Now, my dear, I have a case to look over, and you must excuse me to-night.

To-morrow we shall know more concerning Mr.Mostyn, and it is easier to talk about certainties than probabilities." But if conversation ceased about Mr.Mostyn, thought did not; for, a couple of hours afterwards, Ethel tapped at her aunt's door and said, "Just a moment, Ruth." "Yes, dear, what is it ?" "Did you notice what father said about the mortgage on Rawdon Manor"' "Yes." "He seemed to know all about it." "I think he does know all about it." "Do you think he holds it ?" "He may do so--it is not unlikely." "Oh! Then Mr.Fred Mostyn, if he is to inherit Rawdon, would like the mortgage removed ?" "Of course he would." "And the way to remove it would be to marry the daughter of the holder of the mortgage ?" "It would be one way." "So he is coming to look me over.

I am a matrimonial possibility.

How do you like that idea, Aunt Ruth ?" "I do not entertain it for a moment.

Mr.Mostyn may not even know of the mortgage.