ade because it could no longer be kept
back. Should this man be with the Doctor first, and should the story be
told as he would tell it, then it would be impossible for Mr. Peacocke, in
acknowledging the truth of it all, to bring his friend's mind back to the
condition in which it would have been had this intruder not been in the
way. And yet he could not make a race of it with the man. He could not
rush across, and, all but out of breath with his energy, begin his
narration while Lefroy was there knocking at the door. There would be an
absence of dignity in such a mode of proceeding which alone was sufficient
to deter him. He had fixed an hour already with the Doctor. He had said
that he would be there in the house at a certain time. Let the man do
what he would he would keep exactly to his purpose, unless the Doctor
should seek an earlier interview. He would, in no tittle, be turned from
his purpose by the unfortunate coming of this wretched man. "Well!" said
Lefroy, as soon as he had eaten his last mouthful.

"I have nothing to say to you," said Peacocke.

"Nothing to say?"

"Not a word."

"Well, that's queer. I should have thought there'd have been a many
words. I've got a lot to say to somebody, and mean to say it;--precious
soon too. Is there any hotel here, where I can put this horse up? I
suppose you haven't got stables of your own? I wonder if the Doctor would
give me accommodation?"

"I haven't got a stable, and the Doctor certainly will not give you
accommodation. There is a public-house less than a quarter of a mile
further on, which no doubt your driver knows very well. You had better go
there yourself, because after what has taken place, I am bound to tell you
that you will not be admitted here."

"Not admitted?"

"No. You must leave this house, and will not be admitted into it again as
long as I live in it."

"The Doctor will admit me."

"Very likely. I, at any rate, shall do nothing to dissuade him. If you
go down to the road you'll see the gate leading up to his house. I think
you'll find that he is down-stairs by this time."

"You take it very cool, Peacocke."

"I only tell you the truth. With you I will have nothing more to do. You
have a story which you wish to tell to Dr. Wortle. Go and tell it to
him."

"I can tell it to all the world," said Lefroy.

"Go and tell it to all the world."

"And I ain't to see my sister?"

"No; you will not see your sister-in-l