"Then wherefore this disguise? why this constant cheat relative to my sex? why this permanent deception?" demanded Walter, in an impassioned tone. "Cannot the most rigorous honesty be connected with the most profound prudence--the most delicate caution?" said Mr. Stephens, adopting an attitude and manner of persuasion. "Do not judge of motives by their mere superficial aspect: strange devices--but not the less honourable for being singular--are frequently required in the world to defeat designs of infamy and baseness." "Pardon my scepticism," said Walter, apparently convinced by this reasoning; "I was wrong, very wrong to suspect you. I will not again urge my anxiety to penetrate your secrets. I feel persuaded that you conceal the means by which our mutual prosperity is to be effected, simply for my good." "Now you speak rationally, my dear, my faithful and confiding Walter," exclaimed Mr. Stephens. "It was just in this vein that I was anxious to find you; for I have an important communication to make this morning." "Speak: I am ready to follow your instructions or advice." "I must inform you, Walter, that in order effectually to work out my plans--in order that there should not exist the slightest chance of failure--a third person is required. It will be necessary that he should be conversant with our secret: he must know all; and, of course, he must be taken care of hereafter. To be brief, I have already fallen in with the very individual who will suit me; and I have acquainted him with the entire matter. You will not object to receive him occasionally as a guest?" "My dear sir, how can I object? Is not this your house? and am not I in your hands? You know that you can command me in all respects." "I thought that you would meet my views with this readiness and good will," said Mr. Stephens. "To tell you the real truth, then--I have taken the liberty of inviting him to dine with us here this day." "To-day!" "Yes. Are you annoyed?" "Oh! not at all: only, the preparations----" "Do not alarm yourself. While you were occupied with your toilet, I gave the necessary instructions to the cook. The old woman is almost blind and deaf, still she knows full well how to serve up a tempting repast; and as I am believed by your three servants to be your guardian, my interference in this respect will not have appeared strange." "How could they think otherwise?" ejaculated Walter. "Did not you provide those dependants who surround me? Do they not look upon you as their master as well as myself? Are they not aware that the villa is your own property? And have they not been led to believe--with the exception of Louisa, who alone of the three knows the secret--that the state of my health compelled you to place me here for the benefit of a purer air than that which your residence in the city affords?"