likely to have followed Lieutenant Thorn than Richard Hare?"

"No, sir," answered Joyce; "I have felt certain always that she is with
Richard Hare, and nothing can turn me from the belief. All West Lynne is
convinced of it."

Mr. Carlyle did not attempt to "turn her from her belief." He dismissed
her, and sat on still, revolving the case in all its bearings.

Richard Hare's short interview with his mother had soon terminated. It
lasted but a quarter of an hour, both dreading interruptions from the
servants; and with a hundred pounds in his pocket, and desolation in his
heart, the ill-fated young man once more quitted his childhood's home.
Mrs. Hare and Barbara watched him steal down the path in the telltale
moonlight, and gain the road, both feeling that those farewell kisses
they had pressed upon his lips would not be renewed for years, and might
not be forever.



CHAPTER VII.

MISS CARLYLE AT HOME.

The church clocks at West Lynne struck eight one lovely morning in July,
and then the bells chimed out, giving token that it was Sunday.

East Lynne had changed owners, and now it was the property of Mr.
Carlyle. He had bought it as it stood, furniture and all; but the
transfer had been conducted with secrecy, and was suspected by none,