No considerations that Mrs. Markland could urge had any effect to change the purpose of Fanny in this matter.

“I must hold you to your promise,” was the brief, final answer to every argument set forth by her mother.

How far she might hold that promise sacred was a subject of long and grave debate in the mind of Mrs. Markland.  But we will not here anticipate her decision.

CHAPTER XXI.

Over ten days had elapsed since Mr. Lyon answered the letter of Fanny Markland, and he was still awaiting a reply.

“This is a risky sort of business,” so his friend had written him.  “I succeeded in getting your letter into the young lady’s hands, but not without danger of discovery.  For whole hours I loitered in the grounds of Mr. Markland, and was going to leave for the city without accomplishing my errand, when I saw Fanny coming in the direction of the summer-house.  After the letter was deposited in the place agreed upon, and I was making my way off, I almost stumbled over her father, who had just returned from the city.  He saw me, though, of course, he did not know me, nor suspect my errand.  But my evident desire to avoid observation must have excited some vague suspicions in his mind; for, on reaching a point from which I could observe without being observed, I saw that he was gazing intently in the direction I had taken.  Then he stepped aside from the road, and walked towards the grove.  But Fanny was a little in advance of him, and secured the letter.  I waited to see him join her, and then hurried off.

“I tell you again, Lee, this is a risky business.  Two days have passed, and yet there is no answer.  I’ve seen Markland in the city once since that time.  He looked unusually sober, I thought.  Perhaps it was only imagination.  You can think so if you please.  Take my advice, and make no further advances in this direction.  There is too much danger of discovery.  Markland has paid over ten thousand dollars to Fenwick, and is to produce as much more this week.  He goes in, you know, for forty thousand.  The balance ought to be had from him as soon as possible.  Write to Fenwick to get it without delay.  That is my advice.  If you get his treasure, you will have his heart.  Nothing like a money interest to hold a man.

“What I fear is, that the girl has told him all.  You were crazy to say that she could do so if it pleased her.  Well, well!  We shall soon see where this wind will drift us.  You shall hear from me the moment I know any thing certain.”

Lyon was much disturbed by this letter.  He at once wrote to Mr. Fenwick, suggesting the propriety of getting the whole of Mr. Markland’s investment as early as possible.

“I hear,” he said, “that he is somewhat inclined to vacillate.  That, after making up his mind to do a thing, and even after initiative steps are taken, he is apt to pause, look back, and reconsider.  This, of course, will not suit us.  The best way to manage him will be to get his money in our boat, and then we are sure of him.  He is very wealthy, and can be of great use in the prosecution of our schemes.”