"Indeed! I am glad to hear that; very glad. I hope it was only a coincidence then, their both making their wills." "Nothing more you may depend: neither of them knows from me what the other has done; nor ever will." "That is true," said Kate, and seemed considerably relieved. To ease her mind entirely, Houseman went on to say that as to the report that high words had passed between the clients in question, at the Roebuck, he had no doubt it was exaggerated. "Besides," said he, "that was not about a lady; I'm told it was about a horse. Some bet belike." Catherine uttered a faint cry. "About a horse!" said she. "Not about a grey horse?" "Nay, that is more than I know." "High words about a horse," said Catherine; "and they are making their wills. Oh! my mind misgave me from the first." And she turned pale. Presently she clasped her hands together--"Mr. Houseman!" she cried, "what shall I do? What, do you not see that both their lives are in danger? and that is why they make their wills. And how should _both_ their lives be in danger, but from each other? Madmen! they have quarreled: they are going to fight; fight to the death: and I fear it is about me. Me who love neither of them, you know." "In that case, _let_ them fight," said her legal adviser, dispassionately. "Whichever fool gets killed, you will be none the poorer." And the dog wore a sober complacency. Catherine turned her large eyes on him with horror and amazement, but said nothing. As for the lawyer he was more struck with her sagacity than with anything. He somewhat overrated it; not being aware of the private reasons she had for suspecting that her two testators were enemies to the death. "I almost think you are right," said he; "for I got a curious missive from Mr. Gaunt scarce an hour agone, and he says,--let me see what he says." "Nay, let _me_ see," said Kate. On that he handed her Griffith's note. It ran thus-- "It is possible I may not be able to conduct the funeral. Should this be so, I appoint you to act for me. So then, good Mr. Houseman, let me count on you to be here at nine of the clock. For Heaven's sake fail me not. "Your humble Servant, "G. G." This left no doubt in Kate's mind. "Now, first of all," said she, "what answer made you to this?" "What answer should I make? I pledged my word to be at Bolton at nine of the clock." "Oh, blind!" sighed Kate. "And I must be out of the room. What shall I do? My dear friend, forgive me: I am a wretched girl. I am to blame; I ought to have dismissed them both, or else decided between them. But who would have thought it would go this length? I did not think Griffith was brave enough. Have pity on me, and help me. Stop this fearful fighting." And now the young creature clung to the man of business, and prayed and prayed him earnestly to avert bloodshed.