"And, by heavens, Tremenhere! that _still_ for me, or any thought of mine. Give me your hand: forgive me--I have been led to wrong you deeply; I rejoice in being able once again to call you friend. I respect--I pity you; for some, to me unknown, unhappy circumstances, must have made you condemn a being like that to the shade of a suspicion. Mrs. Tremenhere," he added, approaching her, as Miles drew coldly back from the proffered hand, "forgive me the involuntary pain I have caused you, but plead for me to Tremenhere; he cannot resist you!" Minnie stared like one idiotic; she was wounded too deeply; her native delicacy was sullied by these cruel suspicions. "Tell Miles all," she articulated, in a low tone--"I cannot speak to him; tell him all--pray, do!" And her voice was choked with tears. "You _must_ hear me, Tremenhere!" he cried. "_Must!_" laughed the other incredulously. "May I ask is this an impromptu, or a part of a well-arranged whole? I ask a simple question--favour me with a simple reply, my lord. How came Mrs. Tremenhere in this apartment, where I by accident found her? Words will not do--I ask proofs!" "Will not my pledged and sacred honour suffice?" "Some men deem it a duty, where a lady's reputation is concerned, to clear her from suspicion at any price." "By heavens! you are blunt, sir," answered Lord Randolph haughtily; "and but that a well-meant act of mine, has caused this scene--this mistake--I should leave you to seek your remedy where and how you would; but I am resolved to state all, and then leave you to be just, if just you can be in your present state." He then proceeded to relate the scheme arranged between Vellumy and himself, believing Minnie wronged by Tremenhere--a scheme to bring her down, and call upon Miles's better feelings to do her justice. What she had told her husband was perfectly true. When Vellumy entered the club, on their way to the railroad, it was to despatch a trusty person, to whom the letter had been confided, which lured Minnie unsuspecting from home. We have seen how Vellumy's cab had been in waiting with its master, to secure the positive departure of Miles. Vellumy had a great talent--(for one it is, though dangerous in the extreme)--an extraordinary power of copying handwriting. He wrote a letter so exactly like Miles's, that even Minnie was deceived. It ran thus (they were ignorant of her name, it will be remembered)-- "Dearest Love--I have just received a letter at my club, on my way to the station, which contains something of so much importance to our future welfare, that I earnestly desire you should follow me to Uplands. Place yourself unfearing under the care of the trusty bearer, and he will bring you safe to your "MILES. "Burn this; I will explain all when we meet."