ring than their names. He was pacing up and down the room
with a candle in his hand, trying to realize to himself what life at
Scroope might be with a wife of his aunt's choosing, and his aunt to
keep the house for them, when a door was opened at the end of the room,
away from that by which he had entered, and with a soft noiseless step
Miss Mellerby entered. She did not see him at first, as the light of her
own candle was in her eyes, and she was startled when he spoke to her.
His first idea was one of surprise that she should be wandering about
the house alone at night. "Oh, Mr. Neville," she said, "you quite took
me by surprise. How do you do? I did not expect to meet you here."

"Nor I you!"

"Since Lord Scroope has been so ill, Lady Scroope has been sleeping in
the little room next to his, downstairs, and I have just come from her."

"What do you think of my uncle's state?"

"He is better; but he is very weak."

"You see him?"

"Oh yes, daily. He is so anxious to see you, Mr. Neville, and so much
obliged to you for coming. I was sure that you would come."

"Of course I came."

"He wanted to see you this afternoon; but the doctor had expressly
ordered that he should be kept quiet. Good-night. I am so very glad that
you are here. I am sure that you will be good to him."

Why should she be glad, and why should she be sure that he would be
good to his uncle? Could it be that she also had been told the story of
Kate O'Hara? Then, as no other occupation was possible to him, he took
himself to bed.

CHAPTER X.

FRED NEVILLE'S SCHEME.

On the next morning after breakfast Neville was taken into his uncle's
chamber, but there was an understanding that there was to be no
conversation on disagreeable subjects on this occasion. His aunt
remained in the room while he was there, and the conversation was
almost confined to the expression of thanks on the part of the Earl to
his nephew for coming, and of hopes on the part of the nephew that his
uncle might soon be well. One matter was mooted as to which no doubt
much would be said before Neville could get away. "I thought it better
to make arrangements to stay a fortnight," said Fred,--as though a
fortnight were a very long time indeed.

"A fortnight!" said the Earl.

"We won't talk of his going yet," replied Lady Scroope.

"Supposing I had died, he could not have gone back in a fortnight," said
the Earl in a low moaning voice.

"My dear uncle, I hope t