He could not imagine what was amiss, and he caught somewhat of her agitation. That she was in real trouble, nay, in terror, was all too plain. For a moment the thought occurred--was Mr. Grubb angry with her on his account? Oh, what a privilege it appeared to him, foolish but honest-hearted fellow, to be asked to shield her! "I will trust you," she cried, her emotion increasing. "That cheque-- but oh, Charles, do not you think ill of me! It was done in a moment of irritation." "Say on, dear Lady Adela." "That cheque--he did not give it me. I had asked for money, and he refused. I wanted it badly; and I was angry with him: _so I drew out the cheque_." Charley felt all at sea: not comprehending in the least. She saw it: and was forced to go on with her painful explanation. The colour was coming and going in her cheek; now white as a lily, now rose-red. "That cheque you cashed for me on Saturday morning, Charley. Mr. Grubb did not draw it. Mr. Howard's name was signed as well as his; and--and he is with my husband in the dining-room, and I am frightened to death." There was a momentary pause. Charley understood now; and saw all the _difficulty_ of the matter, as she had lightly called it. But his honest love for her was working strongly in his heart, and he formed a hasty, chivalrous resolve to shield her if he could. Had she not appealed to him? "I want you not to say that it was from me you had the cheque, Charley." "I never will say it. Rely upon me." "They cannot do anything to me, I suppose; or to anyone else," she went on. "It is the exposure that would drive me wild. I could not bear that even that old Howard should know it was I. Oh, Charles, what can be done?" "Be at ease, Lady Adela. You shall never repent your confidence. Not a breath of suspicion shall come near you. I will shield you; I am proud to do it: shield you, if need be, with my life. You little know how valueless that life would be without your society, dear Lady Adela." "Now, Charles, hold your tongue. You must not take to say such things to me. They are not right--and are all nonsense besides. What would Mr. Grubb think?" "Forgive me," murmured Charley, all repentance. "I did not mean to say aught that was disloyal to him or you, Lady Adela: I could not be capable of it, now, or ever. And I will keep my word--to shield you through this trouble. I repeat it. I swear it." He wrung her hand in token of good-faith, and escaped to prepare for his engagement. She sat down, somewhat reassured, but not at all easy in her conscience. The world just now seemed rather hard to the Lady Adela. CHAPTER XXI. GIVEN INTO CUSTODY.