death--on the chance that her own better feelings will hurry her into making a clean breast of it. Does your ladyship accept that alternative?'

My mistress astonished me beyond all power of expression. She answered him on the instant:

`Yes; I do.'

`The pony-chaise is ready,' said the Sergeant. `I wish your ladyship good morning.'

My lady held up her hand, and stopped him at the door.

`My daughter's better feelings shall be appealed to, as your propose,' she said. `But I claim the right, as her mother, of putting her to the test myself. You will remain here, if you please; and I will go to Frizinghall.'

For once in his life, the great Cuff stood speechless with amazement, like an ordinary man.

My mistress rang the bell, and ordered her waterproof things. It was still pouring with rain; and the close carriage had gone, as you know, with Miss Rachel to Frizinghall. I tried to dissuade her ladyship from facing the severity of the weather. Quite useless! I asked leave to go with her, and hold the umbrella. She wouldn't hear of it. The pony-chaise came round, with the groom in charge. `You may rely on two things,' she said to Sergeant Cuff, in the hall. `I will try the experiment on Miss Verinder as boldly as you could try it yourself. And I will inform you of the result, either personally or by letter, before the last train leaves for London to-night.'

With that, she stepped into the chaise, and, taking the reins herself, drove off to Frizinghall.