THE scene must follow my erratic movements--the scene must closeon London for a while, and open in Edinburgh. Two days had passedsince Major Fitz-David's dinner-party. I was able to breatheagain freely, after the utter destruction of all my plans for thefuture, and of all the hopes that I had founded on them. I couldnow see that I had been trebly in the wrong--wrong in hastily andcruelly suspecting an innocent woman; wrong in communicating mysuspicions (without an attempt to verify them previously) toanother person; wrong in accepting the flighty inferences andconclusions of Miserrimus Dexter as if they had been solidtruths. I was so ashamed of my folly, when I thought of thepast--so completely discouraged, so rudely shaken in myconfidence in myself, when I thought of the future, that, foronce in a way, I accepted sensible advice when it was offered tome. "My dear," said good old Benjamin, after we had thoroughlytalked over my discomfiture on our return from the dinner-party,"judging by what you tell me of him, I don't fancy Mr. Dexter.Promise me that you will not go back to him until you have firstconsulted some person who is fitter to guide you through thisdangerous business than I am.

I gave him my promise, on one condition. "If I fail to find theperson," I said, "will you undertake to help me?"

Benjamin pledged himself to help me, cheerfully.

The next morning, when I was brushing my hair, and thinking overmy affairs, I called to mind a forgotten resolution of mine atthe time I first read the Report of my husband's Trial. I meanthe resolution--if Miserrimus Dexter failed me--to apply to oneof the two agents (or solicitors, as we should term them) who hadprepared Eustace's defense--namely, Mr. Playmore. This gentleman,it may be remembered, had especially recommended himself to myconfidence by his friendly interference when the sheriff'sofficers were in search of my husband's papers. Referring back tothe evidence Of "Isaiah Schoolcraft," I found that Mr. Playmorehad been called in to assist and advise Eustace by MiserrimusDexter. He was therefore not only a friend on whom I might rely,but a friend who was personally acquainted with Dexter as well.Could there be a fitter man to apply to for enlightenment in thedarkness that had now gathered around me? Benjamin, when I putthe question to him, acknowledged that I had made a sensiblechoice on this occasion, and at once exerted himself to help me.He discovered (through his own lawyer) the address of Mr.Playmore's London agents; and from these gentlemen he obtainedfor me a letter of introduction to Mr. Playmore himself. I hadnothing to conceal from my new adviser; and I was properlydescribed in the letter as Eustace Macallan's second wife.

The same evening we two set forth (Benjamin refused to let metravel alone) by the night mail for Edinburgh.

I had previously written to Miserrimus Dexter (by my old friend'sadvice), merely saying that I had been unexpectedly called awayfrom London for a few days, and that I would report to him theresult of my interview with Lady Clarinda on my return. Acharacteristic answer was brought back to the cottage by Ariel:"Mrs. Valeria, I happen to be a man of quick perceptions; and Ican read the _unwritten_ part of your letter. Lady Clarinda hasshaken your confidence in me. Very good. I pledge myself to shakeyour confidence in Lady Clarinda. In the meantime I am notoffended. In serene composure I await the honor and the happinessof your visit. Send me word by telegraph whether you would likeTruffles again, or whether you would prefer something simpler andlighter--say that incomparable French dish, Pig's Eyelids andTamarinds. Believe me always your ally and admirer, your poet andcook--DEXTER."

Arrived in Edinburgh, Benjamin and I had a little discussion. Thequestion in dispute between us was whether I should go with hi m,or go alone, to Mr. Playmore. I was all for going alone.

"My experience of the world is not a very large one," I said."But I have observed that, in nine cases out of ten, a man willmake concessions to a woman, if she approaches him by her self,which he would hesitate even to consider if another man waswithin hearing. I don't know how it is--I only know that it isso; If I find that I get on badly with Mr. Playmore, I will askhim for a second appointment, and, in that case, you shallaccompany me. Don't think me self-willed. Let me try my luckalone, and let us see what comes of it."

Benjamin yielded, with his customary consideration for me. I sentmy letter of introduction to Mr. Playmore's office--his privatehouse being in the neighborhood of Gleninch. My messenger broughtback a polite answer, inviting me to visit him at an early hourin the afternoon. At the appointed time, to the moment, I rangthe bell at the office door.