Good Mr.Fielden rejoiced; here was the very person,--the old friend of Sir Miles, the preceptor of Lucretia herself, evidently most attached to her, having influence over her,--the very person to whom to confide his embarrassment.

One day, therefore, when Dalibard had touched his heart by noticing the paleness of Susan, he took him aside and told him all.

"And now," concluded the pastor, hoping he had found one to relieve him of his dreaded and ungracious task, "don't you think that I--or rather you--as so old a friend, should speak frankly to Miss Clavering herself ?" "No, indeed," said the Provencal, quickly; "if we spoke to her, she would disbelieve us.

She would no doubt appeal to Mainwaring, and Mainwaring would have no choice but to contradict us.

Once put on his guard, he would control his very sadness.