"You say you called on a matter of business," said Madam Everard, with becoming dignity. "As a man of business we will treat you. I will send for Mr. Wallace, my late brother's solicitor, and should he be satisfied that you are the rightful owner of Stanmore, and that Captain Everard has no claim on it, my niece and I will quit the house. Till then I must request you to leave us at peace. You must be aware that the information you bring us is not pleasant." Mabel kept her lips pressed together. She dared not trust her voice, she simply bowed her assent to her aunt's request. "Well, well, Ann, I am not surprised that you are annoyed," said Mr. Sleech, rising from his seat; "that is but natural. Of course, we are gentlemen, and wish to treat you as ladies. We will just take a look round the park and grounds. I have a notion a good many trees should be cut down. The colonel was over-squeamish about felling timber; and Mabel, my dear, I wish you would not look so glum. Perhaps if you play your cards well, you may still be mistress of Stanmore, eh? Silas, you rogue, you used to admire your pretty little cousin." Silas rolled his round eyes and gave a glance at Mabel which she, at least, thought bespoke very little affection, for she turned a way from him with a feeling of loathing, not deigning to make any remark. "You know your way," said Madam Everard; "you must do as you think fit. We cannot interfere." Without putting out her hand, she gave a stately bow to her brother-in-law and nephew. A chuckle reached her ears as the door closed behind them. "Jane, Jane, what have you brought upon us?" she exclaimed, apostrophising her deceased sister. The marriage had been a hateful one from the first. Old Sleech had, even as a young man, been almost as odious as his son, and no one could account for Jane Everard's infatuation and bad taste when she insisted on marrying him. Madam Everard rang the bell, and begged that Paul Gauntlett would come to her. He obeyed the summons, and was soon afterwards trotting off on the horse with which he always accompanied the colonel to Lynderton. Mr. Wallace was at home, and very quickly made his appearance at Stanmore, escaping an encounter with the Sleeches, who were still making their round of the park, notching trees which they agreed might come down to advantage and clear a pretty penny. Mr. Wallace heard Madam Everard's statement with a grave face.