tion, and
that more rapidly than she expected. It was shortly before her return to
the country that the trial of Tom Cutter took place; and not long after
she came back that he was executed. Many persons at the trial had
remarked the effect which some parts of the evidence had produced on Sir
Philip Hastings. He was not skilful in concealing the emotions that he
felt, and although it was sometimes difficult, from the peculiarities of
his character, to discover what was their precise nature, they always
left some trace by which it might be seen that he was greatly moved.

Information of the facts was given to Mrs. Hazleton by Shanks the
attorney, and young John Ayliffe, who dwelt with pleasure upon the pain
his successful artifice had inflicted; and Mrs. Hazleton was well
pleased too.

But the wound was deeper than they thought. It was like that produced by
the bite of a snake--insignificant in itself, but carrying poison into
every vein.

Could his child deceive him? Sir Philip Hastings asked himself. Could
Emily have long known this vulgar youth--gone secretly down to see him
at a distant cottage--conferred with him unknown to either father or
mother? It seemed monstrous to suppose such a thing; and yet what could
he believe? She had never named John Ayliffe since her return from Mrs.
Hazleton's; and yet it was certain from Marlow's own account, that she
had seen him there. Did not that show that she was desirous of
concealing the acquaintance from her parents?

Sir Philip had asked no questions, leaving her to speak if she thought
fit. He was now sorry for it, and resolved to inquire; as the fact of
her having seen the young man, for whom he felt an inexpressible
dislike, had been openly mentioned in a court of justice. But as he rode
home he began to argue on the other side of the question. The man who
had made the assertion was a notorious liar--a convicted felon. Besides,
he knew him to be malicious; he had twice before thrown out insinuations
which Sir Philip believed to be baseless, and could only be intended to
produce uneasiness. Might not these last words of his be traced to the
same motive? He would inquire in the first place, he thought, what was
the connection between the convict and John Ayliffe, and stopping on the
way for that purpose, he soon satisfied himself that the two were boon
companions.

When he reached his own dwelling, he found Emily seated by Marlow in one
of her brightest, happiest moo