In the trouble of her own feelings the girl was not at first conscious of his dismay. She was walking along and looking down, but as he did not speak she glanced at him and stopped with a little cry. "Oh!" she exclaimed, "I shouldn't have told you, I have only set you against him. I should have believed Oliver when he said that no one must know." "You need not fear me," said the young man gravely. "I mayn't be able to help, but you may be sure I will never betray your trust. And if I can't help, perhaps I may at least advise." She stood still and began nervously to pick off the leaves of a branch of ilex and to roll them together. "If there is any way by which we could save him from disgrace," she began hurriedly, when Ibbetson interrupted her-- "But if I understand you rightly, that is just what Mr Trent has promised to do?" The girl became very pale. "Yes," she said at last with an effort. "You are right. I don't know why I appealed to you. Forget it, and don't let us say any more." Her voice was proud and hurt. She looked straight before her, and was moving forwards when Jack detained her. "You must let me give you my advice," he said kindly. "It will not be the same as Mr Trent's, and I fear you mayn't like it so well, but if I had a brother in the same position as your brother, I should not rest until--" "Until--?" she asked with eagerness. "Until I had induced him to make a clean breast of it." "You mean to us?" "No: I mean to his employers." The girl started as if she had been stung. She stood still, her breast heaved, the burning colour rushed into her face. "But that is the very disgrace we are trying to avoid!" she cried with a sharp ring in her voice. "It is cruel to mock me with such words. Why, why that is the worst that could happen, and you speak of it as calmly as if--" "Mock you!" cried Jack, hurt in his turn. "Have I ever said anything which should make you think me such a brute? At least hear me until I have explained myself. This affair, whatever it is, if it is covered up and concealed in the manner in which you have hinted, will hang over your heads with a never-ending dread. Something may always bring it to light, and your brother will be haunted by fear of it. But if he takes courage and speaks openly, his employers will be at once half won over, I am sure of it; they will think of his youth, of his inexperience--even business men have hearts, Miss Masters. Believe me, it is the most honourable way." She listened very quietly, though her face was still flushed, and when he had finished she remained silent. Suddenly, at a little distance, they heard voices, and Bice said hurriedly-- "This is your only advice?" "I can think of nothing else."