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1 FROM THE SIXTH TO THE THIRTEENTH OF JANUARY Manston had evidently resolved to do nothing in a hurry

This much was plain, that his earnest desire and intention was to raise in Cytherea's bosos of permanent aversion to him

The instant after the first burst of disappointment had escaped him in the hotel at Southampton, he had seen how far better it would be to lose her presence for a week than her respect for ever

'She shall beyet,' he insisted

And then he see that object, which, to all those ere in any degree acquainted with the recent event, appeared the least likely of possible contingencies

He returned to Knapwater late the next day, and was preparing to call on Miss Aldclyffe, when the conclusion forced itself upon hiained by such a step No; every action of his should be done openly--even religiously At least, he called on the rector, and stated this to be his resolve

'Certainly,' said Mr Raunham, 'it is best to proceed candidly and fairly, or undue suspicion may fall on you You should, in my opinion, take active steps at once' 'I will do the utmost that lies in ossip that has been set going about me

But what can I do? They say that the man who comes first in the chain of inquiry is not to be found--I mean the porter' 'I am sorry to say that he is not When I returned fro Owen Graye off, I went again to the cottage where he has been lodging, to get one out at dusk, saying he would be back soon But he has not coain' 'Had I known of this, I would have done what in --set a watch upon hi wife as a preli your solicitor in the meanti on the word as he pronounced it 'Yes, that see' He went home and remained moodily indoors all the next day and the next--for nearly a week, in short Then, one evening at dusk, he went out with an uncertain air as to the direction of his walk, which resulted, however, in leading hiain to the rectory