

once escaped for want of evidence. He would like to know General Wetheral's opinion of the matter. Mrs. Wellwood rose, and said:

"I will go quietly to the General and tell him all. You will please, Mr. Littington, to send my carriage, when it comes, to the Hall, and excuse my withdrawal. I ordered it for halfpast nine. Could you send anyone in it to reinforce my uncle's garrison?"

66

Might I come ?" asked Alfred.

Mrs. Wellwood said she would answer for his welcome. We watched her proceed along the way leading to the Hall, and then took ours towards the door by which we had entered, talking in low tones with much earnest interest. Mr Littington stood in front of the door, and before opening it said:

"Come girls, this won't do. Get up some fun. We may be observed. Willie, set about some mischief directly, sir! Mr. Merrivale, say something gallant, here's choice of ladies to speak it to."

Willie at all events was both prompt and practical in acting on the advice given.

Mr. Littington allowed us to be in a decent state to appear before the public. That "public" met us in the person of the same old woman who at St. Bride's had been introduced in the sketches taken. Alfred had seen her before, but to the others she was quite a stranger, and, inclining to be suspicious, I determined on giving her a sixpence and engaging her attention. I bade her give the moneys-worth in good fortune to my friend Helen. and she was tolerably liberal with the usual farrago. Helen had the discretion not to evince any special amusement when told that, though there were many handsome young gentlemen seeking her hand, the one who should be her husband was now furthest from her thoughts.

"And nearest to her elbow-do say that!" added Willie; he being in that position.

Once within the walls of Mr. Littington's garden we held a counsel. It was decided that Willie should go in search of his father and put him in possession of the facts. To do my little cousin justice, he was as ready for this important task as he had been for fun. He was also charged to send a messenger in my name to Mrs. Merrivale, promising hereafter to explain Alfred's absence.

Bearing in mind Mr. Wainwright's injunction, Helen and I departed early. "Mr. Littington sent his man-servant to escort us on horseback.

Saturday passed quietly. Next morning, on my return from church, I found a note on my table from Alfred Merrivale. It told that, in compliance with General Wetheral's wishes, he had taken up his abode at Harby Hall until Mr. M'Kinnom should return from Scotland. The upper servants alone were aware of his being there at night. He had received a letter from Mr. Witham, dated from London. It stated he had called at the Dulwich Gallery, hoping to find him, and had heard from the gentleman in

charge there of the anxiety he had felt concerning the commission. Mr. Witham promised shortly to see him, and arrange in some way that should be satisfactory to both; and requested a few lines from Alfred, to be addressed to a hotel at Liverpool, as he should be coming north in a few days, and desired to know if he were willing to undertake to copy a small oil painting belonging to a friend in that

town.

"I see no need to reply to this at present," Alfred wrote. "Mr. Littington saw my brother Valentine yesterday, and gave him the necessary particulars about me; and he took care I should have the letter which had arrived without delay. The answer to all enquiries for me at home is that I am executing a commission for Mr. Littington, and may not return for some days."

CHAP. XXXIII.

where the tide runs up on the far side of the marsh?"

"Where you took me to have a good view of the sea?"

"Yes. You remember how narrow the way was for the horses?"

"I remember it well; we had to go one before the other. A horrid place for riding, the rocks are so rugged on either side."

"Well, I had not gone far along that path when I heard a horse's heels after me-coming at a smart trot, too, considering the sort of place it is for a trot. Grant has come back' I thought; and of course I was the same moment considering what I ought to do. The tide was running in fast along the Channel on my right, the sea not far distant in front. Further on to my left I could hope to pick my way by what was once a bridle-path, leading past the ruined fishing huts; but on looking in that direction I saw two men near the buildings, and a third, who had the appearance of a sturdy beggar, advancing towards me. I looked round then,

WONDERS.

Thursday, July 1st.-I sat all this morning in my garden embroidering, directing Lance's labours among my flowers, and enjoying the midsummer weather. At such times I am happy enough; but evenings alone seem more trying to my spirits now than in more winterly times. Perhaps it is this: that, with summer around me, I am apt to dream over certain days passed with my good husband in the tropics, and then it follows that I fret for news of him. It is quite time now to begin to expect. Hope springs, and anxiety follows. There are other hopes and fears, it is possible, may be affected by his letter; but no; I do not allow myself to write on that subject-it is not good to dwell on. Rather let my memory go back a few years, and recal my summer walks in London, at the head of a regiment of young girls. Oh, those dusty, wall-enclosed walks! Could I, seven years ago, have pictured myself as I was this afternoon, standing with my riding-skirt over my arm, waiting for dear loving Helen to come cantering to join me on a ride through this beautiful country?

Helen had something to tell me.

"Ah, you would not come with me yesterday, to ride on the marsh, naughty woman! and I might have been run away with. There would have been a pretty subject for you to write upon to the continent !"

"Very well, madame; if you remind me of my responsibilities I shall not permit you to go rambling rides by yourself. Pray, what handBome young gentleman did you meet? Was the one furthest from your heart any nearer your elbow?"

"It's very difficult to say who is furthest from my heart; but there were some men-not handsome ones-disposed to be nearer my elbow than I at all approved. You know the channel

Grant."

"It was not your cousin, then?"

"No; a coarse-looking middle-aged man. I had checked my mare's pace, and he came on more slowly, so completely filling the narrow way that, had I turned, I could not have passed him. Oh, if it had not been for my good little Prossy-the beauty she is!" And Helen patted her pretty arching neck.

"My dear girl, what were the men?"

"I don't know what they were-beggars or thieves; but I am sure they were acting in concert, or else that shabby, ugly cavalier took pleasure in trying to frighten me. I should have been frightened if I had not felt in spirits with my ride-in spirits to do a daring thing, and enjoy it. I really did think the case was serious though, or I should not have considered it right to incur the risk. I have given Grant more than one scolding for doing the same thing out of daring and bravado; that was when he was a boy."

"I remember your pointing out a leap he took on a horse, which afterwards won a cup. Surely you did not venture that?"

"Yes," said Helen, laughing at my alarmed expression. "We did; did we not, Prossy? We crossed the Cleft, and did it beautifully. Oh, it was capital; it took them so by surprise!"

"The horseman, as he came near, said, with an impudent tone of familiarity: "The roads are very bad about here, Miss. I am afraid we two can't pass each other without coming rather closer than seems pretty, though I don't object."

"I went on a little faster. The beggarman stood at the head of the path to the huts. Fearing he might catch my rein, I gave Prossy a hint, and passed him at a bound. The man I think made some effort of the kind; and, as if angered at failing, uttered a smothered exclamation.

"All right,' I heard the horseman say. Glancing over my shoulder I perceived he had halted, and showed no intention of proceeding by the path to the left, but continued in the way I wished to return by. Having a little more space now I wheeled round and faced them. The beggar began, in a tone between threatening and whining, to ask if I had not something better than kicks to bestow on a poor man. The horseman looked as if he regarded the whole rather as a good joke. This made me more indignant, and more determined. 'Will you take your way, sir; or is it your purpose to hinder mine?' I asked. He burst into a rude laugh, asked what was the matter, said the path was here quite wide enough for me to pass, and I had only to give the poor fellow a copper, and he would be civil enough.

"I shall do as I please about that,' I said. 'Will you move out of my path ?’

"He showed no inclination. 'You can hardly ride me down,' he said; but don't be afraid of close quarters, young lady, I'm a civil

man.'

"I turned again and cantered towards the sea. The tide was coming in rapidly, but I was now on the plateau of rock, which affords better footing than the rugged, broken ground. Both men followed, and the one on horseback cried, in the same coarse, laughing way: Hillo, my lady, you are going into the sea. You will want me to take you in tow presently.' And again he shouted, She's going to commit suicide. It's against the law of the land, and we can't see her do it!'

6

"I spurred on, and he after me. Once I looked back, to see if there were any chance in retreating. That glance made me all the more certain they were bent on detaining me. The two men from the huts had advanced, and were posted at the turn of the path. Each moment seemed to pen me closer in between the channel, the sea, and my pursuers.

"The horse the man rode was a good one, but no more fit to follow Prossy where I was taking her than a mastiff to leap with a deerhound. I had to make a little circuit, in order to leap to advantage. The fellow was within three yards of me, and thought me fairly at bay, when I dashed before him and crossed the cleft. Prossy cleared it beautifully, but the dear creature was in a tremble after. I heard a shout as I leapt. My hat flew back, but held on by the elastic, and, as I put it on, and looked at the state of discomfited astonishment the men on the other side of the water appeared to be in, I could not refrain from laughing. Answering the horseman's last speech to me, I said, "Many thanks to you, sir. You see I can take care of myself! And, dear Mrs. Gainsborough," Helen said in conclusion, “it was well you were not with me, for you could not have taken the leap on Paddy, and I could not have left you behind."

"My dear Helen," I said, "you must not ide alone again !"

"I do not intend," she replied; "not on

those paths, at all events, nor on any where there is danger of being trapped. On the open road I have no fear. They'll have fleet steeds that follow!"

"Did you tell your grandfather?"

'I avoided making the matter seem serious, but told him something of it. I think of calling at the police station now, and mentioning the circumstance, if you do not mind going with me."

Of course I was willing. We alighted there, and asked for one of the inspectors Helen already was acquainted with. She related in few words the occurrence, and then proceeded to Cedar Lawn, while I went to make some purchases at Messrs. Smith and Mullins. I had not been long there when Alice Ainslie came in. Such a little sedate, business-like woman she was over her shoppings, showing no want of either discernment or decision. I begin to find Alice has more character than at first I gave her credit for. She is one of those gentle creatures who love shelter, and are content in shadow. Happy in the affections of her home, full of veneration for the dear ones there, she has had, I should think, little need for self-assertion, and remains a child to them. I accompanied her to another shop, to order a cap for her mamma. The master, who was speaking in a very brutal tone to the young woman behind the counter, came forward, bowing in the blandest manner to us. I saw Alice's fair face flush to the temples, and her little dimpled mouth curl very much-as Laura's is apt to do. To his honied address she replied, "Send some caps to Cedar Lawn tomorrow, before twelve. Miss Selby," she continued, looking towards the young girl, "will, I hope, be kind enough to select some, as she knows mamma's taste."

And she walked hastily out. She saw me smile, and smiled herself, saying, "I do dislike that man so! I am quite afraid I shall show it some day."