“No more do I. I can’t think what he’s got in his mind; though we have been very confidential over it all.” Mr. Blake elder was an old-fashioned and polite old gentleman, but his son belonged to another world, and pushed his way by means of a good deal of assurance and no regard to any one’s feelings. “It would be a great assistance to me,” he said, “if he’s going to tamper with that will again, to know how the land lies. What is wrong? There must have been, by all I hear, a great flare-up.” “Will you remember, Blake, that you are speaking of my brother’s affairs? We are not in the habit of having flares-up here.” “I mean no offence,” said the other. “It’s a lie, then, that is flying about the country.” “What is flying about the country? If it is about a flare-up you may be sure it is a lie.” “I don’t stand upon the word,” said Blake. “I thought I might speak frankly to you. Rumors are flying everywhere--that Mr. Trevanion is out of one fit into another--dying of it--and that Madam--” “What of Madam?” said John Trevanion, firmly. “I have myself the greatest respect for Mrs. Trevanion,” said the lawyer, making a sudden pause. “You would be a bold man if you expressed any other sentiment here; but rumor has not the same reverential and perfectly just feeling, I suppose. What has it ventured to say of my sister?” John Trevanion, with all his gravity, was very impulsive; and the sense that her secret, whatever it was, had been betrayed, bound him at once to her defence. He had probably never called her his sister before. “Of course it is all talk,” said Blake. “I dare say the story means nothing; but knowing as I do so much about the state of affairs generally--a lawyer, you know, like a doctor, and people used to say a clergyman--” “Is bound to hold his tongue, is he not?” John Trevanion said. “Oh, as for that, a member of the family is not like a stranger. I took it for granted you would naturally be on the injured husband’s side.” “Mr. Blake,” said John, “you make assumptions which would be intolerable even to a stranger, and to a brother and friend, understanding the whole matter, I hope, a little better than you do, they are not less so, but more. Look here; a lawyer has this advantage, that he is sometimes able to calm the disordered fancy of a sick man, and put things in a better light. Take care what you do. Don’t let the last act of his life be an injustice if you can help it. Your father--if your father were here--” “Would inspire Mr. John Trevanion with more confidence,” said the other, with a suppressed sneer. “It is unfortunate, but that is not your brother’s opinion. He has preferred the younger man, as some do.” “I hope you will justify his choice,” said John Trevanion, gravely. “It is a great responsibility. To make serious changes in a moment of passion is always dangerous--and, remember, my brother will in all probability have no time to repent.”