s done, so that Mr Pottinger, who all along had on
his mind the uncomfortable consciousness of a few well-hidden
irregularities, was doubly relieved when the tutor dropped his glass
finally from his eye and observed--

"I need not trouble you further at present, sir."

It was after this final interview that Mr Armstrong looked in on his
friend the doctor.

"I'm off to Oxford for a day or two," said he.

"No attractions here?" asked the doctor.

"Yes--you among others."

"And who's to wash and dress the babies at Maxfield? And who is to keep
the wolf from the fold at the Vicarage? and who is to keep an eye on the
man of the law across the way?"

"The babes are well qualified to nurture one another. The man of the
law is under closer observation than he imagines. As to the wolf, I
came to speak to you about that. He may make a descent on the fold, in
which case Dr Brandram must go out with swords and staves and give him
battle."

The doctor laughed.

"I like your ideas of the medical profession. Its duties are variegated
and lively. However, make yourself easy this time. I hear to-day that
the young ladies at the Vicarage with their governess are to go on
Monday to Devonshire."

"Good," said Mr Armstrong, decidedly relieved.

"When does your ward return?" said the doctor. "I dislike this London
business altogether. Oliphant is not to be trusted with a boy of his
delicate make. You should have stopped it."

The tutor said nothing, but looked decidedly dejected. He was greatly
tempted to confide the difficulties of the situation to his friend. But
the dead Squire's secret was not his to give away.

"Unless they come home soon," said he, "I have a notion of returning
from Oxford by way of London."

"Do--the sooner the better."

When, on the next day, Miss Rosalind sailed up to Maxfield to bid her
brother and sister farewell, it fell to the tutor's lot to escort her
back to the Vicarage.

"Mr Armstrong," said she abruptly, as they went, "why have you and
Roger quarrelled?"

Mr Armstrong looked round uncomfortably.

"Quarrelled?"

"Yes. Do you suppose he would go away like this for any other reason?
Won't you tell me what it is about?"

"Roger and I have agreed to differ on a certain point. Miss Oliphant.
We have not quarrelled?"

"You cannot trust me, I see, or you would tell me what the trouble is."

"I trust you completely, Miss Oliphant. I will gladly tell you."

Five minutes