Our mutual friend . is, that, in spite of all my pains to the contrary, chance hasnot confronted us together sooner — I have only to remind youthat you have been at my house, and to add that I have notchanged my residence. Sir, returned Lightwood, with a meaning glance towardsBella, my position is a truly painful one. I- hope that no com-plicity in a very dark transaction may attach to you, but you can-not fail to know that your own extraordinary conduct has laid youunder suspicion. I know it has, was all the reply. My professional duty, said Lightwood, hesitating, with anotherglance towards B
Our mutual friend . is, that, in spite of all my pains to the contrary, chance hasnot confronted us together sooner — I have only to remind youthat you have been at my house, and to add that I have notchanged my residence. Sir, returned Lightwood, with a meaning glance towardsBella, my position is a truly painful one. I- hope that no com-plicity in a very dark transaction may attach to you, but you can-not fail to know that your own extraordinary conduct has laid youunder suspicion. I know it has, was all the reply. My professional duty, said Lightwood, hesitating, with anotherglance towards Bella, is greatly at variance with my personalinclination: but I doubt, Mr. Handford, or Mr. Rokesmith, whetherI am justified in taking leave of you here, with your whole courseunexplained. Bella caught her husband by the hand. Dont be alarmed, my darling. Mr. Lightwood will find that heis quite justified in taking leave of me here. At all events, addedRokesmith, he will find that I mean to take leave of him LIGHTWOOD AT LAST. 728 OUR MUTUAL FRIEND. I think, sir, said Lightwood, you can scarcely deny thatwhen I came to your house on the occasion to which you have re-ferred, you avoided me of a set purpose. Mr. Lightwood, I assure you, I have no disposition to deny it,or intention to deny it. I should have continued to avoid you, inpursuance of the same set purpose, for a short time longer, if wehad not met now. I am going straight home, and shall remain athome to-morrow until noon. Hereafter, I hope we may be betteracquainted. Good day. Lightwood stood irresolute, but Bellas husband passed him inthe steadiest manner, with Bella on his arm; and they went homewithout encountering any further remonstrance or molestation fromany one. When they had dined and were alone, John Rokesmith said tohis wife, who had preserved her cheerfulness : And you dont askme, my dear, why I bore that name ? No, John love. I should dearly like to know, of course;(which her anxious face confirme
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