It related to Bella's unprofitable farm on Beaver Creek, which her husband was resolved to turn to better account, and from which he had, immediately after his marriage, desired Mr.Bellairs to use the shortest method of ejecting the tenants who now occupied it.

Something had already been done, but Doctor Morton fancied too tardily, and he had been urging upon his brother-in-law more vigorous measures.

The conclusion of their conversation was this:-- "And I wish, if possible, you would let Clarkson understand that it is quite useless to send his wife to plague Bella.

She agrees with me that women had better always leave business to their husbands, and I have no intention of letting her be humbugged out of her property." "Very well," said Mr.Bellairs, not altogether pleased with this speech, "only I warn you, Clarkson is an awkward fellow to deal with, and if you do turn him out, you may expect him to revenge himself in any and every way he can." Doctor Morton laughed.

"I give him leave," he said.