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248 wife off. He need no longer consider her, but reward his dear Molly for her unremitting devotion to him, by leaving more power in her hands at his death. The staunch old family solicitor saw clearly the influence that had been brought to bear on a weak mind, brooding for the past four months over his niece's defection. Could this evil influence be counteracted by any means? Only by Elizabeth herself, if she could be brought to return. George's letter had informed him of the amazing coincidence which had brought him and Miss Shaw together. He must see his nephew; he must sound him as to the girl's frame of mind; if expedient, he must send him down to Farley. In the mean time the new will was being engrossed; but Mr. Twisden was resolved to put as many delays in the way of its execution as possible. He regarded it as little short of iniquitous. William Shaw had not made one penny of the money himself; it was an inheritance from his father, and, as such, should in justice return to the only representative of the family. All this had been fully explained to George by his uncle after breakfast that morning. He now asked the young man if he could suggest any means whereby Miss Shaw could, in her own interests, be brought to England.

"My opinion is that nothing will bring her," replied the young man—"unless, perhaps, it were her uncle's dangerous illness. Of course, you understand that family matters were never touched on between us. She had no idea that I knew who she was, or had ever heard of Mr. William Shaw. But there could be no mistaking her horror at the thought of returning to England."

"Then there is nothing to be done. For, even if it were