“Have you any plan, my dear sir?” said Mr. Marchdale.

“I have, but it is one which I would rather say nothing about for the present.”

“I have no objection,” said Henry, “I do not know that three days can make any difference in the state of affairs.  Let it be so, if you wish, Charles.”

“Then I am satisfied,” said Charles.  “I cannot but feel that, situated as I am regarding Flora, this is almost more my affair than even yours, Henry.”

“I cannot see that,” said Henry.  “Why should you take upon yourself more of the responsibility of these affairs than I, Charles?  You induce in my mind a suspicion that you have some desperate project in your imagination, which by such a proposition you would seek to reconcile me to.”

Charles was silent, and Henry then added,—­

“Now, Charles, I am quite convinced that what I have hinted at is the fact.  You have conceived some scheme which you fancy would be much opposed by us?”

“I will not deny that I have,” said Charles.  “It is one, however, which you must allow me for the present to keep locked in my own breast.”

“Why will you not trust us?”

“For two reasons.”

“Indeed!”

“The one is, that I have not yet thoroughly determined upon the course I project; and the other is, that it is one in which I am not justified in involving any one else.”

“Charles, Charles,” said Henry, despondingly; “only consider for a moment into what new misery you may plunge poor Flora, who is, Heaven knows, already sufficiently afflicted, by attempting an enterprise which even we, who are your friends, may unwittingly cross you in the performance of.”

“This is one in which I fear no such result.  It cannot so happen.  Do not urge me.”

“Can’t you say at once what you think of doing?” said the old admiral.  “What do you mean by turning your sails in all sorts of directions so oddly?  You sneak, why don’t you be what do you call it—­explicit?”

“I cannot, uncle.”

“What, are you tongue-tied?”

“All here know well,” said Charles, “that if I do not unfold my mind fully, it is not that I fear to trust any one present, but from some other most special reason.”

“Charles, I forbear to urge you further,” said Henry, “and only implore you to be careful.”

At this moment the room door opened, and George Bannerworth, accompanied by Mr. Chillingworth, came in.

“Do not let me intrude,” said the surgeon; “I fear, as I see you seated, gentlemen, that my presence must be a rudeness and a disturbance to some family consultation among yourselves?”

“Not at all, Mr. Chillingworth,” said Henry.  “Pray be seated; we are very glad indeed to see you.  Admiral Bell, this is a friend on whom we can rely—­Mr. Chillingworth.”

“And one of the right sort, I can see,” said the admiral, as he shook Mr. Chillingworth by the hand.