You will be present to receive our distinguished friend with me.

And mind this!" added Miss Pink, in her most impressive manner, "If Mr.Hardyman should by any chance ask why you have left Lady Lydiard, not one word about those disgraceful circumstances which connect you with the loss of the banknote! I should sink into the earth if the smallest hint of what has really happened should reach Mr.Hardyman's ears.

My child, I stand towards you in the place of your lamented mother; I have the right to command your silence on this horrible subject, and I do imperatively command it." In these words foolish Miss Pink sowed the seed for the harvest of trouble that was soon to come..