CHAPTER XV.
EUSTACE CONSULTS A LAWYER.
Augusta was leaning against the marble mantelpiece--indeed, one of her arms was resting upon it, for she was a tall woman.

Perhaps she, too, felt that there was something in the air; at any rate, she turned away her head, and began to play with a bronze Japanese lobster which adorned the mantelpiece.
"Now for it," said Eustace to himself, drawing a long breath, to try and steady the violent pulsations of his heart.
"I don't know what to say to you Miss Smithers," he began.
"Best say nothing more about it," she put in quickly.

"I did it, and I am glad that I did it.

What do a few marks matter if a great wrong is prevented thereby?
I am not ever likely to have to go to court.

Besides, Mr.Meeson, there is another thing; it was through me that you lost your inheritance; it is only right that I should try to be the means of bringing it back to you." She dropped her head again, and once more began to play with the bronze lobster, holding her arm in such a fashion that Eustace could not see her face.