'That's settled,' said Tom, wearily, when he and Ethel, as often happened, had lingered behind the rest; 'only, Ethel, there's one thing. You must keep your eye on the Vintry Mill, and fire off a letter to me if the fellow shows any disposition to bolt.' 'If I can possibly find out--' 'Keep your eyes open; and then Hazlitt has promised to let me know if that cheque of Bilson's is cashed. If I am away, telegraph, and meantime set my father on the scent. It may not hang that dog himself, but it may save Leonard.' 'Oh, if it would come!' 'And meantime--silence, you know--' 'Very well;' then lingering, 'Tom, I am sure you did the right thing by Aubrey, and so was papa afterwards.' His brow darkened for a moment, but shaking it off he said, 'I'll do my best for your cosset lamb, and bring him back in condition.' 'Thank you; I had rather trust him with you than any one.' 'And how is it that no one proposes a lark for you, old Ethel?' said Tom, holding her so as to study her face. 'You look awfully elderly and ragged.' 'Oh, I'm going to be left alone with the Doctor, and that will be the greatest holiday I ever had.' 'I suppose it is to you,' said Tom, with a deep heavy sigh, perhaps glad to have some ostensible cause for sighing. 'Dear Tom, when you are living here, and working with him--' 'Ah--h!' he said almost with disgust, 'don't talk of slavery to me before my time. How I hate it, and everything else! Good night!' 'Poor Tom!' thought Ethel. 'I wish papa knew him better and would not goad him. Will Averil ever wake to see what she has done, and feel for him? Though I don't know why I should wish two people to be unhappy instead of one, and there is weight enough already. O, Leonard, I wonder if your one bitter affliction will shield you from the others that may be as trying, and more tempting!' CHAPTER XVIII All bright hopes and hues of day Have faded into twilight gray.--Christian Year 'No fear of Aubrey's failing,' said Tom; 'he has a better foundation than nine-tenths of the lads that go up, and he is working like a man.' 'He always did work heartily,' said Ethel, 'and with pleasure in his work.' 'Ay, like a woman.' 'Like a scholar.' 'A scholar is a kind of woman. A man, when he's a boy, only works because he can't help it, and afterwards for what he can get by it.' 'For what he can do with it would have a worthier sound.' 'Sound or sense, it is all the same.' 'Scaffolding granted, what is the building?'