"I think there's a distant cousin of sorts, a ship captain. He won't benefit much by Leigh's death. I wonder if the old man made a will." "Oh, yes. He told me a year ago that he had, but did not mention to whom he had left his library. You are the executor." "Am I, indeed? That is news to me, as Leigh never asked my permission. However"--Hendle was thinking of the probability of his ancestor's will being among the papers and books--"it is just as well under the circumstances." "What do you mean by that?" Hendle tugged at his moustache and replied in an embarrassed fashion, "Oh, nothing, only I can look after things better than a stranger, you know. By the way, Dorinda, I forgot to tell you that Carrington is coming down by the midday train." "Coming again so soon," said Dorinda, remembering her father's warnings against the barrister, "and why?" "Only about some business I went up to town about yesterday," answered Rupert confusedly. "Will you walk with me to the station to meet him?" "No," said the girl promptly. "I don't want to meet Mr. Carrington again. I don't like him overmuch." "Ah, you've been listening to your father, dear. Mallien likes no one." "I saw Mr. Carrington myself, Rupert, and I didn't like him. I don't require my father to judge for me." "What a spitfire you are!" laughed Hendle, putting his arm round her waist. "Because I want you all to myself, and I think Mr. Carrington is not a good friend for you." "Jealous." "Sensible. There, Rupert, don't worry me." She slipped out of his arms, much to his surprise, and he showed his feelings so visibly that she colored. "I am rather out of sorts this morning," she said hurriedly. "Father has been rather trying." "Never mind, dear; in a month you will be with me forever." "I hope so," sighed Dorinda, "but somehow this death of the vicar suggests to me the possibility that something will occur to prevent our marriage." "Oh, nonsense!" Rupert stared. "What could prevent our marriage?" "It's only a feeling," persisted Dorinda, "and I dare say it is a foolish, silly feeling; but it's here for all that," and she laid her hand on her heart.