“I have applied for a place which I may almost say I can calculate on having. My only difficulty has been, that I did not know when I should be at liberty. If your lordship would kindly allow me to leave immediately——” “My dear fellow, suit your own convenience. We can manage with Giles. The rector will give him an hour or two of Latin and Greek, till the term begins, when he can go to school. I don’t know that I won’t let the monkey run wild till the time comes for the tasks to begin.” “Then, my lord, it is understood that I may go immediately?” “Certainly.” Though Lord Lamerton gave his consent, he was a little surprised at the readiness of the tutor to leave Orleigh, and to throw up his situation before he had really secured another. There was something ungracious in his conduct after all the kindnesses he had received which jarred on his lordship’s feelings. He had a real liking for the young man, and he was desirous that he should do well for himself. He was unable to resist the temptation to say—“You seem in a vast hurry to leave us, Saltren.” “I have reasons, my lord. Something has occurred which makes it imperative on me to leave this house immediately.” “Do you refer to this article by our own correspondent?” “Not at all, my lord. It has no connection with that. Something, a distressing secret, has come to my knowledge, which forces me to quit Orleigh.” “What the deuce is it?” “I will probably write to you, my lord, about it when I am away.” “It is a secret then, between you and me, and—any one else?” “It is a secret that concerns me most closely, and indeed, others beside me. But, no doubt, your lordship has divined to what I allude.” Lord Lamerton turned hot and cold. Now Arminell’s mysterious words recurred to his memory. What had her meaning been? Was the tutor referring to the same matter? Had that headstrong girl thrown herself into his arms, protesting that she loved him? Very likely. She was capable of doing such a thing. What else could she have meant? What else could induce the young man to go precipitately? Lord Lamerton hesitated a moment what to say, looking down, and knitting his brows. “You have, my lord, I can see, guessed to what I refer. It is not a matter on which we can speak together. It would be too painful. Each of us would rather say nothing on a very distressing matter. Let what has passed suffice for the present. I am sure, my lord, that you can understand my motives in desiring to leave promptly.” “’Pon my soul, I think I do. Dash it, I do!” “Then, my lord, you will not desire to retain me in Orleigh any longer?” “No—for God’s sake, go. I respect you. You are behaving aright. I am sorry, I am ashamed, but there, there, you are acting properly. I will not say another word. Go where you like, and always look to me as your friend, nay, as taking almost a fatherly interest in you.” He held out his hand, caught that of young Saltren and pressed it, then left the room for his wife’s boudoir.