been found among Mr. Usbech's papers; for, as far as I remember, the poor man never attended to any business after that day.'
'What day?'
'The 14th of July, the day on which he was with Sir Joseph.'
It was singular, thought the barrister, with how much precision she remembered the dates and circumstances. That the circumstances of the trial should be fresh on her memory was not wonderful; but how was it that she knew so accurately things which had occurred before the trial,—when no trial could have been expected? But as to this he said nothing.
'And you are sure he went to Groby Park?'
'Oh, yes; I have no doubt of it. I am quite sure.'
'I do not know that we can do anything but wait. Have you mentioned this to Sir Peregrine?' It immediately occurred to Lady Mason's mind that it would be by no means expedient, even if it were possible, to keep Mr. Furnival in ignorance of anything that she really did; and she therefore explained that she had seen Sir Peregrine. 'I was so troubled at the first moment that I hardly knew where to turn,' she said.
'You were quite right to go to Sir Peregrine.'
'I am so glad you are not angry with me as to that.'
'And did he say anything—anything particular?'
'He promised that he would not desert me, should there be any new difficulty.'
'That is well. It is always good to have the countenance of such a neighbour as he is.'
'And the advice of such a friend as you are.' And she again put out her hand to him.
'Well; yes. It is my trade, you know, to give advice,' and he smiled as he took it.
'How should I live through such troubles without you?'
'We lawyers are very much abused now-a-days,' said Mr. Furnival, thinking of what was going on down at Birmingham at that very moment; 'but I hardly know how the world would get on without us.'
'Ah! but all lawyers are not like you.'
'Some perhaps worse, and a great many much better. But, as I was saying, I do not think I would take any steps at present. The man Dockwrath is a vulgar, low-minded, revengeful fellow; and I would endeavour to forget him.'
'Ah, if I could!'
'And why not? What can he possibly have learned to your injury?' And then as it seemed to Lady Mason that Mr. Furnival expected some reply to this question, she forced herself to give him one. 'I suppose that he cannot know anything.'
'I tell you what I might do,' said Mr. Furnival, who was still
