been accepted. From Maltravers himself he heard
the confirmation of the news. The last letter was short, but kind and
manly. He addressed Lord Vargrave as Evelyn's guardian; slightly alluded
to the scruples he had entertained till Lord Vargrave's suit was broken
off; and feeling the subject too delicate for a letter, expressed a
desire to confer with Lumley respecting Evelyn's wishes as to certain
arrangements in her property.

And for this was it that Lumley had toiled! for this had he visited
Lisle Court! and for this had he been stricken down to the bed of pain!
Was it only to make his old rival the purchaser, if he so pleased it, of
the possessions of his own family? Lumley thought at that moment less of
Evelyn than of Lisle Court. As he woke from the stupor and the first
fit of rage into which these epistles cast him, the recollection of
the story he had heard from Mr. Onslow flashed across him. Were his
suspicions true, what a secret he would possess! How fate might yet
befriend him! Not a moment was to be lost. Weak, suffering as he still
was, he ordered his carriage, and hastened down to Mrs. Leslie.

In the interview that took place, he was careful not to alarm her
into discretion. He managed the conference with his usual consummate
dexterity. He did not appear to believe that there had been any actual
connection between Alice and the supposed Butler. He began by simply
asking whether Alice had ever, in early life, been acquainted with a
person of that name, and when residing in the neighbourhood of -----.
The change of countenance, the surprised start of Mrs. Leslie, convinced
him that his suspicions were true.

"And why do you ask, my lord?" said the old lady. "Is it to ascertain
this point that you have done me the honour to visit me?"

"Not exactly, my dear madam," said Lumley, smiling. "But I am going to
C----- on business; and besides that I wished to give an account of your
health to Evelyn, whom I shall shortly see at Paris, I certainly did
desire to know whether it would be any gratification to Lady Vargrave,
for whom I have the deepest regard, to renew her acquaintance with the
said Mr. Butler."

"What does your lordship know of him? What is he; who is he?"

"Ah, my dear lady, you turn the tables on me, I see,--for my one
question you would give me fifty. But, seriously, before I answer you,
you must tell me whether Lady Vargrave does know a gentleman of that
name; yet, indeed, to save trouble,