CHAPTER XXVI. 

A THIRD PARTY IS SO OBJECTIONABLE. 

Hugh Stanbury went in search of Trevelyan immediately on his return to London, and found his friend at his rooms in Lincoln's Inn. 

"I have executed my commission," said Hugh, endeavouring to speak of what he had done in a cheery voice. 

"I am much obliged to you, Stanbury; very much;--but I do not know that I need trouble you to tell me anything about it." 

"And why not?" 

"I have learned it all from that--man." 

"What man?" 

"From Bozzle. He has come back, and has been with me, and has learned everything." 

"Look here, Trevelyan;--when you asked me to go down to Devonshire, you promised me that there should be nothing more about Bozzle. I expect you to put that rascal, and all that he has told you, out of your head altogether. You are bound to do so for my sake, and you will be very wise to do so for your own." 

"I was obliged to see him when he came." 

"Yes, and to pay him, I do not doubt. But that is all done, and should be forgotten." 

"I can't forget it. Is it true or untrue that he found that man down there? Is it true or untrue that my wife received Colonel Osborne at your mother's house? Is it true or untrue that Colonel Osborne went down there with the express object of seeing her? Is it true or untrue that they had corresponded? It is nonsense to bid me to forget all this. You might as well ask me to forget that I had desired her neither to write to him, nor to see him." 
Did he come back with him?
He has come back, and has been with me, 