replied, "and I prefer not to
see him hoodwinked. I recommend you strongly to write and explain your
position, or I shall take an early opportunity of doing so myself."

"Will you? How very kind you are. But isn't it a pity to give yourself
so much unnecessary trouble? I believe Mr. Hugh Darcy did invest you
with a species of authority over my actions, but at six-and-twenty,
don't you think a fellow ought to be let loose from the leading strings?
And what would you have? I couldn't help accepting Tom Lydyard's
invitation. I couldn't help my horse taking fright and throwing me. I
couldn't help breaking my arm, and spraining my ankle, and I can't help
being in the seventh heaven of happiness and comfort with two such
nurses as Miss Kent and Miss Bourdon. Don't be unreasonable, Gilbert.
Norine--_ma belle_, I am utterly exhausted with all this talking. What
are you laughing at? Do pray favor me with my meerschaum and a light."

The pleasant lazy voice stopped, the pleasant smile turned upon Norine.

Miss Bourdon laughing at this passage of arms arose with alacrity to
obey, and the lawyer, looking unspeakably grim got up, too.

"Permit me to say good-by, Miss Bourdon. I start for New York to-night.
Can I see your uncle a moment before I go?" The door opened as he asked
the question and Aunt Hester came into the room.

"I heard your voice as I passed through the hall," she said. "Surely you
ain't going so soon?"

"I regret I must, my business requires my immediate return. I have only
time to say good-by and speak a word to your brother. Where shall I find
him?"

"In the stable, most likely. I'll go with you."

"Thanks. Farewell, Miss Bourdon."

Again their hands met, she looked perplexed and wistful, but she did not
urge him to stay. With a second stiff nod to Mr. Thorndyke, the lawyer
strode out of the room after Aunt Hetty.

"A word to her brother," muttered Mr. Thorndyke to himself looking after
them. "I think I know what that means. 'That fellow, Thorndyke, is a
spendthrift, a gambler, a flirt, an engaged man. Don't let him have
anything to say to Norine.' That will be about the sum and substance of
it. To think of his falling in love at his time of life, when he's old
enough and big enough to know better. But then middle-aged fools are the
worst of all fools. And you come a day after the fair, Mr. Richard
Gilbert. Your word of warning is just two weeks too late. I owe you two
or three little grudges for your