204 WYLDER'S HAJVD Mr. Wylder, considering the tenor of your letters and con- versation. And I venture to say, Captain Lake, that Lord Chelford will be just as much surprised as I, when he hears it." "But he'll not hear it; /won't tell him, and you shan't; because I don't think it would be prudent of us — do you? — to quarrel with Mark Wylder, and he does not wish our meeting known. It is nothing on earth to me: on the contrary, it rather places me in an awkward position keeping other people's secrets." The attorney made one of his slight, gentlemanlike bows, and threw back his head with a lofty and reserved look. "I don't know, Captain Lake, that I would be quite justified in withholding the substance of Sir Julius Hock- ley's letter from Lord Chelford, consulted, as I have had the honor to be, by that nobleman. I shall, however, turn it over in my mind." "Don't the least mind me. In fact, I would rather tell it than not. And I can explain to Chelford why / could not mention the circumstance. Wylder, in fact, tied me down by a promise, and he'll be devilish angry with you; but, it seems, you don't very much mind that." He knew that Mr. Larkin did very much mind it; and the quick glance of the attorney could read nothing what- ever in the Captain's pallid face and downcast eyes, smil- ing on the points of his varnished boots. "Of course, you know, Captain Lake, in alluding to the possibility of my making any communication to Lord Chelford, I limit myself strictly to the letter of Sir Julius Hockley, and do not, by any means, my dear Captain Lake, include the conversation which has just occurred and the communication which you have volunteered to make me."