"He wanted it done quietly, and I, after a bit, agreed to do it. But though we ain't friends over business matters, Jabez Rowle, I know you to be a man of strong common-sense and integrity, and I thought you would give me a good bit of advice. But this seems to alter the case. Would you lend it?" "Humph! Two five hundreds are not much out of fifty thousand," said Mr Jabez; "but what does he want the money for? 'Tain't for the business." "No," said Mr Grimstone, "because he said he didn't want Mr Ruddle to know. I say, what would you do? I shouldn't like to offend Lister." "Do? Well, I've lent the money," said Mr Jabez, taking a savage pinch. "And would you do the same if you were me?" replied Mr Grimstone. "It's a lot of money; years of savings, you know, and--" He made some kind of gesticulation, and I fancy he pointed with his thumb over his shoulder at me. "Look here, Grace," said Mr Rowle, "go downstairs and ask Mr Ruddle to send me up Mr Hendry's letter about his book." I got down off my stool, and left them together in the glass case, going straight down to the office, where, in place of Mr Ruddle, I round Mr Lister, and told him my business. "I don't know where it is," he replied. "I leave it till Mr Ruddle comes in. But look here, Grace, I wanted you. Miss Carr was asking how you got on. Take this note there--you know where she lives--and give it to her herself. But before you go up there take this note to Norfolk Street, Strand. No answer." He took four written slips of stamped blue paper from his pocket, and I saw him write across them, blot them hastily, and refold and place them in a letter, which he carefully sealed. After which, I noticed that he tore off and destroyed the piece of blotting-paper that he had used. I thought no more of it then, but it came up in connection with matters that afterwards occurred. I hurried upstairs, and told Mr Jabez Rowle that Mr Lister wanted me to go out, Mr Grimstone being still in close conference with him in the glass case. "Where are you going, boy?" said the latter. "To Miss Carr's with a note, sir," I said; and the two old men exchanged glances of intelligence. "All right, Grace," said Mr Jabez, nodding; "we're not busy. You can go." I hurried away, thinking no more of them or their conversation; but I was obliged to go into the composing-room below, to hurry up to Mr Hallett's frame, where, stern-looking and half-repellent, he was rapidly setting a piece of manuscript. "I'm going to Miss Carr's," I whispered, while my face glowed with pleasure. "Indeed!" he said, starting; and my bright face might have been reflected in his, such a change passed over his speaking countenance. "I've to take a note from Mr Lister and to wait for an answer," I said; and I felt startled at the rapid change as he heard these last words. "Are you ill?" I cried anxiously.