“Don't go,” Willy murmured faintly. “I am very sorry, Mr. Escott--if circumstances permitted, I would do all I could to help you.” This was delicate ground, and Willy woke up. “What do you want me to do? Have you anything to suggest?” “Yes, it struck me that we might both go round to the fellow's hotel--Stracey, you call him, I think--and you might tell him that his visits must cease at the Manor House, and that he must not speak to your sister if he should happen to meet her. That should bring the matter to an end. He is in Brighton--he is staying at the 'Grand.' We might go round there to-morrow morning.” “He might kick us out.” “I only hope he may try. I would give him such a hammering. But you need not be afraid of that. It wouldn't do to have Maggie's name mentioned in connection with a vulgar brawl--people are not too charitable. My idea is that this business should be conducted in the quietest and most gentlemanly manner possible.” “I think I had better speak to father first.” “No necessity; he will be only too glad to get rid of the penniless brute. Don't you think so, Mrs. Brookes?” “I do.” They then spoke of other things--of the shop, the profit they had made on tomatoes, and the losses that had resulted from over-stocking themselves with flour. At last a loud snore brought the conversation to a full stop, and Frank hurriedly bade them good-night. “Cissy will let you out,” said Willy, with a sigh of relief. The little girl had pulled on her stockings and tied a petticoat round her waist. “So you are going to be married.” “O Cissy, you have been listening!” “Is she very nice? She must be very nice for you to marry her. I should like to marry you.” “Would you, Cissy, and why?” “Oh, because you are so very handsome. But you will come and see us all the same, and let me sit on your knee?” “Of course I will, Cissy, and now good-night.” Next morning Willy declared himself ready to go and see Mr. Charles Stracey, and to tell him that he was not to call any more at the Manor House, or speak to Miss Brookes if he should happen to meet her. Frank wondered if this decision was owing to Mrs. Brookes's influence. “I slept last night at the 'Grand' It seemed odd sleeping in the same house--perhaps within a few doors of him. If you only knew how I love her, if I could only tell you, you would pity me. You ought to know what I feel--the anxiety, the heart-ache. I know you have gone through it all.” “Yes, I think I know what it is,” Willy replied thoughtfully. “Mr. Stracey is staying here?” “Will you enquire at the office, sir?”