466
WYLDER'S HJltfD.
"I am so delighted that you have come. I have passed
a day of such dreadful agitation. Poor Mark!"
"There is no doubt, sir, whatsoever that he is perfect-
ly well. Three different persons — unexceptionable wit-
nesses — can depose to having seen him last night, and
he had a long conference with Captain Lake, who is by
this time making his deposition. It is with respect to the
other little matter — the execution of the deed of con-
veyance to Messrs. Burlington and Smith's clients. You
know my feeling about the note I wrote this morning a
little — I will not say incautiously, because with a client
of your known character and honor, no idea of the sort
can find place — but 1 will say thoughtlessly. If there
be any hanging back, or appearance of it, it may call down
unpleasant — indeed, to be quite frank, ruinous — con-
sequences, which, I think, in the interest of your family,
you would hardly be justified in invoking upon the mere
speculation of your respected brother's death."
There was a sound of voices at the door. "Do come
in— pray do," was heard in Dolly's voice. "Won't you
excuse me, but pray do. Willie, darling, don't you wish
him to come in?"
"Most particularly. Do beg of him, in my name —
and I know Mr. Larkin would wish it so much."
And so Lord Chelford, with a look which, at another
time, would have been an amused one, quite conscious of
the oddity of his introduction, came in and slightly salut-
ed Mr. Larkin, who was for a few seconds pretty obvious-
ly confounded, and with a pink flush all over his bald fore-
head, tried to smile, while his hungry little eyes searched
the Viscount with fear and suspicion.
Lai kin's tone was now much moderated. Any sort of
dealing was good enough for the simple Vicar; but here
was the quiet, sagacious peer, who had shown himself, on
two remarkable committees, so quick and able a man of