’It is more difficult than ever.  Her having accepted him makes all the difference.  Explain it to yourself as you may, you cannot give her to understand that you doubt her sincerity.’

‘But does she know that this story is false?’

’Yes, that she will certainly hear.  I have busied myself in contradicting it.  If Mrs. Waltham does not tell her, she will hear it from her friend Miss Tew, without question.’

Hubert pondered, then made the inquiry: 

’How could I procure a meeting with Miss Tew?  I met her just now on the road and spoke to her.  I think she might consent to help me.’

Mr. Wyvern looked doubtful.

‘You met her?  She was coming from Agworth?’

‘She seemed to be.’

’Her father and mother are gone to spend to-morrow with friends in Belwick; I suppose she drove into Wanley with them. and walked back.’

The vicar probably meant this for a suggestion; at all events, Hubert received it as one.

’Then I 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?’