first of all, will be decidedly the best thing. I think, before going
there, you had better see my solicitors in London. You see I intrust the
management of this affair to you, Leon, for this infernal gout ties me
up here closer than poor Edith at Dalton Hall. You had better set about
it at once. Go first to London, see my solicitors, find out about the
law of guardianship, and also see what we had better do. Then, if they
approve of it, go to Dalton Hall and see Wiggins. I don't think that you
are the sort of man who can be turned back at the gates by that ruffian
porter. You must also write me what the solicitors say, for I think I
had better keep Miss Plympton informed about the progress of affairs,
partly to satisfy her anxiety, and partly to present her from taking any
independent action which may embarrass our course of conduct."

* * * * *




CHAPTER XI.


LUCY.

About a week after the conversation detailed in the last chapter, the
train stopped at the little station near Dalton village, and Leon
Dudleigh stepped out. At the same time a woman got out of another
carriage in the train. She was dressed in black, and a crape veil
concealed her face. Leon Dudleigh stood and looked about for a few
moments in search of some vehicle in which to complete his journey, and
as the train went on he walked into the little station-house to make