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As to that otherJack and Sophie Mellerby, she could not bring herself to believe it She had certainly seen that they were good friends,--as would have been quite fit had Fred been engaged to her; but she had not conceived the possibility of any mistake on such a subject Surely Sophie herself knew better what she was about! Hoould she,--she, Lady Scroope,--answer it to Lady Sophia, if Sophie should go back to Mellerby fro but a coineers? Sophie had been sent to Scroope on purpose to be fallen in love with by the heir; and hoould it be with Lady Scroope if, in lieu of this, she should not only have been fallen in love with by the heir's younger brother, but have responded favourably to so base an affection?

That sa back to Ireland on the day but one following, thus curtailing his promised three weeks by two days "I am sorry that you are so much hurried, Fred," said the old o to London on business, and I proot leave that I wouldn't throw him over You see,--when one has a profession one must attend to it,--more or less"

"But you hardly need the profession"

"Thank you, uncle;--it is very kind of you to say so And as you wish me to leave it, I hen the year is over I have told the fellows that I shall stay till next October, and I shouldn't like to change now" The Earl hadn't another word to say

But on the day before Fred's departure there came a short note from Lady Mary Quin which s had reached her in athe return of Mr Neville Lady Mary thought that if Mr Neville's quarters could be moved from Ennis, it would be very expedient for many reasons She knew that enquiries had been ed to dine on a certain day with Father Marty the priest Father Marty would no doubt go any lengths to serve his friends the O'Haras Then Lady Mary was very anxious that not a word should be said to Mr Neville whichhi sent froht it best to tell the whole story to the Earl "But what can I do?" said the oldmen will form these acquaintances" His fears were evidently as yet less dark than those of his wife