not for this confounded foot, my going down to Farley would be of no good. He writes to-day, urging me to be expeditious with the draft of the will, and suggesting that you should go there with it, if I cannot."
"Have you any idea what caused Miss Shaw to leave her uncle's house in this strange way?"
"I may have an idea. I have no knowledge; and if I had, I should not be at liberty to tell you. I may say this, however. I have not a good opinion of Mrs. Shaw. I have a great regard for William Shaw himself but you know what he is—good-natured, well-meaning, easily influenced. His wife may have driven Miss Shaw from the house by some devilry or other, on purpose to bring this very thing about—I mean, to induce her husband to alter his will."
"I see. It is not impossible. I never belieyed that rumour of her having escaped to prevent being forced into a marriage she abhorred. Girls can't be forced in the present day."
"Especially such a girl as Miss Shaw. Did it seem to you that Lord Robert made any way in his suit? Curious his finding her out in Paris! I certainly never told him she was there."
"She was annoyed at first. Afterwards she got over it, but he made no way. He has only been there a few days, and yesterday, when I wished him good-bye, he said he feared he should have to return to England immediately. He is not the sort of man to waste his time. I saw at once that he had met with no encouragement. Miss Shaw is not ambitious."
"Not for mere position; and money she has. Yet I
