’Old Mr. Tramplara has written a peremptory letter to my father, calling up all the money that he has advanced him on the security of the property.’ ’And your father is not in a position to pay?’ ’I am sure he is not. The letter must be answered, and that speedily. I need your advice. I dare not let my dear father see the letter; the result might be fatal in his present state.’ ’No,’ answered Herring, ’he must know nothing of the demand.’ ’But if we do not meet this call, and meet it we cannot, Mr. Tramplara will turn us out and sell the estate.’ ’Is there no way of avoiding this? Cannot a portion be sold to clear the rest of incumbrance? What amount does your father owe?’ ’I do not know. Will you ascertain that from him, and then consider with me what must be done? If we are forced to leave West Wyke, it will kill papa.’ Then her tears came. ’Miss Battishill,’ said Herring, in great distress—he was unaccustomed to woman’s tears, and therefore moved by them—’dear Miss Battishill, do not give way. We will find some mode of escape. I will do my utmost for you; be very sure of that.’ He took her hand and pressed it. She returned the pressure, and, looking up into his eyes through her tears, said, ’You give me confidence, you are so strong and sure.’ ’I strong! I sure!’ exclaimed Herring. At that moment he was feeling the weakness of his principles and the uncertainty of his course. ’Go in, and talk to my father,’ she said, ’whilst I try to forget my troubles among my flowers.’ Then with a relapse, ’Oh, Mr. Herring, I do so love this sunny south garden, and the old house, and the heathy moors, and Cosdon reigning like a king over all. It will go nigh, to break my heart as well as my father’s, if I am forced to leave West Wyke.’ ’We must put faith in the future,’ he said. ’I did believe in the future till of late, but now my path lies under eclipse.’ She paused and sighed. ’But after all, is it worth while deferring to tell my father? He must shortly know the truth. It is only a matter of weeks.’ She made a little effort to control her emotion. ’You decide whether he is to be told or not. I am not competent to form an opinion. I shrink from agitating papa, lest it lead to another stroke; if however this must be done——’ She turned sharply away, and signed to him with her hand to leave her and go indoors. Herring entered the hall. Mr. Battishill was in his arm-chair. He was much enfeebled by his seizure, but though his utterance was not as clear as formerly, his loquacity was undiminished.