When she had handed the old gentleman his tea she said:

‘My aunt has chosen to remain away, thinking that you might wish to see me privately. But I take it that there is nothing which she may not share. I have no secrets from her.’

He rubbed his hands genially as he replied:

‘Not at all; not at all! I should like her to be present. It will, I am sure, be a delight to us all.’

Again raised eyebrows; again silence on the subject. When a servant answered her bell she told him to ask Miss Rowly if she would kindly join them.

Aunt Laetitia and the solicitor were old cronies, and their greeting was most friendly. When the old gentlewoman had seated herself and taken