standing at the door of his study with his
hands full of papers, called Bryda as she passed.

'Step in a moment, Miss Palmer,' the lawyer said, surveying her with his
keen eyes, which gleamed under bushy eyebrows.

As Bryda obeyed and followed Mr Lambert into the room he shut the door.

'Mr Bayfield was here yesterday, as you may be aware.'

'I knew he was in Bristol, sir,' Bryda said, her voice faltering.

'Well, he has consented to await your decision before proceeding to
recover the debt which your grandfather is unable to pay.'

'My decision, sir,' Bryda said, with some dignity, 'is made, and can
never be altered.'

'Well, well, Bayfield is not the only man who has been taken at first
sight with a pretty face. He says, if you will marry him, he will let
your grandfather go scot-free. He has told you as much, I believe.'

Bryda's crimson cheeks was sufficient answer, but she said firmly,--

'I told the Squire my decision was made. I will not marry him.'

'That is your own affair, but it seems to me, you'll excuse me for
saying so, you are throwing away a good chance. Young Bayfield seems to
have got a great deal of practical knowledge in America, and I do not
doubt will soon retrieve his fortunes. But he wants ready money, and
this three hundred pounds is of importance to him. Still, he will waive
his claim, it seems, if you consent to his proposal, and put in the
scale with the gold you appear to weigh a good deal more. That is all I
have to say. I felt bound to tell you what passed yesterday between me
and Mr Bayfield. And, Miss Palmer, pardon me, but do not encourage that
apprentice of mine to talk to you. You may find him troublesome. He is
half mad, I think, and he does the most preposterous things, aiming the
shafts of his so-called wit at those above him in station--his old
master at Colston's School for one, and I thrashed him for his pains. I
am seriously thinking I must break the indentures and be quit of him,
with his rubbish and nonsense about old parchments, wasting his time
when he ought to be learning his business. My mother seems very well
satisfied with _you_, Miss Palmer, and I hope you will remain with us,
unless you give the Squire the preference!' This was said with a laugh
which made Bryda's heart swell with indignation as the lawyer bustled
off to his office, where Chatterton had been an hour and more before
him.

Bryda clasped her hands, and exclaimed,--

'He would not dare to spe