He continued,-- "Whatever that transaction may have been, I wish to know nothing about it.

I was much attached to Mr.Mainwaring and respected him highly, and I want to respect his memory; and I will tell you frankly what I most dread in this coming contest.

I expect nothing else but that either that woman or Hobson will drag the affair out from its hiding-place, and will hold it up for the public to gloat over, as it always does.

I hate to see a man's reputation blackened in that way, especially when that man was my friend and his own lips are sealed in death." "It is a pity," said Scott, slowly; "but if one wishes to leave behind him an untarnished reputation, he must back it up, while living, with an unblemished character." "Well," said the attorney, tentatively, after another pause, "Mr.
Mainwaring's character, whatever it may have been before we were associated with him, certainly had no effect upon your life or mine, hence I feel that it is nothing with which we are directly concerned; and I believe, in fact I know, that it will be for your interest, Mr.
Scott, if you say nothing regarding whatever knowledge you may have of the past." Mr.Whitney, watching the effect of his words, suddenly saw an expression totally unlike anything he had ever seen on the face of the secretary, and yet strangely familiar.
Scott turned and faced him, with eyes cold and cynical and that seemed to pierce him through and through, remarking, in tones of quiet irony, "I am greatly obliged for your advice, Mr.Whitney, regarding my interests, but it is not needed.

Furthermore, I think all your thought and attention will be required to look after the interests of Ralph Mainwaring," and without waiting for reply, he stepped through one of the low, old-fashioned windows opening upon the veranda and disappeared, leaving the attorney alone.
"By George, but that was cool!" ejaculated the latter.