The opportunity that Lord Arleigh looked for came at last.

Philippa had some reason to doubt the honesty of a man whom she had been employing as agent.

She was kind of heart, and did not wish to punish him, yet she felt sure that he had not done his duty by her.

To speak to her solicitors about it would be, she felt, injurious to him, whether innocent or guilty.

If innocent, it would create a prejudice against him; if guilty, they would wish to punish him.