Mrs. Browne and Edward sat over the fire. He told her his own story; making
the temptation strong; the crime a mere trifling, venial error, which he
had been led into, through his idea that he was to become Mr. Buxton's
agent.

"But if it is only that," said Mrs. Browne, "surely Mr. Buxton will not
think of going to law with you?"

"It's not merely going to law that he will think of, but trying and
transporting me. That Henry he has got for his agent is as sharp as a
needle, and as hard as a nether mill-stone. And the fellow has obtained
such a hold over Mr. Buxton, that he dare but do what he tells him. I can't
imagine how he had so much free-will left as to come with his proposal to
Maggie; unless, indeed, Henry knows of it--or, what is most likely of all,
has put him up to it. Between them they have given that poor fool Crayston
a pretty dose of it; and I should have come yet worse off if it had not
been for Maggie. Let me get clear this time, and I will keep to windward of
the law for the future."

"If we sold the cottage we could repay it," said Mrs. Browne, meditating.
"Maggie and I could live on very little. But you see this property is held
in trust for you two."

"Nay, mother; you must not talk of repaying it. Depend upon it he will be
so glad to have Frank free from his engagement, that he won't think of
asking for the money. And if Mr. Henry says anything about it, we can tell
him it's not half the damages they would have had to have given Maggie, if
Frank had been extricated in any other way. I wish she would come back; I
would prime her a little as to what to say. Keep a look out, mother, lest
Mr. Buxton returns and find me here."

"I wish Maggie would come in too," said Mrs. Browne. "I'm afraid she'll
catch cold this damp day, and then I shall have two to nurse. You think
she'll give it up, don't you, Edward? If she does not I'm afraid of harm
coming to you. Had you not better keep out of the way?"

"It's fine talking. Where am I to go out of sight of the police this wet
day: without a shilling in the world too? If you'll give me some money I'll
be off fast enough, and make assurance doubly sure. I'm not much afraid of
Maggie. She's a little yea-nay thing, and I can always bend her round to
what we want. She had better take care, too," said he, with a desperate
look on his face, "for by G---- I'll make her give up all thoughts of
Frank, rather than be taken and tried. Why! it's my chance for all my