r from Howden
Clough.

"Mr. Wilson," said Paul. "Just a word, please."

Ned looked at him with great hauteur, and then was about to pass by
without further notice.

"No," said Paul, "That will not do. You received my letter."

"And you received mine."

"That was why I followed you here," said Paul. "I told you that the
matter on which I wished to see you was of the utmost importance."

"I do not transact any business with you," said Wilson. "And there is
no other matter in which we can be mutually interested. Let me pass,
please."

"You cannot pass until you have heard what I have said to you. I am
sorry to have to meet you in this way----"

"Not so sorry as I am!" interrupted Wilson. "Still, I will hear you.
What is it?" He spoke as though Paul were a persistent beggar, and
seemed to regard him as a millionaire might regard a pauper.

"It's this," said Paul. "I noticed in the _Brunford Gazette_ this
morning that you are engaged to marry Miss Mary Bolitho."

"And what then?" said the other. "I do not discuss such matters with
men of your class."

"It must be contradicted immediately," said Paul quietly. Wilson
looked at Paul in astonishment. "I think you must be out of your
mind!" he said.

"No, no; I am sane enough. Will you write a letter to the editor,
denying this rumour, or must I?"

"In Heaven's name, why should I?"

"I know it's not true"--and Paul still spoke quietly--"that is why this
paragraph must be contradicted at once."

Wilson laughed as though he were enjoying a joke, but it was easy to
see that he was far from comfortable. He did not like Paul's quiet way
of talking. He did not understand the tone of his voice.

"Of course," said Wilson, at length. "I cannot discuss these matters
with you. I would sooner discuss them with one of our grooms.
Whatever be the truth of the report, it cannot have anything to do with
such as you. Still, I will humour you. What's the matter?"

"This is the matter," replied Paul. "You are not fit to associate with
such as she."

"Come, come, my good fellow. I have borne a good deal, and I am nearly
at the end of my patience. Besides, I cannot allow Miss Bolitho's name
to be bandied about by such as you."

"Will you kindly deny that statement which appears in the _Brunford
Gazette_?" persisted Paul, still quietly.

"Certainly not!"

"Then I must make you," said Paul.

"Make me! You!"

"Yes, I!"

"And how, pray?"

"Simply