ed; in the next place he
did not know what Mr Tombe had told, and what he had not told; and
then, before he replied, he must think how much of the truth he was
bound to tell in answer to a question so put to him.

"Do you say that you have come from Mr Tombe?" he asked.

"I think you heard me say so. I have come here direct from Mr Tombe's
chambers. He is your lawyer, I believe?"

"He is so."

"And I have come from him to ask you what interference you have
lately taken in my money matters. When you have answered that, I
shall have other questions to ask you."

"But, Mr Vavasor, has it occurred to you that I may not be disposed
to answer questions so asked?"

"It has not occurred to me to think that you will prevaricate. If
there has been no such interference, I will ask your pardon, and go
away; but if there has been such interference on your part, I have a
right to demand that you shall explain to me its nature."

Grey had now made up his mind that it would be better that he should
tell the whole story,--better not only for himself, but for all the
Vavasors, including this angry man himself. The angry man evidently
knew something, and it would be better that he should know the truth.
"There has been such interference, Mr Vavasor, if you choose to call
it so. Money, to the extent of two thousand pounds, I think, has by
my directions been paid to your credit by Mr Tombe."

"Well," said Vavasor, taking his right hand away from his waistcoat,
and tapping the round table with his fingers impatiently.

"I hardly know how to explain all the circumstances under which this
has been done."

"I dare say not; but, nevertheless, you must explain them."

Grey was a man tranquil in temperament, very little prone to
quarrelling, with perhaps an exaggerated idea of the evil results
of a row,--a man who would take infinite trouble to avoid any such
scene as that which now seemed to be imminent; but he was a man whose
courage was quite as high as that of his opponent. To bully or be
bullied were alike contrary to his nature. It was clear enough now
that Vavasor intended to bully him, and he made up his mind at once
that if the quarrel were forced upon him it should find him ready
to take his own part. "My difficulty in explaining it comes from
consideration for you," he said.

"Then I beg that your difficulty will cease, and that you will have
no consideration for me. We are so circumstanced towards each other
that any co