"What's the true meaning of it, do you think, Mr.Lindsey ?" "Some secret that's being gradually got at," replied Mr.Lindsey, promptly.

"That's what it is.

And there's nothing to do, just now, but wait until somebody comes from Holmshaw and Portlethorpe's.

Holmshaw is an old man--probably Portlethorpe himself will come along.

He may know something--they've been family solicitors to the Carstairs lot for many a year.