156
WYLDER'S HAJVD.
pointing and barren — reached Lord Chelford in a short
letter; and a similar one only shorter, found Lawyer Lar-
kin in his pleasant breakfast parlor.
Now this proceeding of Mr. Wylder's, at this particu-
lar time, struck the righteous attorney, and reasonably, as
a very serious and unjifetifiable step. It actually threat-
ened the engagement which was so near its accomplish-
ment. Some most powerful and mysterious cause must
undoubtedly be in operation to induce so sharp a " party,"
to risk so huge a prize. Whatever eminent qualities
Mark Wylder might be deficient in, the attorney very
well knew that cunning was>not among the number.
"It is nothing of the nature of de~bt — plenty of money.
It is nothing that money can buy off easily either, though
he does not like parting with it. Ten — twenty to one
— it is the old story — some unfortunate female connection
— some ambiguous relation, involving a doubtful marri-
age."
After this Mr. Larkin's ruminations darkened, and
grew, perhaps, less distinct. He had no particular objec-
tion to a mystery. In fact, he rather liked it, provided he
was admitted to confidence. A mystery implied a difficul-
ty of a delicate and formidable sort; and such difficulties
were not disadvantageous to a clever and firm person, who
might render himself very necessary to an embarrassed
principal with plenty of money.
Mr. Larkin had a way of gently compressing his
under-lip between his finger and thumb — a mild pinch, a
reflective caress — when contemplations of this nature
occupied his brain. The silver light of heaven faded from
his long face, a deep shadow of earth came thereon, and
his small, dove-like eyes grew intense, hungry, and rat-
like.
When Jos Larkin had speculated for some time longer
he said quietly to himself —