"And yet he is in love with her?"

"Over head and ears."

"I don't believe it. If he was really in love with one woman he
couldn't be just to another. _I_ couldn't. He'll be coming back to me
in a few months."

"God forbid!"

"Thank you, old gentleman."

Mr. Oldfield began to stammer excuses. She interrupted him: "Oh, bother
all that; I like you none the worse for speaking your mind." Then,
after a pause, "Now excuse me; but suppose Sir Charles should change
his mind, and never sign this paper?"

"I pledge my professional credit."

"That is enough, sir; I see I can trust you. Well, then, I consent to
break off with Sir Charles, and only see him once more--as a friend.
Poor Sir Charles! I hope he will be happy" (she squeezed out a tear for
him)--"happier than I am. And when he does come he can sign the deed,
you know."

Mr. Oldfield left her, and joined Sir Charles at Long's, as had been
previously agreed.

"It is all right, Sir Charles; she is a sensible girl, and will give