nn, and, pulling my hat over my brows, to avoid, if
possible, being recognised by their servant, rang the bell, and desired
him to tell Mr. Frederic that a gentleman wanted to speak with him on
particular business.

CHAPTER XXVI -- COMING EVENTS CAST THEIR SHADOWS BEFORE

"If you think your mystery in stratagem can bring this instru-
ment of honour again into his native quarter, be magnanimous
in the enterprise, and go on; I will grace the attempt for a
worthy exploit if you speed well in it."

"Now I see the bottom of your purpose."

"You see it lawful then."

"I love him, sir,
Dearer than eyesight, space and liberty,
Beyond what can be valued rich or rare,
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;
A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable--"

"Adieu! these foolish drops do somewhat drown my manly
spirit."
--_Shakspeare_.

"FREDDY, can I have half an hour's private conversation with you?" asked
I, as soon as we had exchanged salutations.

"To be sure you can; but," he added, catching a glimpse of the anxious
expression of my face, "there is nothing wrong, is there?"

I made a gesture indicative of silence, and he opened a door into a sort
of lawyer's office, saying, in a low voice:--

"Come in here, we shall not be interrupted; the governor's in London,
and the women are out walking". "So much the better," replied I, "for
the business I am come upon is strictly private, and will not brook
delay." I then told him as concisely as possible the whole affair
~206~~from beginning to end; he listened attentively to my recital,
merely asking a question now and then to elucidate any particular point
he did not clearly understand. I fancy he made a gesture of surprise
when I first mentioned Wilford's name, and when I had concluded, he
asked,

"Wilford, you say, this man's name is? What is his Christian name?"

"Stephen."

"And he's a young fellow?"

"About three or four and twenty."

"And you want to prevent his being able to shoot Harry Oaklands at five
o'clock to-morrow morning?"

"I do not know the hour, but I conclude the meeting will probably
take place to-morrow morning. Wilford would not wish to remain in the
neighbourhood longer than necessary, lest he should attract attention."

Coleman mused for some minutes, and then muttering as though he were
thinking aloud--

"It might be done, so; yes, that wou