"I am sure you are pleased that Haverleigh's character has been cleared." "I am pleased--very--very pleased," said Edith, joyfully, "and so is Frank. Are you not, Frank?" "Yes! very pleased." Hale forced himself to say so much; then he walked to the door. "I am not well," he said, turning for a moment; "you will excuse me, gentlemen. My sister will see you out. If you--" He paused, and darting a look of hatred at Leo, left the room. Haverleigh was more surprised than Marton, who had captured a fresh idea, and was already building up a theory. Leo remained only a short time. He was most embarrassed by the looks of Edith, and escaped as speedily as courtesy permitted. When they left the house and were some distance on the road, Marton spoke. "I think there is insanity in that family," he said. "Why do you think so?" "The girl is queer. No woman in her sane senses would give herself away as she does. The brother is a cripple, and queer too. Never you marry into that lot, Haverleigh! They have some hereditary taint." "I have no intention of marrying anyone but Sybil," said Leo, dryly; "but did you see how Hale backed out of his false position?" "Yes; and I believe he has more to do with this matter than you think. I should not be at all surprised to find that he and Mrs Gabriel for some reason had been working together against you. Oh! there has been--there may be yet some conspiracy against you." "I can understand Hale conspiring," said Leo; "he wants to marry Sybil, and wishes Edith to become my wife. But Mrs Gabriel, why should she?" "We have yet to find that out," interrupted Marton. "Go and see what the vicar says. I must be alone for a time. I want to think the matter out. At all events, Hale has acknowledged that he lent you the money, in the presence of witnesses. You are all right in that quarter. I daresay he'll make another attempt to best you, though." "Nonsense. Did you not hear him say that he was going abroad with his sister? I think he will leave me alone now." "Perhaps," replied Marton, thoughtfully. "We'll see. I'll believe he is going abroad when he is across the Channel. I'm off for a long walk," and the detective set off at a brisk pace. Leo thought no more about this especial matter, leaving it entirely to Marton. Forthwith he returned to the Vicarage, saw Mr Tempest, and then and there asked him if he objected to him as a suitor for Sybil. At this very direct question Mr Tempest wriggled and looked uncomfortable. "You put a very painful question to me, Leo," he said, after a pause. "I am ashamed of myself for having thought so ill of you, and I should like to make amends, if possible. I know that you are attached to Sybil, but now that you are at variance with your aunt, I do not see that you are justified in asking me to consent to this engagement."