t you speak and say something?"

"Because I know as little as yourself, father," returned the young
man, without lifting his head; and he surreptitiously conveyed the
paper to his pocket. "Perhaps this lady," indicating Miss Milner,
"could inform us?"

"I beg your pardon," observed a gentlemanly voice near them; and,
looking up, Dick found himself confronted by the young clergyman. "I
overheard your inquiries, and, as I am acquainted with the ladies in
question, I may be able to satisfy you."

"I should be extremely obliged to you if you would do so, sir,"
returned the elder man, with alacrity; but Dick turned away rather
ungraciously, and his cheerful face grew sullen.

"Confound him! what does he mean by his interference? Knows them,
indeed! such a handsome beggar, too,--a prig, one can see that from
the cut of his clothes and beard!" And again he planted his elbows on
the counter, and began pulling his rough little stubbly moustache.

"If you are referring to a mother and three daughters who live in the
Friary and eke out a scanty income by taking in dressmaking, I am
happy to say I know them well," went on Archie. "My sister and I visit
at the cottage, and they attend my church; and, as Miss Milner can
tell you, they work hard enough all the six days of the week."

"Indeed, Mr. Drummond, there are few that work harder!" broke in Miss
Milner, volubly. "Such pretty creatures, too, to earn their own
living; and yet they have a bright word and a smile for everybody!
Ever since Miss Phillis," (here Dick groaned) "made that blue dress
for Mrs. Trimmings--she is the butcher's wife, and a dressy woman,
though not flashy, like Mrs. Squails--they have been quite the rage in
Hadleigh. All the townspeople, and the resident gentry, and even the
visitors, want their gowns made by the Miss Challoners. Their fit is
perfect; and they have such taste. And----" But here the luckless Dick
could bear no more.

"If you will excuse me, sir," he said, addressing his bewildered
father, "I have left something particular at the hotel: I must just
run and fetch it."

Dick did not specify whether it was his handkerchief, or his
cigar-case, or his purse, of which he stood so urgently in need; but
before Mr. Mayne could remonstrate, he had gone out of the shop. He
went as far as the door of the hotel, and there he seized on a passing
waiter and questioned him in a breathless manner. Having obtained his
information, he set off at a walk