Durban looked pale, and wiped his face with a shaking hand. "He's a creature who did some dirty work for the late master." "For Mr. Paslow?" demanded Mrs. Lilly, who always spoke of Vivian's father in that way. "For Mr. Alpenny," explained Durban, becoming more himself. "He is an old scoundrel of nearly sixty years of age." "He doesn't look it," said Beatrice. "Strange as it may seem to you, missy, Waterloo has his vanity. He wears a wig, and his teeth are false. But he is old and wicked, and has been no end of times in prison. Mr. Alpenny employed him to do some business in the slums, and he was several times down at The Camp. I think he's a thief." "I never saw him before, Durban." "And you'll never see him again, missy," said the old servant emphatically. "Mr. Alpenny, as I told you, had to do with a lot of rogues and vagabonds, as many a money-lender has. But that sort of thing is all done with. Waterloo will never trouble you again." "I am glad of that," said the girl, who was quite pale. "His presence seemed to taint the air. What a horrible man!" "Why does he want to see Mr. Vivian?" asked Mrs. Lilly sharply. Durban wheeled quickly. "He wants to see Mr. Paslow, does he? H'm! I wonder why that is?" "I am quite sure you can explain," said Beatrice, who was piqued at being always kept in the dark. Durban cast a look of pain on her, but replied quietly enough, "Perhaps I do, missy. Mr. Paslow, as I told you, had something to do with my late master's business." "I never knew that," said Beatrice, remembering what Alpenny had hinted about Vivian's crimes. "Ridiculous!" cried Mrs. Lilly, bristling. "Master Vivian is a gentleman, and would not meddle with your Alpennys and Waterloos.--Begging your pardon, my young lady, since Mr. Alpenny was your father." "My stepfather," corrected Beatrice again.--"Well, Durban, if you won't tell me, I'll ask Mr. Paslow myself." "Do, missy; I am quite sure he can explain. And don't trouble your pretty head any more about Waterloo, as there is trouble enough in the house now." "What do you mean by that?" asked the girl, her heart giving a bound. Durban pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. "I was coming to look for you," he said, "and I am glad that you called me. Major Ruck is in the drawing-room." "Who is he?" asked Mrs. Lilly. "He was a friend of my late master's." "Then I hope he is a more respectable friend than the one we have seen," said the housekeeper indignantly. "Mercy me and all the silver and china ornaments in the drawing-room!" and she hurried towards the house. "It is all right, Mrs. Lilly; you will find Major Ruck quite a gentleman, and very presentable. He is a friend of Lady Watson's too."