WFLDER'S HAJVO. 367
conveyancing operations. The deeds, I have little doubt,
have been prepared — that is, in draft, of course — and
then, my dear sir, I need not remind you, that there re-
main the costs to me — those, of course, await your en-
tire convenience — but still they should be forgotten in
the general adjustment of your affairs, which I understand
you to propose."
The Vicar's countenance fell. In fact, it is idle to say
that, being unaccustomed to the grand scale on which law
costs present themselves on occasion, he was unspeakably
shocked; and he grew very pale and silent on hearing
these impressive sentences.
'' And as to Miss Lake's residing with you as she pro-
poses, Miss Lake is well aware that I am congisant of cir-
cumstances which render any such arrangement absolutely
impracticable. I need not, my dear sir, be more particu-
lar — at present. In a little time you will probably be made
acquainted with them, by the inevitable disclosures of
time."
"But — but what" — stammered the pale Vicar, al-
together shocked and giddy.
"You will not press me, my dear sir; you'll under-
stand that, just now, I really cannot satisfy any particular
enquiry. Miss Lake had spoken, in charity I will hope
and trust, without thought. But I am much mistaken,
or she will herself, on half-an-hour's calm consideration,
see the moral impossibilities which interpose between her
plan and its realization."
There was a little pause here, during which the tread
of their feet on the soft grass alone was audible.
'''You will quite understand," resumed the attorney,
"the degree of confidence with which I make this com-
munication; and you will please, specially not to mention
it to any person whatsoever. I do not except, in fact, any.
You will find, on consideration, that Miss Lake will not