I wanted to speak with you. I cannot, however, remain here now, for I am going to keep a business appointment with a gentleman at the office."

Going to buy off some more of your wife's followers, I suppose."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean," said George, rising, "to say that I was a witness to the disgraceful scene in which, not half an hour ago, you took a part. You, I believe, are only infatuated; as for the brazen creature, your wife

"That will do: we speak no more."

"We do speak more," said George, savagely, placing himself right in his uncle's path. "Now that we are on the subject, you shall, at any rate, be cautioned as to the doings of that artful, vicious——”

Bateman made a push to get past, which George resisted. There was a struggle, which did not last long. Bateman, on the upper ground, and with firmer sinews than George gave him credit for, overmastered the younger man, who had been shattered by the life which he had led for some time, and by his mental condition. Bateman thrust George aside, and was moving on, when the other, seized with one of his fits of rage, aimed a blow with the loaded

stick, which took effect on his head. Another blow, and Bateman fell, never to rise again, as it turned out. George, unsuspicious of any such resultrather, utterly regardless of results-strode away, panting and gnashing his teeth by turns. Before daylight he felt compunction for his behaviour; but long before he had formed any clear resolution as to making amends, he was aware of the fearful deed which he had done.

Mr Maunder waited at the office for a long time, much disappointed that Mr Bateman did not appear. At last he said to the office-man, "You will, of course, let Mr Bateman know how long I waited for him. May I ask you to take my portmanteau as far as the coach-office? The chaise in which I came across set me down with my baggage at this door."

Certainly the man would take the portmanteau. He did take it; and saw Mr Maunder off in the coach. There was only one other passenger inside, an exceedingly pleasant man, in high spirits, and without the slightest indication of a guilty conscience, as Maunder afterwards was called upon to declare on oath. The office-man, having seen Maunder off, could not feel easy about his master,

whom he had never in his life known to break an appointment. "It may be different when one gets married," said the man, who was himself a bachelor, to the coach-porter; "but, somehow, I don't half like it." At last, it being a fine night, he thought he would rather walk to Hillside and see what was the matter, than go to bed. Accordingly he set off, telling the porter whither he was bound, and took the short path through the coppice. Arriving at the place where the struggle had been, he saw by the light of the now risen moon a person lying by the roadside whom he soon recognised as his master. His heart failed him at the first sight. "Lord! Lord!" he sighed, "I thought somewhat was amiss." A short examination sufficed to show him that this was probably death; and, shocked as he was, his common-sense told him that it would be better not to move the body until it had been seen by others. So he returned to the town, roused some acquaintances, and procured the attendance of a surgeon. They went on their dismal task.

203

CHAPTER XI.

ITS CONSEQUENCES.

MRS BATEMAN sat waiting to hear her husband's footstep. He was after the hour which he had named, and Patty counted by minutes and seconds. The coach would hardly be much after time: if punctual, it had gone on three-quarters of an hour ago; even if it were a few minutes late, Bateman ought to have been at home before this. Presently she hears the sound of feet-of many feet, it seems. Then the steps of one person-not of her husband

-are distinct on the gravel. She is in the hall in an instant; recognises the office-man in the moonlight; unlocks the door and admits him. The prudent surgeon has foreseen that his own appearance would have told suddenly a tale of disaster, while the messenger might prepare for the shock if ever so little.

Sorry to tell you, ma'am, that master can't be up for a little. There's been a

She was past him in an instant and along the path to where a group of persons were seen supporting some one in the moonlight. She laid her lips on a face that was cold, stiffening. "My God! my God!" she shrieked, and fell into the arms of the surgeon.

One has but small inclination to dwell upon the events of that fearful night. The wretched woman-widow-was hastily placed in bed and cared for by the surgeon, who perceived that ere many hours should pass she must go through an extreme bodily trial in addition to the anguish of her mind. Her mother found her insensible, and so she continued for the short remainder of her life, with the exception of a few seconds after a dead baby had been born. During those few seconds she looked inquiringly at her mother, who, with a thrill of hope at this returning consciousness, leaned over her.

"Was it violence?" Patty murmured.

"The doctor fears so."

"Oh, Edward Roberts, how will you answer this?" gasped the miserable soul. Patty Bateman never