 will simply call at the house. She may be alone. I can't weigh
niceties.«
    Mr. Wyvern made no reply. The announcement that dinner was ready allowed him
to quit the subject. Hubert with difficulty sat through the meal, and as soon as
it was over took his departure, leaving it uncertain whether he would return
that evening. The vicar offered no further remark on the subject of their
thoughts, but at parting pressed the young man's hand warmly.
    Hubert walked straight to the Tews' dwelling. The course upon which he had
decided had disagreeable aspects and involved chances anything but pleasant to
face; he had, however, abundance of moral courage, and his habitual scorn of
petty obstacles was just now heightened by passionate feeling. He made his
presence known at the house-door as though his visit were expected. Letty
herself opened to him. It was Saturday night, and she thought the ring was
Alfred Waltham's. Indeed she half uttered a few familiar words; then,
recognising Hubert, she stood fixed in surprise.
    »Will you allow me to speak with you for a few moments, Miss Tew?« Hubert
said, with perfect self-possession. »I ask your pardon for calling at this hour.
My business is urgent; I have come without a thought of anything but the need of
seeing you.«
    »Will you come in, Mr. Eldon?«
    She led him into a room where there was no fire, and only one lamp burning
low.
    »I'm afraid it's very cold here,« she said, with extreme nervousness. »The
other room is occupied - my sister and the children; I hope you -«
    A little girl put in her face at the door, asking »Is it Alfred?« Letty
hurried her away, closed the door, and, whilst lighting two candles on the
mantelpiece, begged her visitor to seat himself.
    »If you will allow me, I will stand,« said Hubert. »I scarcely know how to
begin what I wish to say. It has reference to Miss Waltham. I wish to see her; I
must, if she will let me, have an opportunity of speaking with her. But I have
no direct means of letting her know my wish; doubtless you understand that. In
my helplessness I have thought of you. Perhaps I am asking an impossibility.
Will you - can you - repeat my words to Miss Waltham, and beg her to see me?«
    Letty listened in sheer bewilderment. The position in which
