Still, in the meanwhile, I leave the affair to your aunt and you.

We would like to have your views before doing anything further." He rose as he spoke, and when he had gone out, Maud Barrington sat down at a writing-table.

"Aunt," she said quietly, "I will ask Ferris to come here at once." It was next day when Ferris came, evidently ill at ease, though he greeted Miss Barrington with elaborate courtesy, and would have done the same with her niece, but the girl turned from him with visible disdain.
"Sit down," she said coldly.

"Colonel Barrington is away, but his sister will take his place, and after him I have the largest stake in the welfare of Silverdale.

Now, a story has come to our ears which if it had not been substantiated would have appeared incredible.
Shall Miss Barrington tell it you ?" Ferris, who was a very young man, flushed, but the color faded and left his cheeks a trifle gray.