"You are going to take Philip to-night?" observed William.
"Yes; I shall want him to stay with the horse while we go in to the Palmers'. Heath Hall is a goodish step from the road, you know."
"I will tell my mother that the carriage is ready," said William, turning into the house.
But Mr. Arkell put up his finger with a detaining movement.
"Stop a minute, William. Marmaduke Carr's visit this evening had reference to you. He came to complain."
"To complain!—of me?" echoed William Arkell, his tone betraying his surprise. "What have I done to him?"
"At least, it sounded very like a complaint to my ears," resumed the elder man; "and though he did not say he came purposely to prefer it, but introduced the subject in an incidental sort of manner, I am sure he did come to do it."
"Well, what have I done?" repeated William, an amused expression mingling with the wonder on his face.
"After conversing on other topics, he began speaking of his son, and that Hughes girl. He has come to the determination, he says, of putting a final stop to it, and he requests it as a particular favour that you won't mix yourself up in the matter and will cease from encouraging Robert in it."
"I!" echoed William. "That's good. I don't encourage it."