The doctor as he went down saw Lady Castleton and Julia, and charged them on no account to let Harry go out. "I cannot be answerable for his life if he does," he observed, more, perhaps, for the sake of inducing them to be firm on the subject than because he had any apprehension of Harry's safety. Sir Ralph kept to his resolution of going over to Downside. He set out followed by his groom, both of them carrying pistols in their holsters, while the baronet in addition wore a sword by his side, in case any of the gang of ruffians who had attacked his son might set upon him. The Miss Pembertons had in the meantime kept to their purpose of making a will in favour of Maiden May. Mr Shallard arrived unexpectedly one morning. They explained their views, and as there was nothing intricate, he was able to draw it up at once, and Adam Halliburt and their gardener, who had been sent for, acted as witnesses. Adam's satisfaction at seeing his Maiden May thus amply provided for was very great. "God bless you, ladies," he exclaimed; "if there is anything that could make me feel happy it is this." "I remember your mentioning the little girl to me some years ago," observed Mr Shallard to Adam; "and I am afraid we have been remiss in not making more efforts to ascertain to what family she can belong, although the difficulties have increased by the length of time which has elapsed. The expense, however, will, I fear, be considerable, though really for the sake of so interesting a young lady I should be happy to bear it." "If it would prove to May's interest to discover her parents I would also assist, and so would my sister Mary," said Miss Jane. "We will see what can be done," said Mr Shallard, at length preparing to take his departure. Just as he reached the hall door, Sir Ralph rode up. "Good-day, Mr Shallard. What, have my good cousins been requiring your services?" "Had I called professionally I should have been bound not to reveal the business even to you, my most respected client," answered the lawyer evasively. "I trust you can give me a favourable account of Lieutenant Castleton. We must hunt up the scoundrels who attacked him, but as yet the myrmidons of justice have made no progress I fear." "They have not, and the country is indeed in an unsatisfactory condition when such outrages as have lately occurred can be perpetrated with impunity," observed Sir Ralph. Mr Shallard, however, not wishing to have any longer conversation with the baronet, wished him "good morning," and rode off. May had just been summoned to the drawing-room after the lawyer's departure. She was seated by Miss Mary's side, engaged with her needle, the light which streamed through the bay window falling on her fair countenance, and showing the golden hue in her hair. Had she intentionally placed herself in a position for appearing to the best advantage, she could not have been more successful. Miss Jane was seated nearer the door, when the baronet entered.