lso. Do you wonder I say that I know not whether
I am awake or dreaming? They have some weeks' holiday, and are here to
spend it."

"It is a singular coincidence," exclaimed Mr. Carlyle.

"Had anything been wanting to convince me that Thorn is the guilty man,
this would have done it," went on Barbara, in her excitement. "Mamma's
dream, with the steadfast impression it left upon her that Hallijohn's
murderer was now at West Lynne--"

In turning the sharp corner of the covered walk they came in contact
with Captain Levison, who appeared to be either standing or sauntering
there, his hands underneath his coat-tails. Again Barbara felt vexed,
wondering how much he had heard, and beginning in her heart to dislike
the man. He accosted them familiarly, and appeared as if he would have
turned with them; but none could put down presumption more effectually
than Mr. Carlyle, calm and gentlemanly though he always was.

"I will join you presently, Captain Levison," he said with a wave of the
hand. And he turned back with Barbara toward the open parts of the park.

"Do you like that Captain Levison?" she abruptly inquired, when they
were beyond hearing.

"I cannot say I do," was Mr. Carlyle's reply. "He is one who does not
improve upon acquaintance."

"To me it looks as though he had placed himself in our way to hear what
we were saying."

"No, no, Barbara. What interest could it bear for him?"

Barbara did not contest the point; she turned to the one nearer at
heart. "What must be our course with regard to Thorn?"

"It is more than I can tell you," replied Mr. Carlyle. "I cannot go
up to the man and unceremoniously accuse him of being Hallijohn's
murderer."

They took their way to the house, for there was nothing further to
discuss. Captain Levison entered it before them, and saw Lady Isabel
standing at the hall window. Yes, she was standing and looking still,
brooding over her fancied wrongs.

"Who is that Miss Hare?" he demanded in a cynical tone. "They appear to
have a pretty good understanding together. Twice this evening I have met
them enjoying a private walk and a private confab."

"What did you say?" sharply and haughtily returned Lady Isabel.

"Nay, I did not mean to offend you," was the answer, for he knew that
she heard his words distinctly in spite of her question. "I spoke of
_Monsieur votre mari_."

CHAPTER XXIII.

CAPTAIN THORN IN TROUBLE ABOUT "A BILL."

In talking over a bygone misfortune,