To his intense satisfaction she turned out of the office, catching up the flowers as she went. Austin attended her to the outer gate. She strode straight on, not deigning to cast a glance to the busy yard, with its sheds, its timber, its implements of work, and its artisans, all scattered about it. 'Believe me,' he said, holding out his hand as a peace-offering, 'I am not willingly discourteous. I wish I could see my way clear to help you.' She did not take the hand; she walked away without another word or look, and Austin went back again. Mr. Hunter advanced to meet him from the upper end of the yard, and went with him into the small room. 'What was all that, Clay? I scarcely understood.' 'I daresay not, sir, for I had no time to be explanatory. It seems she--Miss Gwinn--has come to town on business. She procured my address from Mrs. Thornimett, and came here to ask of me if I had seen anything of her enemy--meaning Mr. Henry Hunter. I feared lest he should be coming in; I could only beg of you to find Mr. Henry, and warn him not. That is all, sir.' Mr. Hunter stood with his back to Austin, softly whistling--his habit when in deep thought. 'What can be her motive for wanting to find him?' he presently said. 'She speaks of revenge. Of course I do not know for what: I cannot give a guess. There's no doubt she is mistaken in the person, when she accuses Mr. Henry Hunter.' 'Well,' returned Mr. Hunter, 'I said nothing to my brother, for I did not understand what there was to say. It will be better not to tell him now; the woman is gone, and the subject does not appear to be a pleasant one. Do you hear?' 'Very well, sir.' 'I think I understood, when the affair was spoken of some time ago, that she does not know him as Mr. Hunter?' 'Of course she does not,' said Austin. 'She would have been here after him before now if she did. She came this morning to see me, not suspecting she might meet him.' 'Ah! Better keep the visit close,' cried Mr. Hunter, as he walked away. Now, it had occurred to Austin that it would be better to do just the opposite thing. _He_ should have told Mr. Henry Hunter, and left that gentleman to seek out Miss Gwinn, or not, as he might choose. A sudden meeting between them in the office, in the hearing of the yard, and with the lady in excitement, was not desirable; but that Mr. Henry Hunter should clear himself, now that she was following him up, and convince her it was not he who was the suspected party, was, Austin thought, needful--that is, if he could do it. However, he could only obey Mr. Hunter's suggestions. Austin resumed his occupation. His brain and fingers were busy over the plan, when he saw a gig drive into the yard. It contained the great engineer, Sir Michael Wilson. Mr. Henry Hunter came down the yard to meet him; they shook hands, and entered the private room together. In a few minutes Mr. Henry came to Austin. 'Are you particularly engaged, Clay?'