Conolly did not speak until they had gone some thirty yards or so in silence. Then he said: “If the matter is of serious importance to you, Miss Lind, I think I can manage to have a message conveyed to him by a person who has influence over him. I am not absolutely certain that I can; but probably I shall succeed without any great difficulty.” Marian looked at him in some surprise. “I hardly know what I ought to do,” she said, doubtfully. “Then do nothing,” said Conolly bluntly. “Or, if you want anything said to this gentleman, write to him yourself.” “But I dont know his address, and my brother says I ought not to write to him. I dont think I ought, either; but I want him to be told something that may prevent a great deal of unhappiness. It seems so unfeeling to sit down quietly and say, ‘It is not my business to interfere,’ when the mischief might so easily be prevented.” “I advise you to be very cautious, Miss Lind. Taking care of other people’s happiness is thankless and dangerous. You dont know your cousin’s address, you say?” “No. I thought you did.” Conolly shook his head. “Who does know it?” he said. “My brother George does; but he refused to tell me. I shall not ask him again.” “Of course not. I can find it out for you. But of what use will that be, since you think you ought not to write to him?” “I assure you, Mr. Conolly, that if it only concerned myself, I would not hesitate to tell you the whole story, and ask your advice. I feel sure you would shew me what was right. But this is a matter which concerns other people only.” “Then you have my advice without telling me. Dont meddle in it.” “But—” “But what?” “After all, what I wish to do could not possibly bring about mischief. If Marmaduke could be given a hint to come down here at once—he has been invited, and is putting off his visit from week to week—it would be sufficient. He will get into trouble if he makes any more excuses. And he can set everything right by coming down now.” “Are you sure you dont mean only that he can smooth matters over for the present?” “No, you mistake. It is not so much to smooth matters over as to rescue him from a bad influence that is ruining him. There is a person in London from whom he must he got away at all hazards. If you only knew—I _wish_ you knew.” “Perhaps I know more than you suppose. Come, Miss Lind, let us understand one another. Your family want your cousin to marry Lady Constance. I know that. She does not object. I know that too. He does.” “Oh!” exclaimed Marian, “you are wrong. He does not.” “Anyhow,” continued Conolly, “he acts with a certain degree of indifference toward her—keeps away at present, for instance. I infer that the bad influence you have mentioned is the cause of his remissness.”