As they were letting themselves out of the house, assisted by the ground-floor domestic, who, scenting mystery in the air, politely volunteered to open the hall door in order that she might investigate the countenances of the Miss Kings' visitors and perchance gather some enlightenment therefrom, Patty, dry-eyed and excited, came flying downstairs, and pounced upon the old man. "Mr. Brion, Mr. Brion, Elizabeth says she hopes you will be _sure_ not to divulge what we have discovered to _anybody_," she panted breathlessly (at the same time glancing at her lover's back as he stood on the door-step). "It is of the utmost consequence to her to keep it quiet for a little longer." "But, my dear, what object can Elizabeth have in waiting _now?_ Surely it is better to have it over at once, and settled. I thought of walking up to the club by-and-bye, with the papers, and having a word with Mr. Yelverton." "Of course it is better to have it over," assented Patty. "I know your time is precious, and I myself am simply frantic till I can tell Mrs. Duff-Scott. So is Elizabeth. But there is something she must do first--I can't tell you the particulars--but she _must_ have a few hours' start--say till to-morrow evening--before you speak to Mr. Yelverton or take any steps. I am sure she will do _whatever_ you wish, after that." The lawyer hesitated, suspicious of the wisdom of the delay, but not seeing how much harm could happen, seeing that he had all the precious documents in his own breast pocket; then he reluctantly granted Patty's request, and the girl went upstairs again with feet not quite so light as those that had carried her down. Upstairs, however, she subordinated her own interests to the consideration of her sister's more pressing affairs. "Elizabeth," she said, with fervid and portentous solemnity, "this is a crisis for you, and you must be bold and brave. It is no time for shilly-shallying--you have twenty-four hours before you, and you must _act_. If you don't, you will see that he will just throw up everything, and be too proud to take it back. He will lose all his money and the influence for good that it gives him, and _you_ will lose _him_." "How shall I act?" asked Elizabeth, leaning instinctively upon this more courageous spirit. "How?" echoed Patty, looking at her sister with brilliant eyes. "Oh!" drawing a long breath, and speaking with a yearning passion that it was beyond the power of good grammar to express--"oh, if it was only _me!_" CHAPTER XXXIX. AN ASSIGNATION.