uel,
who was to speak? All, save Barnard, who was dying, if not dead, must
have taken flight The Swiss authorities would soon have arrested them if
within reach. He might therefore reassure himself that no statement that
he could not at least impugn could get currency just yet "I will row
over to the old Grainger"--so he called her--"and see what she has Heard
of it all."

It was nightfall as he reached the shore, and walked slowly and
anxiously to the house. He had learned at Orta that they were to leave
that part of the world in another fortnight, but whither for none knew.
As he drew nigh, he determined to have a peep at the interior before he
presented himself. He accordingly opened the little wicket noiselessly,
and passed round through the flower-garden till he reached the windows
of the drawing-room.

CHAPTER XI. THE LIFE AT THE VILLA.

THE curtains were undrawn, and the candles were lighted. All within
looked just as he had so often seen it. The sick girl lay on her sofa,
with her small spaniel at her feet Miss Grainger was working at a table,
and Emily sat near her sister, bending over the end of the sofa, and
talking to her. "Let me see that letter again, Florry," she said, taking
a letter from the passive fingers of the sick girl. "Yes, he is sure it
must have been Calvert. He says, that though the Swiss papers give the
name Colnart, he is sure it was Calvert, and you remember his last words
here as he went away that evening?"

"Poor fellow!" said Florence, "I am sure I have no right to bear him
good will, but I am sorry for him--really sorry. I suppose, by this
time, it is all over?"

"The wound was through, the throat, it is said," said Miss Grainger.
"But how confused the whole story is. Who is Barnard, and why did
Calvert fight to save Barnard's honour?"

"No, aunt. It was to rescue Mr. Graham's, the man who was about to marry
Sophia Calvert."

"Not at all, Milly. It was Graham who shot Barnard; and then poor
Calvert, horrified at his friend's fate--"

Calvert never waited for more. He saw that there was that amount of
mistake and misunderstanding, which required no aid on his part, and
now nothing remained but to present himself suddenly before them as a
fugitive from justice seeking shelter and protection. The rest he was
content to leave to hazard.

A sharp ring at the door-bell was scarcely answered by the servant, when
the man came to the drawing-room door, and made a sign to Miss G