Frank gave him a look as much as to say he would see about that, but he said nothing beyond a short "What train do you take?" As Huckins had not thought seriously of taking any, he faltered for a moment and then blurted out: "I shall get off at eight. I must say good-by to the young ladies, you know." Frank, who did not recognize this _must_, looked at his watch and said: "You have just a half hour to get the train with me; you had better take it." Huckins, a little startled, looked doubtfully at the lawyer and hesitated. He did not wish to arouse his antagonism or to add to his suspicion; indeed it was necessary to allay both. He therefore, after a moment of silent contemplation of the severe and inscrutable face before him, broke into a short wheedling laugh, and saying, "I had no idea my company was so agreeable," promised to make what haste he could and catch the six o'clock train if possible. But of course it was not possible. He had his second interview with Doris to hold, and after that was over there were the young ladies to see and impress with the disinterested state of his feelings. So that it was eight o'clock before he was ready to leave the town. But he did leave it at that hour, though it must have been with some intention of returning, or why did he carry away with him the key of the side-door of the old Cavanagh mansion? XXX. THE FINAL TERROR. A week went by and Frank returned to Marston full of hope and definite intention. He had notified the Surrogate of the discovery of the real heirs to the Wakeham estate, and he had engaged workmen to put in order the old house in Flatbush against the arrival of the youthful claimants. All that there now remained to do was to induce the young ladies to leave the accursed walls within which they had so long immured themselves. Edgar was awaiting him at the station, and together they walked up the street. "Is it all right?" asked Frank. "Have you seen them daily?" "Every day but to-day. You would hardly know Emma." "And--and Hermione?" "She shows her feelings less, but she is evidently happier than she has been for a year." "And her health?" "Is completely re-established." "Have you kept your word? Have you talked of everything but what we propose to do?" "I never break my word." "And they? Have they said anything about leaving the house, or of going to Flatbush, or--or----" "No; they have preserved as close a silence as ourselves. I imagine they do not think it proper to speak till we have spoken first." "It may be; but I should have been pleased if you could have told me that Hermione had been seen walking outside the gate." "You would?" "Yes. I dread the struggle which I now see before me. It is the first step which costs, and I was in hopes she would have taken this in my absence." "Yes, it would have prevented argument. But perhaps you will not have to argue. She may be merely waiting for the support of your arm."