though a trifle shy and reserved; and, as I have since discovered that he
is not married, I have taken upon myself the responsibility of advising him
to jump into a train and to go and tell his cousin the conclusion he has
come to regarding the will of the late Mr. Burnett. As I have said, he is a
shy man, and it was some time before I could induce him to take so decisive
a step; he wanted to meet Miss Watson in my office, but I succeeded in
persuading him. He will go down to you to-morrow by the five o'clock, and I
need not impress upon you the necessity that you should use your influence
with Miss Watson, and that his reception should be as cordial as
circumstances permit. I have only to add that I see no need that you should
show this letter to Miss Watson, for the very fact of knowing that we
desired to bring about a marriage might prejudice her against this young
man, whom she otherwise cannot fail to find charming.'

Hearing some one at her door, Julia put the letter away. It was Emily.

'I've just received a letter from Mr. Grandly, saying that that man is
coming here to-day, and that we are to send the dog-cart for him.'

'Is not that the very best thing that----'

'We cannot remain here, we must leave a note for him, or something of that
kind. I wouldn't remain here to meet him for worlds. I really couldn't,
Julia.'

'And why not, Emily?'

'To meet the man who is coming to turn me out of Ashwood!'

'How do you know that he is coming to turn you out of Ashwood? You imagine