e laughed.

"It is I who should be grateful for this condescension," said he
sneeringly. "So disinterested, too."

"What do you mean? How could it be otherwise?"

"You have a short memory, Cad Jeffreys. Possibly you have forgotten a
little event that happened at Bolsover?"

"I have not forgotten it."

"I dare say you have not thought it worth while to mention it to your
employer, Mr Rimbolt."

"I have not mentioned it."

"Quite so. That is what I mean when I say it is disinterested in you to
come and make friends with me."

"That is false," said Jeffreys glowing. "I neither want nor expect
that."

"Kind again. At the same time you are not particularly anxious that
people here should hear the tragical history of young Forrester?"

"For heaven's sake be silent, Scarfe!" said Jeffreys, to whom the
mention of the name, after so many months, came like a blow. "I cannot
bear it."

Scarfe laughed.

"Apparently not. All I want to say is, that I believe less in your
gratitude than in your fear, and you can spare yourself the trouble of
keeping up that farce."

"I am not afraid of you," said Jeffreys, drawing himself up. "Of my own
conscience I am; and of the memory of poor young Forrester--"

"Hold your tongue. I have no wish to hear my friend's name on your
lips."

Jeffreys turned to go.

"Look here," said Scarfe, calling him back, "I want to say one word. I
am sufficiently interested in Percy Rimbolt to dislike the influence you
use upon him. Your influence upon young boys is not to be trusted, and
I warn you to let Percy alone. You are doing him no good as it is."

"Is that all you want to say?" said Jeffreys. "No. I have my own
reason for choosing that you cease to offend Miss Atherton by your
attentions. You are no fit companion for her; and she and I--"

Jeffreys turned on his heel, and did not hear the end of the sentence.
He marvelled at himself that he had not struck the fellow contemptuously
to the ground; and he absolutely smiled in the midst of his misery at
the idea of Scarfe taking upon himself the moral upbringing of Percy and
the protector-ship of Raby! In the midst of these reflections he became
aware of the presence of Raby in the walk in front of him.

The rencontre was unexpected on both sides, and promised to be
embarrassing for Jeffreys. Raby, however, came to the rescue.

"Mr Jeffreys," said she, holding out her hand, "I do hope you are none
the worse for yester