But what had become of the 'bit of writing' which Harry Verney, by the instigation of his evil genius, had put into the squire's fly- book?
Tregarva had waited in terrible suspense for many weeks, expecting the explosion which he knew must follow its discovery.

He had confided to Lancelot the contents of the paper, and Lancelot had tried many stratagems to get possession of it, but all in vain.

Tregarva took this as calmly as he did everything else.

Only once, on the morning of the eclaircissement between Lancelot and Argemone, he talked to Lancelot of leaving his place, and going out to seek his fortune; but some spell, which he did not explain, seemed to chain him to the Priory.

Lancelot thought it was the want of money, and offered to lend him ten pounds whenever he liked; but Tregarva shook his head.
'You have treated me, sir, as no one else has done--like a man and a friend; but I am not going to make a market of your generosity.