holding her back from the door by the arm. "Do you expect Moody to visit
you here?"

"I am _sure_ he will visit me," Isabel answered warmly. "He has promised
to come here at my request. I never knew what a kind heart Robert Moody
had till this misfortune fell on me. My aunt, who is not easily taken
with strangers, respects and admires him. I can't tell you how good he
was to me on the journey here--and how kindly, how nobly, he spoke to
me when we parted." She paused, and turned her head away. The tears were
rising in her eyes. "In my situation," she said faintly, "kindness is
very keenly felt. Don't notice me, Mr. Troy."

The lawyer waited a moment to let her recover herself.

"I agree entirely, my dear, in your opinion of Moody," he said. "At the
same time, I think it right to warn you that his zeal in your service
may possibly outrun his discretion. He may feel too confidently about
penetrating the mystery of the missing money; and, unless you are on
your guard, he may raise false hopes in you when you next see him.
Listen to any advice that he may give you, by all means. But, before you
decide on being guided by his opinion, consult my older experience,
and hear what I have to say on the subject. Don't suppose that I am
attempting to make you distrust this good friend," he added, noticing
the look of uneasy surprise which Isabel fixed on him. "No such idea is
in my mind. I only warn you that Moody's eagerness to be of service to
you may mislead him. You understand me."

"Yes, sir," replied Isabel coldly; "I understand you. Please let me go
now. My aunt will be down directly; and she must not find me here." She
curtseyed with distant respect, and left the room.