occupied when visiting there during the shooting season.

"Sir Jasper," said the old servant, "has retired for the night, and Miss
Effingham is on a visit to the Willows, but Mrs. Fraudhurst is, I
believe, still in the drawing room; will you please to step in there
until supper is prepared for you." This suited the lawyer exactly, as he
wished to have a few minutes conversation with that lady previous to
meeting the Baronet, for the letter he had received from Mrs. Fraudhurst
was so cautiously worded, that although sufficiently explicit on most
points, there were some portions of it which he could not exactly
understand, or see in what way he ought to act, but doubtless she would
put him right on all matters that were to be brought quietly to the
notice of Sir Jasper. While making some addition to his toilet, it
occurred to him that she might be only making a cat's paw of him to
feather her own nest, but as he could not see clearly how this could be,
dismissed the idea from his mind, and shortly after made his bow to the
widow.

She rose and received him courteously; apologised for the absence of the
host and his niece, supposed he would feel inclined to retire early, as
doubtless he would wish to rise at the dawn of day, to avail himself of
the excellent shooting which was to be had in the turnip fields, and was
altogether very chatty and agreeable; but she in no way alluded to the
letter she had written, to him, he was therefore compelled to broach the
subject, and before the supper bell rang, a mutual understanding as to
what was to be said and done was arrived at between them.

The Baronet and Mr. Coleman breakfasted alone on the following morning.
Edith had not returned, and Mrs. Fraudhurst excused herself on the plea
of indisposition, but doubtless she had some other motive for absenting
herself.

"And you found the birds plentiful, and in good condition," enquired Sir
Jasper, as he pushed away his plate, and turned his chair towards the
bright, cheerful fire which was blazing in the polished grate, and
stooping down to pat a couple of pointers that were crouching
comfortably on the hearth rug at his feet.

"Yes, indeed, quite so, I do not remember a season when the partridges
have been so plump or in such numbers, but had hoped to have had your
company this morning, but perhaps to-morrow."

"So I have heard, but you must really excuse me, it used to be my chief
delight to shoot over the grounds and preser