"You are a generous girl, Lottie," he said then. "I admire your spirit. But it is plain, my dear, that money has come as easily to you as the very air you breathe, or you would not speak of three thousand pounds in a manner so light as almost to take one's breath away. But suppose--suppose the money could be given, there is another difficulty. To get that money for Mrs. Home, who, by the way, has her husband to provide for her, you must tell this tale to your father--you must not do that." "Why not?" asked Charlotte, opening her eyes wide in surprise. "Simply because he is ill, and the doctors have forbidden him to be in the least agitated." "Uncle Jasper--I know he is not well, but I did not hear this; and why--why should what I have to say agitate him?" "Because he cannot bear any allusion to the past. He loved his father; he cannot dwell on those years when they were estranged. My dear," continued old Uncle Jasper. "I am glad you came with this tale to me--it would have done your father harm. The doctors hope soon to make him much better, but at present he must hear nothing likely to give rise to gloomy thoughts; wait until he is better, my dear. And if you want help for this Mrs. Home, you must appeal to me. Promise me that, Lottie." "I will promise, certainly, not to injure my father, but I confess you puzzle me." "I am truly sorry, my dear. I will think over your tale, but now I must go to John. Will you come with me?" "No, thanks; I would rather stay here." "Then we shall not meet again, for in an hour I am off to my club. Good-night, my dear." And Charlotte could not help noticing how soft and catlike were the footsteps of the old Australian uncle as he stole away. CHAPTER X. JOHN AND JASPER HARMAN.