He looked at me--appeared to hesitate; but a glance at the letter and the bill of exchange I had brought apparently reassured him. Doubtless he concluded, as I supposed he would, that it was all right, since I came directly from his employer, and was the bearer of a payment to him. "Mrs. Thornton is quite as well as usual," he replied. "I wish to see her," I continued, squarely. "Did your father desire you to see her?" he asked, doubtfully. "Of course he did," I answered, which was quite true, though my conscience charged me with deceiving him. "I wish to make an arrangement with her." "Indeed?" "Yes, sir." "It would be proper that any arrangement with her should be made through me," he added, cautiously. "Of course, the actual business will be done through you," I replied, magnanimously. "Certainly it should be, for I have served Mr. Thornton very faithfully for many years in this matter, and at a very reasonable compensation." "I know that he appreciates your devotion, and is willing to do the right thing by you," I continued at a venture; and I thought there was no harm in committing my uncle to a liberal policy. "I have been paid only one hundred pound a year for my services, and that only for a brief period. Really I must insist, before you see the poor lady, that you should explain your business with her." "My time is short," I replied, rather brusquely. "I wish to know for what sum, cash down, you will terminate your relations with the lady." "That will require some consideration," replied he, apparently pleased with the idea. "Of course your client in this matter is entirely in your power. He cannot shake you off, and whatever arrangement is made with the lady shall be done through you. Now, if you will give me her address, I will go and see her, and in the mean time you can make up your estimate of the sum that ought to be paid to you," I said, with the most business-like air I could assume. "I will do it," replied he, after some hesitation; and he wrote the address on a piece of paper. How eagerly I took it! I felt then that the battle had been fought and won. On the paper was written: "Mrs. Thornton, Stony Stratford, Bucks. Inquire for Mrs. Challis." My business with Mr. Bunyard was done, and I hastened away, though he insisted upon my remaining longer. I think he was sorry he had given me the address before I left the room. Being near the banker's, I drew fifty pounds, which was paid without question.