 I see
it,« Harold said in conclusion, »is to go with me to call on this girl in
Malthouse Yard. I will open the affair to her; it appears she is not likely to
have been informed yet; and you will invite her to visit you here at once, that
all scandal, all hatching of law-mischief, may be avoided, and the thing may be
brought to an amicable conclusion.«
    »It seems almost incredible - extraordinary - a girl in her position,« said
Mrs Transome, with difficulty. It would have seemed the bitterest humiliating
penance if another sort of suffering had left any room in her heart.
    »I assure you she is a lady; I saw her when I was canvassing, and was amazed
at the time. You will be quite struck with her. It is no indignity for you to
invite her.«
    »Oh,« said Mrs Transome, with low-toned bitterness, »I must put up with all
things as they are determined for me. When shall we go?«
    »Well,« said Harold, looking at his watch, »it is hardly two yet. We could
really go to-day, when you have lunched. It is better to lose no time. I'll
order the carriage.«
    »Stay,« said Mrs Transome, making a desperate effort. »There is plenty of
time. I shall not lunch. I have a word to say.«
    Harold withdrew his hand from the bell, and leaned against the mantelpiece
to listen.
    »You see I comply with your wish at once, Harold?«
    »Yes, mother, I'm much obliged to you for making no difficulties.«
    »You ought to listen to me in return.«
    »Pray go on,« said Harold, expecting to be annoyed.
    »What is the good of having these Chancery proceedings against Jermyn?«
    »Good? This good; that fellow has burdened the estate with annuities and
mortgages to the extent of three thousand a-year; and the bulk of them, I am
certain, he holds himself under the name of another man. And the advances this
yearly interest represents, have not been much more than twenty thousand. Of
course he has hoodwinked you, and my father never gave attention to these
things. He has been up to all sorts of devil's work with the deeds; he didn't
count on my coming back from Smyrna to fill poor Durfey's place. He shall feel
the difference. And the good will be,
