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 have been annoyed; but, believe me, I appreciate your prompt desire to serve me, and feel much indebted to your kindness."

"I hope you'll not mention it, ma'am," replied Legge. "I only wish they had been discovered. They were here again in the course of the night, I understand, ma'am!"

"Here—what this last night?" enquired the reverend gentleman.

"Oh, yes, sir!" interposed Judkins. "The door was wide open again this morning."

"Jones! Jones!" exclaimed the reverend gentleman, shaking his head at him very severely; 'Jones! this day month, sir, you quit my service."

Jones felt that he deserved this, and therefore said nothing: nor, indeed, did Aunt Eleanor then, although she made up her mind to restore him to favour; but turning to Legge, she observed—in order to save the reverend gentleman from ridicule—"As I feel that you see the necessity for putting an end to these annoyances, Mr. Legge, I am sure you will think with me that the occurrences of this morning should go no further."

"You may rest assured that I will not open my lips on the subject to any living soul."

"You see, if it be known that preparations for a discovery are made, those tiresome people will be on their guard; and although my object is prevention, not punishment, they may for a time cease their annoyances and then recommence them."

"I understand, ma'am," replied Legge. "Not a word shall escape me. I'd give five pounds out of my own pocket, ma'am, to know who they are, because I cannot imagine what they can mean! And now, sir," he added, addressing the reverend gentleman, "I have to apologise."

"No, not a word: not a word, Mr. Legge. You acted very properly—very."

"But I'm sorry that I handled you so roughly."

"Your conduct, Mr. Legge, was extremely correct: nothing could have been more correct—nothing. I'll therefore not hear a word in the shape of an apology—not a single word."

Legge then respectfully bowed to them both and left the cottage: and Jones, who felt very uncomfortable, tried to leave too, but Aunt Eleanor perceiving his object, said, "I wish to have a word with you, Jones, before you go. Cook," she added, "bring me a jug of warm ale.—You can go now, Judkins, and attend to your horses. My dear sir, now do go into the breakfast-room and warm yourself: your hands are like ice. How could you think of letting the fire out?"

"Really I am ashamed," said the reverend gentleman.

"I ought to be ashamed," interrupted Aunt Eleanor, "of having taxed your kindness to such an extent! But go to the fire, there's a good creature. We'll talk about this by-and-by: Jones and I have a word or two to say to each other: we shall soon have settled our little business. Excuse me five minutes, I shall very soon join you."

The reverend gentleman then repaired to the breakfast-room, and cook soon appeared with a jug of warm ale, which she handed to her