lt, felt anything but comfortable as he again set foot within it;
and had it not been for Percy's countenance, he would have felt it still
more of an ordeal.

He had, however, plenty to occupy his mind during the hour or two which
followed. Mr Rimbolt was waiting for him eagerly, to hear all about
the sale and the purchases which had been made.

"You've done a capital stroke of business for me, Jeffreys," said he,
when the report had been concluded. "Those three Caxtons I would not
have missed for anything. I am quite glad that business will take me
North next week, as I shall be able to run over to Wildtree and see some
of the treasures unpacked. I shall, however, leave them for you finally
to arrange when we all go back in June. You've seen Percy? I fancy he
has been racketing rather too much with these friends of his; but I
imagine Scarfe would see he went into no mischief. However, I am glad
you have come back, for the boy's sake, as you understand him. This
summer I think you should take him a little run in Normandy or
Switzerland. It would do him good, and you, too, to knock about abroad
for a week or two. However, there's time enough to talk about that.
And I dare say you will be glad now to get a little rest after your
journey."

Jeffreys returned to his room very contentedly. The confidence Mr
Rimbolt reposed in him was soothing to his spirits, and went far to
obliterate the memory of that hideous interview last week.

Percy was out when, after washing and changing his travelling garb, he
came down to the morning-room, which he usually occupied during the
afternoon.

To his surprise, and even consternation, Raby was there, writing.

She rose, brightly, almost radiantly, as he entered.

"Oh, Mr Jeffreys, how glad I am to see you back! Poor Percy has been
in such want of you! These Oxford friends of his, I am certain, have
not been doing him any good. Have you seen him? I am so happy you have
come back!"

Jeffreys was not made of adamant, and a greeting like this, even though
it was offered on some one else's behalf, was enough to drive Mrs
Rimbolt completely out of his head.

"I am very fortunate to be able to make you happy so easily," said he.
"Yes, I have seen Percy, and heard all his troubles. How could any one
help being grateful for a confidence like his? You know, Miss Atherton,
I would do anything for him."

"I believe you," said she warmly. "You are good and unselfish."