ow as Frank pointed at
as the brother-in-law of a forger, would you? It was far from what I wished
for him before; but now! Why you're glad your father is dead, rather than
he should have lived to see this day; and rightly too, I think. And you'll
not go and disgrace Frank. From what Mr. Henry hears, Edward has been a
discredit to you in many ways. Mr. Henry was at Woodchester yesterday, and
he says if Edward has been fairly entered as an attorney, his name may be
struck off the Rolls for many a thing he has done. Think of my Frank having
his bright name tarnished by any connection with such a man! Mr. Henry
says, even in a court of law what has come out about Edward would be excuse
enough for a breach of promise of marriage."

Maggie lifted up her wan face; the pupils of her eyes were dilated, her
lips were dead white. She looked straight at Mr. Buxton with indignant
impatience:

"Mr. Henry! Mr. Henry! What has Mr. Henry to do with me?"

Mr. Buxton was staggered by the wild, imperious look, so new upon her mild,
sweet face. But he was resolute for Frank's sake, and returned to the
charge after a moment's pause.

"Mr. Henry is a good friend of mine, who has my interest at heart. He has
known what a subject of regret your engagement has been to me; though
really my repugnance to it was without cause formerly, compared to what it
is now. Now be reasonable, my dear. I'm willing to do something for you if
you will do something for me. You must see what a stop this sad affair has
put to any thoughts between you and Frank. And you must see what cause I
have to wish to punish Edward for his ungrateful behavior, to say nothing
of the forgery. Well now! I don't know what Mr. Henry will say to me, but
I have thought of this. If you'll write a letter to Frank, just saying
distinctly that, for reasons which must for ever remain a secret..."

"Remain a secret from Frank?" said Maggie, again lifting up her head.
"Why?"

"Why? my dear! You startle me with that manner of yours--just let me finish
out my sentence. If you'll say that, for reasons which must forever remain
a secret, you decidedly and unchangeably give up all connection, all
engagement with him (which, in fact, Edward's conduct has as good as put an
end to), I'll go over to Woodchester and tell Mr. Henry and the police that
they need not make further search after Edward, for that I won't appear
against him. You can save your brother; and you'll do yourself no harm by