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Instantly Anstice guessed as to follow; and he knocked the ashes out of his pipe with a rather iesture which was not lost on the other man

"If you will listen to me for one moment," said Carey hastily, "you may then refuse to discuss the subject if you wish But I think it will really be better if you can bring yourself to listen to ainst the other man's moderation; and he spoke with creditable mildness

"I think I knohat you want to say, Carey Is it--this interesting subject--concerned with certain state made about me--anonymously--in the parish?"

Carey's face lost a little of its uneasiness

"Yes," he said, "since you appear to be already acquainted with the fact there is no use in denying it Indeed, I don't wish to do so, seeing that is what I came to say to you"

"You have received such a letter yourself?"

"Yes I received a letter this "

"I see" For a ether; and the other , was struck, as Sir Richard had been on the previous day, by the look of suffering in his face "Well, Carey, is it asking you too ainst me took? Or have you the letter with you?"

"No I burnt the letter immediately," Carey answered "Naturally such cootten--at once But"--he hesitated--"the fact is I have since discovered that I am not the only person to be addressed by the unknown correspondent"

"Indeed?" Anstice's eyes flashed "Is it pery, and it was evident a conflict was taking place in his le was, however, soon terminated, and he answered Anstice's question resolutely

"Yes, it is quite perained the consent of the other--victily--"to tell you, if necessary, as being said behind your back"

"Well?" Anstice's tone was peremptory, but his friend did not resent it

"The other anonye--was addressed to the wife of your colleague--I don't think he's your rival--Dr Willows"

"Oh!" Anstice opened his eyes; he had not expected this revelation "Poor little woman! What a shame to victimize her!"