fittest place for me."

"But, my child," said Miss Plympton, anxiously, "there is one thing that
you do not consider. Far be it from me to stand in the way of any of
your wishes, especially at a time like this, but is seems to me that a
return to Dalton Hall just now is hardly safe."

"Safe!"

Edith spoke in a tone of surprise, and looked inquiringly at Miss
Plympton.

"I don't like this John Wiggins," said Miss Plympton, uneasily; I am
afraid of him."

"But what possible cause can there be of fear?" asked Edith.

"Oh, I don't know," said Miss Plympton, with a sigh; "no one can tell.
If my suspicions are at all correct, he is a man who might be very
dangerous. He has control of all the estates, and--"

"But for that very reason I would go home," said Edith, "if there were
no stronger inducement, to do what I can to put an end to his
management."

"How could you do any thing with him?" asked Miss Plympton; "you so
young and inexperienced."

"I don't know," said Edith, simply; "but the estates are mine, and not
his; and Dalton Hall is mine; and if I am the owner, surely I ought to