"I cannot interfere in the matter, as Mr Groocock has my father's perfect confidence, and he probably considers the rent you have hitherto paid as too low." "Where there is a will there is a way; if you wished to serve me, Mr Castleton, you could do so," exclaimed Gaffin in an angry tone, as if his aim was to pick a quarrel with the young officer. "I have no wish to interfere, and have no intention of doing so," answered Harry. "I must again say good morning, sir." "You are willing to see an act of injustice done without any desire to prevent it," said Gaffin. "I do not believe that Mr Groocock would commit an act of injustice, and I consider it impertinent in you to infer that Sir Ralph Castleton acts unjustly." "I infer nothing; facts are stubborn things, Mr Castleton. I see how it is, your father wishes to drive me from the mill; but he is mistaken if he expects to succeed. If I am compelled, I will pay the additional rent, and remain, though I am not likely to be grateful to those who have ill-treated me. A few words from you would probably have favoured my cause." "I have already given you my answer, I cannot be longer delayed in discussing the subject," and Harry, putting spurs to his horse, rode on. Gaffin gave an angry glance towards the young officer, and then turning round, made his way towards the wing of the mansion in which Mr Groocock's office was situated. CHAPTER THIRTY THREE. THE BIRD FLOWN. Great was Harry's disappointment on reaching Downside to find that May was not there. His cousins also, he fancied, received him with less cordiality than usual. Had he understood their feelings better, he would have had no cause to complain. "Sit down, Harry," said Miss Jane, in a somewhat formal tone, Harry thought. "May has told us of your offer. You must be aware that we have no legal control over her, but we feel it our duty not to encourage your visits here until we know that you have the permission of Sir Ralph and Lady Castleton, and that, we have our fears, will not be very readily given. As far as we have the power, we purpose making the dear girl independent, and have sent for Mr Shallard to make our wills accordingly." "Bless you for the thought," exclaimed Harry, starting up. "I wish you would get Mr Shallard to make mine, and then, if I have to go to sea, and am killed before I marry, it will be a consolation that she is provided for." "Nothing but generosity would have prompted you to say that," observed Miss Mary. "We only act, my dear Harry, according to the dictates of duty; we must not encourage a son to disobey his parents." "Then you need not object to my coming here," answered Harry, brightening up. "I have told my mother, and I believe that I have won her over. She and Julia were delighted with May, as, of course, they must have been." Harry hoped that he had satisfied the consciences of the two good ladies. He begged them to let him know when Mr Shallard was coming over.