concealed behind?"

"I do not understand you," said Mr. Carlyle.

"In a word--excuse my speaking plainly, but I must feel my ground--are
you here on the part of some of my rascally creditors, to pump
information out of me, that otherwise they would not get?"

"My lord," uttered the visitor, "I should be incapable of so
dishonorable an action. I know that a lawyer gets credit for possessing
but lax notions on the score of honor, but you can scarcely suspect that
I should be guilty of underhand work toward you. I never was guilty of
a mean trick in my life, to my recollection, and I do not think I ever
shall be."

"Pardon me, Mr. Carlyle. If you knew half the tricks and _ruses_ played
upon me, you would not wonder at my suspecting all the world. Proceed
with your business."

"I heard that East Lynne was for private sale; your agent dropped half a
word to me in confidence. If so, I should wish to be the purchaser."

"For whom?" inquired the earl.

"Myself."

"You!" laughed the earl. "Egad! Lawyering can't be such bad work,
Carlyle."

"Nor is it," rejoined Mr. Carlyle, "with an extensive, first-class