“Perhaps I ought not to propose any course of action until you, Henry, have yourself done so; but even at the risk of being presumptuous, I will say that I am firmly of opinion you ought to leave the Hall.” “I am inclined to think so, too,” said Henry. “But the creditors?” interposed Charles. “I think they might be consulted on the matter beforehand,” added Marchdale, “when no doubt they would acquiesce in an arrangement which could do them no harm.” “Certainly, no harm,” said Henry, “for I cannot take the estate with me, as they well know.” “Precisely. If you do not like to sell it, you can let it.” “To whom?” “Why, under the existing circumstances, it is not likely you would get any tenant for it than the one who has offered himself.” “Sir Francis Varney?” “Yes. It seems to be a great object with him to live here, and it appears to me, that notwithstanding all that has occurred, it is most decidedly the best policy to let him.” Nobody could really deny the reasonableness of this advice, although it seemed strange, and was repugnant to the feelings of them all, as they heard it. There was a pause of some seconds’ duration, and then Henry said,— “It does, indeed, seem singular, to surrender one’s house to such a being.” “Especially,” said Charles, “after what has occurred.” “True.” “Well,” said Mr. Marchdale, “if any better plan of proceeding, taking the whole case into consideration, can be devised, I shall be most happy.” “Will you consent to put off all proceedings for three days?” said Charles Holland, suddenly. “Have you any plan, my dear sir?” said Mr. Marchdale. “I have, but it is one which I would rather say nothing about for the present.” “I have no objection,” said Henry, “I do not know that three days can make any difference in the state of affairs. Let it be so, if you wish, Charles.” “Then I am satisfied,” said Charles. “I cannot but feel that, situated as I am regarding Flora, this is almost more my affair than even yours, Henry.” “I cannot see that,” said Henry. “Why should you take upon yourself more of the responsibility of these affairs than I, Charles? You induce in my mind a suspicion that you have some desperate project in your imagination, which by such a proposition you would seek to reconcile me to.” Charles was silent, and Henry then added,— “Now, Charles, I am quite convinced that what I have hinted at is the fact. You have conceived some scheme which you fancy would be much opposed by us?” “I will not deny that I have,” said Charles. “It is one, however, which you must allow me for the present to keep locked in my own breast.” “Why will you not trust us?” “For two reasons.” “Indeed!” “The one is, that I have not yet thoroughly determined upon the course I project; and the other is, that it is one in which I am not justified in involving any one else.”