To impede his possessing himself of this property, fate had restored to the scene the penitent of the morning, who, as he had too much reason to believe, was returned to this neighbourhood, to do justice to Clara Mowbray, and who was not unlikely to put the whole story of the marriage on its right footing.

She, however, might be got rid of; and it might still be possible to hurry Miss Mowbray, by working on her fears, or through the agency of her brother, into a union with him while he still preserved the title of Lord Etherington.

This, therefore, he resolved to secure, if effort or if intrigue could carry the point; nor was it the least consideration, that, should he succeed, he would obtain over Tyrrel, his successful rival, such a triumph, as would be sufficient to embitter the tranquillity of his whole life.
In a few minutes, his rapid and contriving invention had formed a plan for securing the sole advantage which seemed to remain open for him; and conscious that he had no time to lose, he entered immediately upon the execution.
The bell summoned Solmes to his lordship's apartment, when the Earl, as coolly as if he had hoped to dupe his experienced valet by such an assertion, said, "You have brought me a packet designed for some man at the Aultoun--let it be sent to him--Stay,--I will re-seal it first." He accordingly re-sealed the packet, containing all the writings, excepting the letter of advice, (which he had burnt,) and gave it to the valet, with the caution, "I wish you would not make such blunders in future." "I beg your lordship's pardon--I will take better care again--thought it was addressed to your lordship." So answered Solmes, too knowing to give the least look of intelligence, far less to remind the Earl that his own directions had occasioned the mistake of which he complained.
"Solmes," continued the Earl, "you need not mention your blunder at the post-office; it would only occasion tattle in this idle place--but be sure that the gentleman has his letter .-- And, Solmes, I see Mr.Mowbray walk across--ask him to dine with me to-day at five.

I have a headache, and cannot face the clamour of the savages who feed at the public table .-- And let me see--make my compliments to Lady Penelope Penfeather--I will certainly have the honour of waiting on her ladyship this evening to tea, agreeably to her very boring invitation received--write her a proper card, and word it your own way.

Bespeak dinner for two, and see you have some of that batch of Burgundy." The servant was retiring, when his master added, "Stay a moment--I have a more important business than I have yet mentioned .-- Solmes, you have managed devilish ill about the woman Irwin!" "I, my lord ?" answered Solmes.
"Yes, you, sir--did you not tell me she had gone to the West Indies with a friend of yours, and did not I give them a couple of hundred pounds for passage-money ?" "Yes, my lord," replied the valet.
"Ay, but now it proves _no_, my lord," said Lord Etherington; "for she has found her way back to this country in miserable plight--half-starved, and, no doubt, willing to do or say any thing for a livelihood--How has this happened ?" "Biddulph must have taken her cash, and turned her loose, my lord," answered Solmes, as if he had been speaking of the most commonplace transaction in the world; "but I know the woman's nature so well, and am so much master of her history, that I can carry her off the country in twenty-four hours, and place her where she will never think of returning, provided your lordship can spare me so long." "About it directly--but I can tell you, that you will find the woman in a very penitential humour, and very ill in health to boot." "I am sure of my game," answered Solmes; "with submission to your lordship, I think if death and her good angel had hold of one of that woman's arms, the devil and I could make a shift to lead her away by the other." "Away and about it, then," said Etherington.