He pushed his plate away from him and looked hard at his visitor. "You were abominably rude to me in the street a couple of hours ago," said Mrs Fortescue. "I was in no mood to be civil, and even now, if you have anything to say except to abuse my old friend Arbuthnot, I--" "But I have something to say; something that will astound--_astound_ you! When you came to my house a very short time ago and asked me to give you some idea of the extent of Florence Heathcote's fortune, I told you--" "A lie, madam! The girl is penniless: pray don't revert to that most annoying scene." "I told you no lie, Major Reid." "What?" "I told you the truth. I doubtless understated the sum which will eventually belong to Florence Heathcote." "What is this?" said the Major, turning very pale. "The conspiracy has been at last explained," said Mrs Fortescue, "and my opinion is that those Arbuthnots, who set up such lofty standards, knew all about the matter from the first. Those miserable girls are heiresses, after all. Their father's fortune, it is true, has been already expended on their education, but they inherit a large sum-- doubtless many thousands--from their mother. It seems, Major Reid, that for some extraordinary, unfathomable reason we, their old and trusty friends, were to be put to the test--to the test with regard to their future: and I--_I_ treated Florence, that beautiful, gifted spirited, _rich_ girl, to--a ham bone!" Angry tears rose to Mrs Fortescue's eyes. The Major looked at her with a face very nearly as pale as her own. "Are you certain of what you are saying?" "I am positive. I have been to the Arbuthnots'. I received the news from the Colonel himself. He had a letter from Florence in his hand. He spoke of it as a test--a test; but I call it the vilest of all conspiracies! I could still have had those girls with me, and your son would have married Florence and been rich." "Good Heavens!" said the Major. "If I thought--but it isn't too late. Michael--that young dog! Mrs Fortescue; don't say a word; don't breathe anything. Keep my secret and I vow I will help you in the future. I will go to London to see Michael this evening. All is not lost." The Major, trembling exceedingly, crossed the room. He rang the bell and desired the servant to bring him an A B C. He looked up a train in Mrs Fortescue's presence. She was no longer hateful to him. If she could help him at this juncture, he would be her friend for the rest of her life. "Never mind the Arbuthnots," he said. "Yes; they doubtless did know. Just like the Colonel. It _is_ a conspiracy--it is shameful! But let me make an effort in my poor boy's cause. Don't breathe to any one that I have gone to London. I will just walk in the direction of the station, and slip in when no one is observing, and take the next train to town." "I will keep your secret, trust me," said Mrs Fortescue. CHAPTER FIFTEEN. TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF.