Alice, in accordance with her promise, had told her father that the money was needed, and her father, in accordance with his promise, had procured it without a word of remonstrance.

Alice, as she had promised to do, had told her father that the money was needed, and her father had procured it without a word of remonstrance.


"Surely I must sign some paper," Alice had said.


But she had been contented when her father told her that the lawyers would manage all that.

But she had been content when her father told her that the lawyers would manage all that.


It was nearly the end of February when George Vavasor made his first payment to Mr. Scruby on behalf of the coming election; and when he called at Mr. Scruby's office with this object, he received some intelligence which surprised him not a little.

It was nearly the end of February when George Vavasor made his first payment to Mr. Scruby for the coming election; and when he called at Mr. Scruby's office, he received some news.


"You haven't heard the news," said Scruby.


"The Marquis is as nearly off the hooks as a man can be."

"The Marquis is as nearly dead as a man can be


Mr. Scruby, as he communicated the tidings, showed clearly by his face and voice that they were supposed to be of very great importance; but Vavasor did not at first seem to be as much interested in the fate of "the Marquis" as Scruby had intended.

," said Mr. Scruby, as if the matter were of very great importance.


There'll be sure to come another, so it don't much signify."


"There will come another, and that's just it.


It's the Marquis of Bunratty; and if he drops, our young Member will go into the Upper House."

"It's the Marquis of Bunratty; and if he drops, our young Member will go into the House of Lords."


"What, immediately; before the end of the Session?"


George, of course, knew well enough that such would be the case, but the effect which this event would have upon himself now struck him suddenly.

George now realised that there would be a by-election, sooner than expected.


I should be glad enough of it, only that I know that Travers's people have heard of it before us, and that they are ready to be up with their posters directly the breath is out of the Marquis's body.

"Unfortunately Travers's people heard of it before us, and are ready to be up with their posters directly the breath is out of the Marquis's body.


We must go to work immediately; that's all."


"It will only be for part of a Session," said George.


"And then there'll be the cost of another election."


"That's true," said Mr. Scruby; "but in such cases we do manage to make it come a little cheaper.

"That's true," said Mr. Scruby; "but in such cases we do manage to make it a little cheaper.


If you lick Travers now, it may be that you'll have a walk-over for the next."

If you beat Travers now, maybe you'll have a walk-over for the next."


He is going to open his house on Travers's side.

He is going to open his public house on Travers's side.


He came to me as bold as brass, and told me so, saying that he never liked gentlemen who kept him waiting for his odd money.

He came to me as bold as brass, saying that he never liked gentlemen who kept him waiting for money."


"We have not managed it very well, certainly," said Vavasor, looking nastily at the attorney.


"We can't help those little accidents, Mr. Vavasor.


There are worse accidents than that turn up almost daily in my business.


You may think yourself almost lucky that I haven't gone over to Travers myself.

You may think yourself lucky that I haven't gone over to Travers myself.


He is a Liberal, you know; and it hasn't been for want of an offer, I can tell you."


Vavasor was inclined to doubt the extent of his luck in this respect, and was almost disposed to repent of his Parliamentary ambition.

Vavasor almost repented of his Parliamentary ambition.


He would now be called upon to spend certainly not less than three thousand pounds of his cousin's money on the chance of being able to sit in Parliament for a few months.

He would now have to spend at least three thousand pounds of his cousin's money on the chance of being able to sit in Parliament for a few months.


And then, after what a fashion would he be compelled to negotiate that loan!


He might, to be sure, allow the remainder of this Session to run, and stand, as he had intended, at the general election; but he knew that if he now allowed a Liberal to win the seat, the holder of the seat would be almost sure of subsequent success.

He might, to be sure, wait for the general election; but if he allowed a Liberal to win the seat now, that holder of the seat would be almost sure to win it again.


He must either fight now, or give up the fight altogether; and he was a man who did not love to abandon any contest in which he had been engaged.

He must either fight now, or give up the fight altogether.


"Well, Squire," said Scruby, "how is it to be?"


And Vavasor felt that he detected in the man's voice some diminution of that respect with which he had hitherto been treated as a paying candidate for a metropolitan borough.

And Vavasor felt that he detected in the man's voice some lessening of respect.


"This lord is not dead yet," said Vavasor.


"No; he's not dead yet, that we have heard; but it won't do for us to wait.


We want every minute of time that we can get.


There isn't any hope for him, I'm told."


It's gout in the stomach, or dropsy at the heart, or some of those things that make a fellow safe to go."


"It won't do to wait for the next election?"


"If you ask me, I should say certainly not.


Indeed, I shouldn't wish to have to conduct it under such circumstances.


I hate a fight when there's no chance of success.


I grudge spending a man's money in such a case; I do indeed, Mr. Vavasor."


"I suppose Grimes's going over won't make much difference?"

"Will Grimes's going over make much difference?"


He'll take a hundred and fifty votes, I suppose; perhaps more.

"He'll take a hundred and fifty votes, I suppose.


But that is not much in such a constituency as the Chelsea districts.


You see, Travers played mean at the last election, and that will be against him."


"But the Conservatives will have a candidate."


"There's no knowing; but I don't think they will.


They'll try one at the general, no doubt; but if the two sitting Members can pull together, they won't have much of a chance."


Vavasor found himself compelled to say that he would stand; and Scruby undertook to give the initiatory orders at once, not waiting even till the Marquis should be dead.

Vavasor found himself compelled to say that he would stand; and Scruby undertook to give orders at once, not waiting even till the Marquis should be dead.


"We should have our houses open as soon as theirs," said he.


"If the worst comes to the worst," he said to himself, "I can always cut my throat."

, as he left the attorney's office, said to himself, "If the worst comes to the worst, I can always cut my throat."


As he walked from the attorney's office to his club he bethought himself that that might not unprobably be the necessary termination of his career.


His grandfather, who was eighty years of age, would not die,--appeared to have no symptoms of dying;--whereas this Marquis, who was not yet much over fifty, was rushing headlong out of the world, simply because he was the one man whose continued life at the present moment would be serviceable to George Vavasor.

His grandfather, who was eighty, would not die; whereas this Marquis, who was not much over fifty, was rushing headlong out of the world, simply to inconvenience George Vavasor.


As he thought of his grandfather he almost broke his umbrella by the vehemence with which he struck it against the pavement.

As he thought of his grandfather he almost broke his umbrella by vehemently striking it against the pavement.


What right could an ignorant old fool like that have to live for ever, keeping the possession of a property which he could not use, and ruining those who were to come after him?

What right could an ignorant old fool like that have to live for ever?


If now, at this moment, that wretched place down in Westmoreland could become his, he might yet ride triumphantly over his difficulties, and refrain from sullying his hands with more of his cousin's money till she should become his wife.

If that wretched place in Westmorland could become his now, he might yet ride triumphantly over his difficulties, and refrain from sullying his hands with more of his cousin's money till she should become his wife.


Even that thousand pounds had not passed through his hands without giving him much bitter suffering.

Even that thousand pounds had given him much bitter suffering.


As is always the case in such matters, the thing done was worse than the doing of it.


He had taught himself to look at it lightly whilst it was yet unaccomplished; but he could not think of it lightly now.

He had taught himself to look at it lightly before it was done; but he could not think of it lightly now.


It would have been better for him to take her money.


Any money would have been better than that upon which he had laid his sacrilegious hands.


If he could have cut a purse, after the old fashion, the stain of the deed would hardly have been so deep.


In these days,--for more than a month, indeed, after his return from Westmoreland,--he did not go near Queen Anne Street, trying to persuade himself that he stayed away because of her coldness to him.

In these days, he did not go near Queen Anne Street, trying to persuade himself that he stayed away because of Alice's coldness to him.


But, in truth, he was afraid of seeing her without speaking of her money, and afraid to see her if he were to speak of it.


someone said to him as he entered the club.


I suppose you'll be up for the Chelsea districts?"

I suppose you'll be up for election in the Chelsea districts?"


It was not till they had been for a day or two together at Lucerne that Mr. Grey told Mr. Palliser the story of George Vavasor's visit to him in Suffolk Street.

It was not till they had been together for a day or two at Lucerne that Mr. Grey told Mr. Palliser the story of George Vavasor's visit to him.


Having begun the history of his connection with Alice, he found himself obliged to go with it to the end, and as he described the way in which the man had vanished from the sight of all who had known him,--that he had in truth gone, so as no longer to be a cause of dread, he could not without dissimulation, keep back the story of that last scene.

Having begun the history of his connection with Alice, he found himself obliged to go on with it to the end.


"He should be caught and,--and--" Mr. Palliser hesitated, not liking to say boldly that the first cousin of the lady who was now living with him ought to be hung.


"He actually walked into your rooms in the day time, and fired a pistol at you as you were sitting at your breakfast!

"He actually walked into your rooms and fired a pistol as you were sitting at your breakfast!"


He did that in London, and then walked off and went abroad, as though he had nothing to fear!"


Mr. Palliser began to think that something ought to be done to make life more secure in the metropolis of the world.

Mr. Palliser began to think that something ought to be done to make life safer in the metropolis of the world.


Had he not known Mr. Grey, or been accustomed to see the other man in Parliament, he would not have thought so much about it.


But it was almost too much for him when he reflected that one man whom he now called his friend, had been nearly murdered in daylight, in the heart of his own part of London, by another man whom he had reckoned among his Parliamentary supporters.


said Palliser, putting all the circumstances of the case together.


In answer to this Mr. Grey said that he hoped the loss might eventually be his own; but that he was bound to regard the money which had been taken as part of Miss Vavasor's fortune.


"He is simply the greatest miscreant of whom I ever heard in my life," said Mr. Palliser.

"He is simply the greatest criminal I ever heard of.


"The wonder is that Miss Vavasor should ever have brought herself to--to like him."

The wonder is that Miss Vavasor should ever have brought herself to - to like him."


Then Mr. Grey apologized for Alice, explaining that her love for her cousin had come from her early years; that the man himself was clever and capable of assuming pleasant ways, and that he had not been wholly bad till ruin had come upon him.

Then Mr. Grey apologized for Alice, explaining that her love for her cousin had come from her early years; that the man himself was clever and could assume pleasant ways, and had not been wholly bad till ruin had come upon him.


"He attempted public life and made himself miserable by failing, as most men do who make that attempt," said Grey.

"He attempted public life and made himself miserable by failing, as most men do who make the attempt," he said.


This was a statement which Mr. Palliser could not allow to pass without notice.

Mr. Palliser could not allow that statement to pass without comment.


Whereupon the two men got away from George Vavasor and their own individual interests, and went on seriously discussing the merits and demerits of public life.

Whereupon the two men got away from George Vavasor, and went on seriously discussing the merits of public life as a parliamentarian.


"The end of it all is," said Grey at last, "that public men in England should be rich like you, and not poor like that miserable wretch, who has now lost everything that the Fates had given him."

"The end of it all is," said Grey at last, "that public men in England should be rich like you, and not poor like that miserable wretch, who has now lost everything."


They continued to live at Lucerne in this way for a fortnight.


Mr. Grey, though he was not unfrequently alone with Alice, did not plead his suit in direct words; but continued to live with her on terms of close and easy friendship.

Mr. Grey, though he was often alone with Alice, did not plead his suit, but continued to live with her on terms of close and easy friendship.


He had told her that her cousin had left England,--that he had gone to America immediately after his disappointment in regard to the seat in Parliament, and that he would probably not return.

He had told her that her cousin had gone to America immediately after his disappointment over the seat in Parliament, and that he would probably not return.


Alice had said; "he is a man very much to be pitied."

Alice had said; "he is very much to be pitied."


"He is a man very much to be pitied," Grey had replied.


After that, nothing more was said between them about George Vavasor.

And nothing more was said between them about George Vavasor.


From Lady Glencora Alice did hear something; but Lady Glencora herself had not heard the whole story.


"I believe he misbehaved himself, my dear," Lady Glencora said; "but then, you know, he always does that.


I believe that he saw Mr. Grey and insulted him.


Perhaps you had better not ask anything about it till by-and-by.


You'll be able to get anything out of him then."


In answer to this Alice made her usual protest, and Lady Glencora, as was customary, told her that she was a fool.

In answer to this Alice made her usual protest, and Lady Glencora told her that she was a fool.


I am inclined to think that Mr. Grey knew what he was about.


Lady Glencora once scolded him very vehemently for not bringing the affair to an end.

doing, although Lady Glencora once scolded him for not bringing the affair to a conclusion.


"We shall be going on to Italy before it's settled," she said; "and I don't suppose you can go with us, unless it is settled."

"We shall be going to Italy before it's settled," she said to him; "and if you don't settle it,


Mr. Grey protested that he had no intention of going to Italy in either case.


"Then it will be put off for another year or two, and you are both of you as old as Adam and Eve already."

it will be put off for another year or two, and you are both as old as Adam and Eve already."


"We ancient people are never impatient," said Grey, laughing.


"If I were you I would go to her and tell her, roundly, that she should marry me, and then I would shake her.


If you were to scold her, till she did not know whether she stood on her head or her heels, she would come to reason."

"If you were to scold her, she would come to reason."


It's she that always scolds me,--as you will her, when she's your wife.

It's she that always scolds me, as you will scold her when she's your wife."


You and Mr. Palliser are very much alike.


You're both of you so very virtuous that no woman would have a chance of picking a hole in your coats."


Alice would, no doubt, have submitted herself patiently to her lover's rebukes, and would have confessed her own sins towards him with any amount of self-accusation that he might have required; but she would not, on that account, have been more willing to obey him in that one point, as to which he now required present obedience.

Alice would, no doubt, have submitted patiently to her lover's rebukes, and would have confessed her own sins towards him; but she would not, on that account, have been more willing to obey him in that one point of marriage.


He understood that she must be taught to forgive herself for the evil she had done,--to forgive herself, at any rate in part,--before she could be induced to return to her old allegiance to him.

He understood that she must be taught to forgive herself before she could be induced to return to her old allegiance to him.


Thus they went on together at Lucerne, passing quiet, idle days,--with some pretence of reading, with a considerable amount of letter-writing, with boat excursions and pony excursions,--till the pony excursions came to a sudden end by means of a violent edict, as to which, and the cause of it, a word or two must be said just now.

Thus they passed quiet, idle days at Lucerne, with some pretence of reading, a considerable amount of letter-writing, and with boat and pony excursions, till the pony excursions came to a sudden end because of a violent edict.


During these days of the boats and the ponies, the carriage which Lady Glencora hated so vehemently was shut up in limbo, and things went very pleasantly with her.


Mr. Palliser received political letters from England, which made his mouth water sadly, and was often very fidgety.

Mr. Palliser received political letters from England which made him very fidgety.


Parliament was not now sitting, and the Government would, of course, remain intact till next February.

Parliament was not sitting, and the Government would remain intact till next February.


Might it not be possible that when the rent came in the Cabinet, he might yet be present at the darning?

Might it not be possible that when a gap came in the Cabinet, he might yet be present at its filling?


He was a constant man, and had once declared his intention of being absent for a year.


He continued to speak to Grey of his coming travels, as though it was impossible that they should be over until after the next Easter.

Although he continued to plan travelling till Easter,


But he was sighing for Westminster, and regretting the blue books which were accumulating themselves at Matching;--till on a sudden, there came to him tidings which upset all his plans, which routed the ponies, which made everything impossible, which made the Alps impassable and the railways dangerous, which drove Burgo Fitzgerald out of Mr. Palliser's head, and so confused him that he could no longer calculate the blunders of the present Chancellor of the Exchequer.

he was sighing for Westminster - till suddenly there came tidings which upset all his plans, which made the Alps impassable and the railways dangerous, which drove Burgo Fitzgerald out of Mr. Palliser's head, and so confused him that he could no longer calculate the blunders of the present Chancellor of the Exchequer.


All the Palliser world was about to be moved from its lowest depths, to the summits of its highest mountains.


Lady Glencora had whispered into her husband's ear that she thought it probable--; she wasn't sure;--she didn't know.

Lady Glencora had whispered into her husband's ear that she thought it probable; - she wasn't sure; - she didn't know.


And then she burst out into tears on his bosom as he sat by her on her bedside.


He was beside himself when he left her, which he did with the primary intention of telegraphing to London for half a dozen leading physicians.

He was beside himself when he left her, meaning to telegraph to London for half a dozen leading physicians.


He went out by the lake side, and walked there alone for ten minutes in a state of almost unconscious exaltation.


He did not quite remember where he was, or what he was doing.


The one thing in the world which he had lacked; the one joy which he had wanted so much, and which is so common among men, was coming to him also.

The one thing in the world which he had lacked - the one joy which he had wanted so much, and which is so common among men - was coming to him also.


In a few minutes it was to him as though each hand already rested on the fair head of a little male Palliser, of whom one should rule in the halls at Gatherum, and the other be eloquent among the Commons of England.


Hitherto,--for the last eight or nine months, since his first hopes had begun to fade,--he had been a man degraded in his own sight amidst all his honours.


What good was all the world to him if he had nothing of his own to come after him?


We must give him his due, too, when we speak of this.


He had not had wit enough to hide his grief from his wife; his knowledge of women and of men in social life had not been sufficient to teach him how this should be done; but he had wished to do it.

He had not had wit enough to hide his grief from his wife; but he had wished to do it.


He had never willingly rebuked her for his disappointment, either by a glance of his eye, or a tone of his voice; and now he had already forgiven everything.

He had never rebuked her for his disappointment; and now he had already forgiven everything.


Mrs. Marsham should never again come near her.


Mr. Bott was, of course, a thing abolished;--he had not even had the sense to keep his seat in Parliament.


Dandy and Flirt should feed on gilded corn, and there should be an artificial moon always ready in the ruins.


If only those d----able saddle-ponies of Lucerne had not come across his wife's path!

If only those saddle-ponies of Lucerne had not come across his wife's path!


He went at once into the yard and ordered that the ponies should be abolished;--sent away, one and all, to the furthest confines of the canton; and then he himself inspected the cushions of the carriage.

He went at once into the yard and ordered that the ponies should be abolished.


As it was August in those days, and August in Lucerne is a warm month, it may be presumed that they were dry.


He then remembered that he had promised to send Alice up to his wife, and he hurried back into the house.


She was alone in the breakfast-room, waiting for him and for his wife.

She was alone in the breakfast-room, for


In these days, Mr. Grey would usually join them at dinner; but he seldom saw them before eleven or twelve o'clock in the day.

Mr. Grey seldom saw them before eleven or twelve o'clock.


Then he would saunter in and join Mr. Palliser, and they would all be together till the evening.


When the expectant father of embryo dukes entered the room, Alice perceived at once that some matter was astir.

When the expectant father of embryo dukes entered the room, Alice perceived at once that something was astir.


His manner was altogether changed, and he showed by his eye that he was eager and moved beyond his wont.

His manner was altogether changed, and he was unusually eager.


"Alice," he said, "would you mind going up to Glencora's room?


He had never called her Alice before, and as soon as the word was spoken, he remembered himself and blushed.

He had never called her Alice before, and as soon as he said it, he blushed.


"No;--she isn't ill. At least I think she had better not get up quite yet.

"No; she isn't ill. At least I think she had better not get up quite yet.


Don't let her excite herself, if you can help it."


"I'll go to her at once," said Alice rising.


"I'm so much obliged to you;--but, Miss Vavasor--"

"I'm so much obliged to you;- but, Miss Vavasor-"


"You called me Alice just now, Mr. Palliser, and I took it as a great compliment."


Then I'll do it again--if you'll let me.


But, if you please, do be as calm with her as you can.


Of course, if there's anything she fancies, we'll take care to get it for her; but she must be kept quiet."


Upon this Alice left him, having had no moment of time to guess what had happened, or was about to happen; and he was again alone, contemplating the future glories of his house.


Had he a thought for his poor cousin Jeffrey, whose nose was now so terribly out of joint?


His thoughts were all of himself, and the good things that were coming to him,--of the new world of interest that was being opened for him.

with his thoughts, which were all of himself, and the good things that were coming to him - of the new world of interest that was being opened for him.


It would be better to him, this, than being Chancellor of the Exchequer.


He would rather have it in store for him to be father of the next Duke of Omnium, than make half a dozen consecutive annual speeches in Parliament as to the ways and means, and expenditure of the British nation!


Could it be possible that this foreign tour had produced for him this good fortune?

Could it be possible that this foreign tour had produced this good fortune?


If so, how luckily had things turned out!


He would remember even that ball at Lady Monk's with gratitude.


Perhaps a residence abroad would be best for Lady Glencora at this particular period of her life.

Perhaps residence abroad would be best for Lady Glencora at this particular period of her life.


If so, abroad she should certainly live.


Before resolving, however, on anything permanently on this head, he thought that he might judiciously consult those six first-rate London physicians, whom, in the first moment of his excitement, he had been desirous of summoning to Lucerne.

Before resolving, however, on anything, he thought that he might consult those six first-rate London physicians.


In the meantime Alice had gone up to the bedroom of the lady who was now to be the subject of so much anxious thought.

In the meantime Alice had gone up to Glencora's bedroom.


When she entered the room, her friend was up and in her dressing-gown, lying on a sofa which stood at the foot of the bed.


"Oh, Alice, I'm so glad you've come," said Lady Glencora.


Then Alice knelt beside her, and asked her if she were ill.


"I did observe something, and I think he was pleased.


He told me that I was to come to you instantly."


Then suddenly Alice did guess the secret, and whispered her guess into Lady Glencora's ear.

Then suddenly Alice did guess the secret, and whispered into Lady Glencora's ear.


"I suppose it is so," said Lady Glencora.


If I could go about my work like a washerwoman, I should be all right."


"I am so happy," she said, some two or three hours afterwards.


It seemed as though I were destined to bring nothing but misery to everybody, and I used to wish myself dead so often.


"We shall all have to go home, I suppose?"


"He says so;--but he seems to think that I oughtn't to travel above a mile and a half a day.

"He says so; but he seems to think that I oughtn't to travel more than a mile and a half a day.


When I talked of going down the Rhine in one of the steamers, I thought he would have gone into a fit."


When I asked him why, he gave me such a look.


I know he'll make a goose of himself;--and he'll make geese of us, too; which is worse."


On that afternoon, as they were walking together, Mr. Palliser told the important secret to his new friend, Mr. Grey.


He could not deny himself the pleasure of talking about this great event.

He could not deny himself the pleasure of talking about it.


"It is a matter, you see, of such immense importance to me," Mr. Palliser said.


"Every man feels that when a child is about to be born to him."

"Every man feels that when a child is to be born to him."


But this did not at all satisfy Mr. Palliser.


It is an important thing to everybody;--very important, no doubt.

It is an important thing to everybody, no doubt.


You see, Grey, I don't think a man is a bit better because he is rich, or because he has a title; nor do I think he is likely to be in any degree the happier.


I am quite sure that he has no right to be in the slightest degree proud of that which he has had no hand in doing for himself."


"Men usually are very proud of such advantages," said Grey.


"I don't think that I am; I don't, indeed.


Whenever I can manage to carry a point in the House, I feel very proud of it.


I don't think I ever knocked under to any one, and I am proud of that."


Perhaps, Mr. Palliser was thinking of a certain time when his uncle the Duke had threatened him, and he had not given way to the Duke's threats.


"But I don't think I'm proud because chance has made me my uncle's heir."


"But I do feel that a son to me is of more importance than it is to most men.

a son is of more importance than it is to most men.


A strong anxiety on the subject, is, I think, more excusable in me than it might be in another.


I don't know whether I quite make myself understood?"


When there's a dukedom and heaven knows how many thousands a year to be disposed of, the question of their future ownership does become important."


"This property is so much more interesting to one, if one feels that all one does to it is done for one's own son."

One feels that all one does is done for one's own son."


"And yet," said Grey, "of all the great plunderers of property throughout Europe, the Popes have been the most greedy."


"Perhaps it's different, when a man can't have a wife," said Mr. Palliser.


From all this it may be seen that Mr. Palliser and Mr. Grey had become very intimate.

It may be seen that Mr. Palliser and Mr. Grey had become good friends.


Had chance brought them together in London they might have met a score of times before Mr. Palliser would have thought of doing more than bowing to such an acquaintance.

Had chance brought them together in London they might have met a score of times before Mr. Palliser would have thought of doing more than bowing.


Mr. Grey might have spent weeks at Matching, without having achieved anything like intimacy with its noble owner.


But things of that kind progress more quickly abroad than they do at home.


The deck of an ocean steamer is perhaps the most prolific hotbed of the growth of sudden friendships; but an hotel by the side of a Swiss lake does almost as well.


For some time after this Lady Glencora's conduct was frequently so indiscreet as to drive her husband almost to frenzy.


On the very day after the news had been communicated to him, she proposed a picnic, and made the proposition not only in the presence of Alice, but in that of Mr. Grey also!

On the very day after he learnt the news, she proposed a picnic!


Mr. Palliser, on such an occasion, could not express all that he thought; but he looked it.


"And shall we make this party up to the chapel?"


The chapel in question was Tell's chapel--ever so far up the lake.


A journey in a steam-boat would have been necessary.

; a journey in a steam-boat would have been necessary.


said he, shouting out his refusal at her.


"You needn't be angry about it," said she;--as though he could have failed to be stirred by such a proposition at such a time.

"You needn't be angry about it," said she.


On another occasion she returned from an evening walk, showing on her face some sign of the exercise she had taken.

On another occasion she returned from an evening walk, appearing a little tired.


Glencora," said he, "do you mean to kill yourself?"


He wanted her to eat six or seven times a day; and always told her that she was eating too much, remembering some ancient proverb about little and often.


He watched her now as closely as Mrs. Marsham and Mr. Bott had watched her before; and she always knew that he was doing so.

He watched her closely; and she knew that he was doing so.


She made the matter worse by continually proposing to do things which she knew he would not permit, in order that she might enjoy the fun of seeing his agony and amazement.

She continually proposed to do things which she knew he would not permit, in order to enjoy the fun of seeing his agony and amazement.


But this, though it was fun to her at the moment, produced anything but fun, as its general result.

But though this was fun to her at the moment, it produced anything but fun as its general result.


"Upon my word, Alice, I think this will kill me," she said.


"I am not to stir out of the house now, unless I go in the carriage, or he is with me."


As for walking with him, it's out of the question.


And then he makes me look so much like a fool.


I had no idea that he would be such an old coddle."


"The coddling will all be given to some one else, very soon."

"The coddling will all be given to someone else, very soon."


"No baby could possibly live through it, if you mean that.


"I suppose there will be one, by-and-by," said Alice.


But, if there is, I shall take that matter into my own hands.


He can do what he pleases with me, and I can't help myself; but I shan't let him or anybody do what they please with my baby.

He can do what he pleases with me; but I shan't let him or anybody else do what they please with my baby.


I know what I'm about in such matters a great deal better than he does.


I've no doubt he's a very clever man in Parliament; but he doesn't seem to me to understand anything else."


Alice was making some very wise speech in answer to this, when Lady Glencora interrupted her.


"Mr. Grey wouldn't make himself so troublesome, I'm quite sure."


When the first consternation arising from the news had somewhat subsided,--say in a fortnight from the day in which Mr. Palliser was made so triumphant,--and when tidings had been duly sent to the Duke, and an answer from his Grace had come, arrangements were made for the return of the party to England.

About a fortnight after the first consternation of the news, arrangements were made for their return to England.


Mr. Palliser had written to the Duke of Omnium, and had this short reply:


MY DEAR PLANTAGENET,--Give my kind love to Glencora.

My dear Plantagenet,
Give my kind love to Glencora.


If it's a boy, of course I will be one of the godfathers.


The Prince, who is very kind, will perhaps oblige me by being the other.


I should advise you to return as soon as convenient.


That was the letter; and short as it was, it was probably the longest that Mr. Palliser had ever received from the Duke.

Short as it was, it was probably the longest letter that Mr. Palliser had ever received from the Duke.


There was great trouble about the mode of their return.


"Let us get into an express train, and go right through to London."

"Let us get an express train, and go right through to London."


Mr. Palliser looked at her with a countenance full of rebuke and sorrow.


"If you mean, Plantagenet, that we are to be dragged all across the Continent in that horrible carriage, and be a thousand days on the road, I for one won't submit to it."


"I wish I had never told him a word about it," she said afterwards to Alice.


"He would never have found it out himself, till this thing was all over."


Mr. Palliser did at last consent to take the joint opinion of a Swiss doctor and an English one who was settled at Berne; and who, on the occasion, was summoned to Lucerne.

Mr. Palliser did at last consent to take the joint opinion of a Swiss doctor and an English one at Berne.


They suggested the railway; and as letters arrived for Mr. Palliser,--medical letters,--in which the same opinion was broached, it was agreed, at last, that they should return by railway; but they were to make various halts on the road, stopping at each halting-place for a day.

They suggested the railway; and it was agreed, at last, that thus they should return, but stopping at various halting-places for a day.


The first was, of course, Basle, and from Basle they were to go on to Baden.

The first was Basle, and from Basle they were to go on to Baden.


"I particularly want to see Baden again," Lady Glencora said; "and perhaps I may be able to get back my napoleon."


Burgo Fitzgerald, of whose hunting experiences something has been told in the last chapter, was a young man born in the purple of the English aristocracy.

Burgo Fitzgerald, of whom something has been told in the last chapter, was a young man born into the English aristocracy.


He was related to half the dukes in the kingdom, and had three countesses for his aunts.

He was related to half the dukes in the kingdom, and had three countesses for aunts.


When he came of age he was master of a sufficient fortune to make it quite out of the question that he should be asked to earn his bread; and though that, and other windfalls that had come to him, had long since been spent, no one had ever made to him so ridiculous a proposition as that.

When he came of age he had a large enough fortune to make it out of the question that he should be asked to earn his bread; and though the fortune had long since been spent, no one had ever made to him so ridiculous a suggestion as that.


He was now thirty, and for some years past had been known to be much worse than penniless; but still he lived on in the same circles, still slept softly and drank of the best, and went about with his valet and his groom and his horses, and fared sumptuously every day.

He was now thirty, and worse than penniless; but still he lived in the same circles, drank of the best, went about with his valet and his groom and his horses, and dined sumptuously every day.


Some people said the countesses did it for him, and some said that it was the dukes;--while others, again, declared that the Jews were his most generous friends.

Some people said the countesses did it for him, and some said the dukes; while others declared that the money-lenders were his most generous friends.


At any rate he still seemed to live as he had always lived, setting tradesmen at defiance, and laughing to scorn all the rules which regulate the lives of other men.

At any rate he still seemed to live as he had always lived.


About eighteen months before the time of which I am now speaking, a great chance had come in this young man's way, and he had almost succeeded in making himself one of the richest men in England.

About eighteen months before the time of which I am writing, a great opportunity had come in this young man's way, and he had almost succeeded in making himself one of the richest men in England.


There had been then a great heiress in the land, on whom the properties of half-a-dozen ancient families had concentrated; and Burgo, who in spite of his iniquities still kept his position in the drawing-rooms of the great, had almost succeeded in obtaining the hand and the wealth,--as people still said that he had obtained the heart,--of the Lady Glencora M'Cluskie.

There had been a great heiress, on whom the properties of half-a-dozen ancient families had concentrated; and Burgo had almost succeeded in obtaining the hand and the wealth - and people still said the heart - of the Lady Glencora M'Cluskie.


But sundry mighty magnates, driven almost to despair at the prospect of such a sacrifice, had sagaciously put their heads together, and the result had been that the Lady Glencora had heard reason.

But various mighty magnates, aghast at the prospect of such a marriage, had put their heads together to make Lady Glencora hear reason.


She had listened,--with many haughty tossings indeed of her proud little head, with many throbbings of her passionate young heart; but in the end she listened and heard reason.

She had listened with many haughty tossings of her proud little head, with many throbbings of her passionate young heart; but she listened and heard reason.


She saw Burgo, for the last time, and told him that she was the promised bride of Plantagenet Palliser, nephew and heir of the Duke of Omnium.

She saw Burgo for the last time, and told him that she was the promised bride of Plantagenet Palliser, nephew and heir of the Duke of Omnium.


He had borne it like a man,--never having groaned openly, or quivered once before any comrade at the name of the Lady Glencora.


She had married Mr. Palliser at St. George's Square, and on the morning of the marriage he had hung about his club door in Pall Mall, listening to the bells, and saying a word or two about the wedding, with admirable courage.

Lady Glencora had married Mr. Palliser at St. George's Square, and on the morning of the marriage Burgo had hung about his club door in Pall Mall, listening to the bells, and speaking about the wedding with admirable courage.


It had been for him a great chance,--and he had lost it.


Who can say, too, that his only regret was for the money?


He had spoken once of it to a married sister of his, in whose house he had first met Lady Glencora.

He spoke once of it to a married sister, in whose house he had first met Lady Glencora.


"I shall never marry now,--that is all," he said--and then he went about, living his old reckless life, with the same recklessness as ever.

"I shall never marry now," he said - and then he went on living his old life, as recklessly as ever.


He was one of those young men with dark hair and blue eyes,--who wear no beard, and are certainly among the handsomest of all God's creatures.


No more handsome man than Burgo Fitzgerald lived in his days; and this merit at any rate was his,--that he thought nothing of his own beauty.

No more handsome man than Burgo Fitzgerald lived; and he had the merit of thinking nothing of his own beauty.


But he lived ever without conscience, without purpose,--with no idea that it behoved him as a man to do anything but eat and drink,--or ride well to hounds till some poor brute, much nobler than himself, perished beneath him.

But he lived without conscience and without purpose - feeling no need to do anything but eat and drink - or ride to hounds till some poor brute, much nobler than himself, perished beneath him.


He chiefly concerns our story at this present time because the Lady Glencora who had loved him,--and would have married him had not those sagacious heads prevented it,--was a cousin of Alice Vavasor's.

He concerns our story because the Lady Glencora who had loved him was a cousin of Alice Vavasor's.


She was among those very great relations with whom Alice was connected by her mother's side,--being indeed so near to Lady Macleod, that she was first cousin to that lady, only once removed.

She was among those very great relations with whom Alice was connected through her mother - being indeed first cousin, once removed, to Lady Macleod.


Lady Midlothian was aunt to the Lady Glencora, and our Alice might have called cousins, and not been forbidden, with the old Lord of the Isles, Lady Glencora's father,--who was dead, however, some time previous to that affair with Burgo,--and with the Marquis of Auld Reekie, who was Lady Glencora's uncle, and had been her guardian.

Lady Midlothian was aunt to Lady Glencora, and the Marquis of Auld Reekie was her uncle.


But Alice had kept herself aloof from her grand relations on her mother's side, choosing rather to hold herself as belonging to those who were her father's kindred.

Alice had kept herself aloof from these grand relations.


With Lady Glencora, however, she had for a short time--for some week or ten days,--been on terms of almost affectionate intimacy.

With Lady Glencora, however, she had for a short time - a week or ten days - been on terms of almost affectionate intimacy.


It had been then, when the wayward heiress with the bright waving locks had been most strongly minded to give herself and her wealth to Burgo Fitzgerald.

It had been when the wayward heiress had been most strongly minded to give herself to Burgo Fitzgerald.


Burgo had had money dealings with George Vavasor, and knew him,--knew him intimately, and had learned the fact of his cousinship between the heiress and his friend's cousin.


Whereupon in the agony of those weeks in which the sagacious heads were resisting her love, Lady Glencora came to her cousin in Queen Anne Street, and told Alice all that tale.

She came to her cousin in Queen Anne Street, and told Alice all the tale.


"Was Alice," she asked, "afraid of the marquises and the countesses, or of all the rank and all the money which they boasted?"


Alice answered that she was not at all afraid of them.


"Then would she permit Lady Glencora and Burgo to see each other in the drawing-room at Queen Anne Street, just once!"

"Would Alice," she asked, "permit Lady Glencora and Burgo to see each other in the drawing-room at Queen Anne Street, just once?"


Just once,--so that they might arrange that little plan of an elopement.

Just once - so that they might arrange a little plan of an elopement.


But Alice could not do that for her newly found cousin.

But Alice could not do that for her cousin.


She endeavoured to explain that it was not the dignity of the sagacious heads which stood in her way, but her woman's feeling of what was right and wrong in such a matter.

She tried to explain that she felt it was wrong.


said Lady Glencora, with her eyes flashing.


Alice explained that she had no word to say against such a marriage.


She counselled her cousin to be true to her love if her love was in itself true.


But she, an unmarried woman, who had hitherto not known her cousin, might not give such help as that!


"If you will not help me, I am helpless!"


said the Lady Glencora, and then she kneeled at Alice's knees and threw her wavy locks abroad on Alice's lap.

said the Lady Glencora, and she kneeled at Alice's chair with her wavy hair on Alice's lap.


"Next to him I will love you better than all the world."


But Alice, though she kissed the fair forehead and owned that such reward would be worth much to her, could not take any bribe for such a cause.

But Alice, though she kissed the fair forehead, could not take any bribe for such a cause.


Then Lady Glencora had been angry with her, calling her heartless, and threatening her that she too might have sorrow of her own and want assistance.

Then Lady Glencora had been angry with her, calling her heartless, and threatening her that she too might have sorrow and want help.


Alice told nothing of her own tale,--how she had loved her cousin and had been forced to give him up, but said what kind words she could, and she of the waving hair and light blue eyes had been pacified.

Alice told nothing of her own tale - how she had loved her cousin and had been forced to give him up, but said what kind words she could, and Lady Glencora had been pacified.


Then she had come again,--had come daily while the sagacious heads were at work,--and Alice in her trouble had been a comfort to her.

Then she had come again, had come daily - and Alice had been a comfort to her.


But the sagacious heads were victorious, as we know, and Lady Glencora M'Cluskie became Lady Glencora Palliser with all the propriety in the world, instead of becoming wife to poor Burgo, with all imaginable impropriety.

So Lady Glencora M'Cluskie became Lady Glencora Palliser, instead of becoming wife to poor Burgo.


And then she wrote a letter to Alice, very short and rather sad; but still with a certain sweetness in it.

She wrote a letter to Alice, very short but with a certain sweetness in it.


"She had been counselled that it was not fitting for her to love as she had thought to love, and she had resolved to give up her dream.


Her cousin Alice, she knew, would respect her secret.

She knew Alice would respect her secret.


She was going to become the wife of the best man, she thought, in all the world; and it should be the one care of her life to make him happy."

She was going to become the wife of the best man in the world; and it should be the care of her life to make him happy."


She said not a word in all her letter of loving this newly found lord.

Glencora said not a word in her letter of loving her husband.


Would Alice be one among the bevy of bridesmaids who were to grace the ceremony?"

"Would Alice be one of her bridesmaids?"


Alice wished her joy heartily,--"heartily," she said, but had declined that office of bridesmaid.

Alice wished her joy heartily, and sent her cousin a little ring, but declined the office of bridesmaid.


She did not wish to undergo the cold looks of the Lady Julias and Lady Janes who all would know each other, but none of whom would know her.


So she sent her cousin a little ring, and asked her to keep it amidst all the wealthy tribute of marriage gifts which would be poured forth at her feet.


From that time to this present Alice had heard no more of Lady Glencora.

From that time to the present she had heard no more of Lady Glencora


She had been married late in the preceding season and had gone away with Mr. Palliser, spending her honeymoon amidst the softnesses of some Italian lake.

, who had gone away with Mr. Palliser to spend her honeymoon by some Italian lake.


They had not returned to England till the time had come for them to encounter the magnificent Christmas festivities of Mr. Palliser's uncle, the Duke.

They had not returned to England till it was time to attend the magnificent Christmas festivities of Mr. Palliser's uncle, the Duke of Omnium.


On this occasion Gatherum Castle, the vast palace which the Duke had built at a cost of nearly a quarter of a million, was opened, as it had never been opened before;--for the Duke's heir had married to the Duke's liking, and the Duke was a man who could do such things handsomely when he was well pleased.

Gatherum Castle, the vast palace which the Duke had built at huge cost, was opened as it had never been opened before; for the Duke's heir had married to the Duke's liking, and the Duke was well pleased.


Then there had been a throng of bridal guests, and a succession of bridal gaieties which had continued themselves even past the time at which Mr. Palliser was due at Westminster;--and Mr. Palliser was a legislator who served his country with the utmost assiduity.

There had been a throng of bridal guests, and a succession of bridal gaieties had continued past the time at which Mr. Palliser was due at Westminster, although Mr. Palliser served his country with the utmost assiduity.


So the London season commenced, progressed, and was consumed; and still Alice heard nothing more of her friend and cousin Lady Glencora.

So the London season passed, and Alice heard nothing of her friend and cousin.


A chance circumstance, the story of which she had told to no one, had given her a short intimacy with this fair child of the gold mines, but she had felt that they two could not live together in habits of much intimacy.

She had told no-one of her short intimacy with this fair child of the gold mines, but she had felt that such intimacy could not be sustained.


She had, when thinking of the young bride, only thought of that wild love episode in the girl's life.


It had been strange to her that she should in one week have listened to the most passionate protestations from her friend of love for one man, and then have been told in the next that another man was to be her friend's husband!

It seemed strange that she should have listened to Glencora's passionate protestations of love for one man, only to be told the next week she was to marry another man!


But she reflected that her own career was much the same,--only with the interval of some longer time.

Alice reflected that her own career was much the same - only over a longer time.


Glencora had married Mr. Palliser,--had married him without pausing to doubt;--but Alice had gone on doubting till at last she had resolved that she would not marry Mr. Grey.

Glencora had married Mr. Palliser without pausing to doubt; but Alice had gone on doubting till at last she had resolved not to marry Mr. Grey.


She thought of this much in those days at Cheltenham, and wondered often whether Glencora lived with her husband in the full happiness of conjugal love.

She often thought of Glencora, and wondered whether she was happy in her marriage.


One morning, about three days after Mr. Grey's visit, there came to her two letters, as to neither of which did she know the writer by the handwriting.

One morning, about three days after Mr. Grey's visit, two letters came to Alice at Cheltenham. She recognised the writing of neither.


Lady Macleod had told her,--with some hesitation, indeed, for Lady Macleod was afraid of her,--but had told her, nevertheless, more than once, that those noble relatives had heard of the treatment to which Mr. Grey was being subjected, and had expressed their great sorrow,--if not dismay or almost anger.


Lady Macleod, indeed, had gone as far as she dared, and might have gone further without any sacrifice of truth.


Lady Midlothian had said that it would be disgraceful to the family, and Lady Glencora's aunt, the Marchioness of Auld Reekie, had demanded to be told what it was the girl wanted.


When the letters came Lady Macleod was not present, and I am disposed to think that one of them had been written by concerted arrangement with her.

Macleod was not present when these letters arrived, but she knew one of them


But if so she had not dared to watch the immediate effect of her own projectile.


was coming: a letter from Lady Midlothian, who was shocked by Alice's treatment of Mr. Grey.


Of the other Lady Macleod certainly knew nothing, though it also had sprung out of the discussions which had taken place as to Alice's sins in the Auld Reekie-Midlothian set.


This other letter was from Lady Glencora.


Alice opened the two, one without reading the other, very slowly.


Lady Midlothian's was the first opened, and then came a spot of anger on Alice's cheeks as she saw the signature, and caught a word or two as she allowed her eye to glance down the page.

Lady Midlothian's was the first, and Alice flushed with anger as she saw the signature, and caught a word or two on the page.


Then she opened the other, which was shorter, and when she saw her cousin's signature, "Glencora Palliser," she read that letter first,--read it twice before she went back to the disagreeable task of perusing Lady Midlothian's lecture.

Then she opened the other, which was shorter, and when she saw her cousin's signature, "Glencora Palliser," she read that letter first, before she went back to the disagreeable task of perusing Lady Midlothian's lecture.


The reader shall have both the letters, but that from the Countess shall have precedence.

The reader shall see both the letters, but that from the Countess of Midlothian shall have precedence.


I have not the pleasure of knowing you personally, though I have heard of you very often from our dear mutual friend and relative Lady Macleod, with whom I understand that you are at present on a visit.

I have not the pleasure of knowing you personally, though I have heard of you often from our dear mutual friend and relative Lady Macleod.


Your grandmother,--by the mother's side,--Lady Flora Macleod, and my mother the Countess of Leith, were half-sisters; and though circumstances since that have prevented our seeing so much of each other as is desirable, I have always remembered the connection, and have ever regarded you as one in whose welfare I am bound by ties of blood to take a warm interest.

Your grandmother Lady Flora Macleod, and my mother the Countess of Leith, were half-sisters; and though circumstances have prevented our seeing each other, I have always regarded you as one in whose welfare I am bound by ties of blood to take a warm interest.


Why does she talk of not having seen as much of me as is desirable?"


I had learned with great gratification that you were going to be married to a most worthy gentleman, Mr. John Grey of Nethercoats, in Cambridgeshire.

I had learned with great gratification that you were going to be married to a most worthy gentleman, Mr. John Grey of Nethercoats.


When I first heard this I made it my business to institute some inquiries, and I was heartily glad to find that your choice had done you so much credit.

When I made inquiries, I was heartily glad to find that your choice had done you so much credit.


[If the reader has read Alice's character as I have meant it should be read, it will thoroughly be understood that this was wormwood to her.]


I was informed that Mr. Grey is in every respect a gentleman,--that he is a man of most excellent habits, and one to whom any young woman could commit her future happiness with security, that his means are very good for his position, and that there was no possible objection to such a marriage.

I was informed that Mr. Grey is in every respect a gentleman of excellent habits and very good means, and that there was no possible objection to such a marriage.


All this gave great satisfaction to me, in which I was joined by the Marchioness of Auld Reekie, who is connected with you almost as nearly as I am, and who, I can assure you, feels a considerable interest in your welfare.

All this gave me great satisfaction, in which I was joined by the Marchioness of Auld Reekie, who feels a considerable interest in your welfare.


I am staying with her now, and in all that I say, she agrees with me.


You may feel then how dreadfully we were dismayed when we were told by dear Lady Macleod that you had told Mr. Grey that you intended to change your mind!

You may imagine then how dreadfully dismayed we were when informed by dear Lady Macleod that you intend to change your mind!


There are things in which a young lady has no right to change her mind after it has been once made up; and certainly when a young lady has accepted a gentleman, that is one of them.

There are things in which a young lady has no right to change her mind; and when a young lady has accepted a gentleman, that is one of them.


He cannot legally make you become his wife, but he has a right to claim you before God and man.


Have you considered that he has probably furnished his house in consequence of his intended marriage,--and perhaps in compliance with your own especial wishes?

Have you considered that he has probably furnished his house - perhaps in compliance with your own special wishes?


[I think that Lady Macleod must have told the Countess something that she had heard about the garden.]


Have you reflected that he has of course told all his friends?


Nothing should ever be done without a reason; much less such a thing as this in which your own interests and, I may say, respectability are involved.

Nothing should ever be done without a reason; much less such a thing as this in which your own interests and respectability are involved.


I hope you will think of this before you persist in destroying your own happiness and perhaps that of a very worthy man.


I had heard, some years ago, when you were much younger, that you had become imprudently attached in another direction--with a gentleman with none of those qualities to recommend him which speak so highly for Mr. Grey.

I had heard, some years ago, when you were much younger, that you had become imprudently attached in another direction -with a gentleman with none of excellent qualities possessed by Mr. Grey.


It would grieve me very much, as it would also the Marchioness, who in this matter thinks exactly as I do, if I were led to suppose that your rejection of Mr. Grey had been caused by _any renewal of that project_.

It would grieve us very much if your rejection of Mr. Grey had been caused by any renewal of that project.


Nothing, my dear Miss Vavasor, could be more unfortunate,--and I might almost add a stronger word.

Nothing, my dear Miss Vavasor, could be more unfortunate.


I have been advised that a line from me as representing your poor mother's family, especially as I have at the present moment the opportunity of expressing Lady Auld Reekie's sentiments as well as my own, might be of service.

I have been advised that a line from me, expressing Lady Auld Reekie's sentiments as well as my own, might be of service.


I implore you, my dear Miss Vavasor, to remember what you owe to God and man, and to carry out an engagement made by yourself, that is in all respects comme il faut, and which will give entire satisfaction to your friends and relatives.

I implore you, my dear Miss Vavasor, to remember what you owe to God and man, and to carry out an engagement made by yourself, which will give entire satisfaction to your friends and relatives.


I think that Lady Macleod had been wrong in supposing that this could do any good.

Lady Macleod had been wrong when she supposed that this could do any good.


She should have known Alice better; and should also have known the world better.


But her own reverence for her own noble relatives was so great that she could not understand, even yet, that all such feeling was wanting to her niece.


It was to her impossible that the expressed opinion of such an one as the Countess of Midlothian, owning her relationship and solicitude, and condescending at the same time to express friendship,--she could not, I say, understand that the voice of such an one, so speaking, should have no weight whatever.

that the voice of a countess should have no weight whatever.


But I think that she had been quite right in keeping out of Alice's way at the moment of the arrival of the letter.


Alice read it, slowly, and then replacing it in its envelope, leaned back quietly in her chair,--with her eyes fixed upon the teapot on the table.

Alice read it, slowly, and then replacing it in its envelope, leaned back quietly in her chair, with her eyes fixed upon the teapot.


She had, however, the other letter on which to occupy her mind, and thus relieve her from the effects of too deep an animosity against the Countess.

She had, however, the other letter to distract her.


The Lady Glencora's letter was as follows:


I have just come home from Scotland, where they have been telling me something of your little troubles.


I had little troubles once too, and you were so good to me!


Will you come to us here for a few weeks?


We shall be here till Christmas-time, when we go somewhere else.


I have told my husband that you are a great friend of mine as well as a cousin, and that he must be good to you.


He is very quiet, and works very hard at politics; but I think you will like him.


There will be a good many people here, so that you will not find it dull.


If you will name the day we will send the carriage for you at Matching Station, and I dare say I can manage to come myself.


You will say, why did not she come to me in London?

you will say to yourself, why did not she come to me in London?


She knew the way to Queen Anne Street well enough.


Believe me, I had much to do and think of in London.

believe me, I had much to do and think of in London.


And if I was wrong, yet you will forgive me.


Mr. Palliser says I am to give you his love,--as being a cousin,--and say that you must come!

Mr. Palliser says I am to give you his love, as a cousin, and say that you must come!


This letter was certainly better than the other, but Alice, on reading it, came to a resolve that she would not accept the invitation.

This letter was certainly better than the other, but Alice, on reading it, resolved that she would not accept the invitation.


In the first place, even that allusion to her little troubles jarred upon her feelings; and then she thought that her rejection of Mr. Grey could be no special reason why she should go to Matching Priory.


Was it not very possible that she had been invited that she might meet Lady Midlothian there, and encounter all the strength of a personal battery from the Countess?

it very possible that she might have been invited in order to meet Lady Midlothian there.


Lady Glencora's letter she would of course answer, but to Lady Midlothian she would not condescend to make any reply whatever.

She would answer Lady Glencora's letter, but to Lady Midlothian she would not make any reply whatever.


About eleven o'clock Lady Macleod came down to her.


For half-an-hour or so Alice said nothing; nor did Lady Macleod ask any question.

, Alice said nothing; nor did Lady Macleod ask any question.


She looked inquisitively at Alice, eyeing the letter which was lying by the side of her niece's workbasket, but she said no word about Mr. Grey or the Countess.

She looked inquisitively at Alice, eyeing the letter lying by her niece's workbasket, but she said no word


"Aunt," she said, "I have had a letter this morning from your friend, Lady Midlothian."


"She is my cousin, Alice; and yours as much as mine."


But it is of more moment that she is your friend.

But it matters more that she is your friend.


She certainly is not mine, nor can her cousinship afford any justification for her interfering in my affairs."

She certainly is not mine, nor is cousinship any justification for her interfering in my affairs.


"Her position can be nothing to me, aunt.


There is her letter, which you can read if you please.


I need hardly say that I shall not answer it."


"Nothing from me, aunt;--from yourself, whatever you please, of course."

"Nothing from me, aunt; from yourself, whatever you please, of course."


Then there was silence between them for a few minutes.

Then there was silence for a few minutes.


"And I have had another letter, from Lady Glencora, who married Mr. Palliser, and whom I knew in London last spring."


She asks me to go and see her at Matching Priory, her husband's house; but I shall not go."


But at last Alice agreed to pay this visit, and it may be as well to explain here how she was brought to do so.

But at last Alice agreed to pay this visit. It happened this way.


She wrote to Lady Glencora, declining, and explaining frankly that she did decline, because she thought it probable that she might there meet Lady Midlothian.

She wrote to Lady Glencora, declining, and explaining frankly that she thought she might meet Lady Midlothian there; and that


Lady Midlothian, she said, had interfered very unwarrantably in her affairs, and she did not wish to make her acquaintance.

Lady Midlothian had interfered unnecessarily in her affairs.


To this Lady Glencora replied, post haste, that she had intended no such horrid treachery as that for Alice; that neither would Lady Midlothian be there, nor any of that set; by which Alice knew that Lady Glencora referred specially to her aunt the Marchioness; that no one would be at Matching who could torment Alice, either with right or without it, "except so far as I myself may do so," Lady Glencora said; and then she named an early day in November, at which she would herself undertake to meet Alice at the Matching Station.

To this Lady Glencora replied that she had intended no such horrid treachery, for Lady Midlothian would not be there; and then she named an early day in November, at which she would herself meet Alice at Matching Station.


On receipt of this letter, Alice, after two days' doubt, accepted the invitation.

On receiving this letter, Alice accepted the invitation.


Alice had had a week allowed to her to write her answer; but she sent it off before the full week was past.

Alice had a week to write her answer; but she sent it off before the full week was past.


"If it is to be so, there can be no good in not saying so at once."


Then she thought, also, that if this were to be her destiny it might be well for Mr. Grey that all his doubts on the matter should be dispelled.

She thought, also, that it might be well for Mr. Grey that all his doubts on the matter should be dispelled.


She had so injured him that the remembrance of the injury must always be a source of misery to her; but she owed to him above everything to let him know what were her intentions as soon as they were settled.

; but she owed it to him to let him know her intentions.


She tried to console herself by thinking that the wound to him would be easy to cure.

She tried to console herself by thinking that his wound would be easy to cure.


He was a man in whom Love could be very passionate;--and was, moreover, one in whom Love could hardly be renewed.


Each morning Kate asked her whether her answer was written; and on the third day after Christmas, just before dinner, Alice said that she had written it, and that it was gone.

Each morning Kate asked her whether her answer was written; and on the third day after Christmas, Alice said that she had written it, and that it was gone.


"But it isn't post-day," said Kate;--for the post illuminated Vavasor but three days a week.


"I have given a boy sixpence to take it to Shap," said Alice, blushing.


asked Kate, taking hold of the other's arm.


"I have kept my promise," said Alice; "and do you keep yours by asking no further questions."


And then, as Alice met her embrace, there was no longer any doubt as to the nature of the reply.

And as Alice met her embrace, there could be no doubt about the nature of the reply.


After this there was of course much close discussion between them as to what other steps should now be taken.

After this they discussed what other steps should now be taken.


Kate wanted her cousin to write immediately to Mr. Grey, and was somewhat frightened when Alice declined to do so till she had received a further letter from George.


"You have not proposed any horrid stipulations to him?"


"I don't know what you may call horrid stipulations," said Alice, gravely.

"I don't know what you may call horrid stipulations," said Alice gravely.


"My conditions have not been very hard, and I do not think you would have disapproved them."


"I have told him-- But, Kate, this is just what I did not mean to tell you."


"Why should there be secrets between us?"


I have told him that I cannot bring myself to marry him instantly;--that he must allow me twelve months to wear off, if I can in that time, much of sadness and of self-reproach which has fallen to my lot."

I have told him that I cannot bring myself to marry him instantly; that he must allow me twelve months to wear off, if I can, the sadness and self-reproach I must feel."


But I have told him also that if he wishes it still, I will at once tell papa and grandpapa that I hold myself as engaged to him, so that he may know that I bind myself to him as far as it is possible that I should do so.

But I have told him also that if he wishes it, I will at once tell papa and grandpapa that I am engaged to him, so that he may know that I bind myself to him.


And I have added something else, Kate," she continued to say after a slight pause,--"something else which I can tell you, though I could tell it to no other person.

And I have added something else, Kate," she continued after a slight pause, "something I could tell no other person.


I can tell you because you would do, and will do the same.

I can tell you because you would do the same.


I have told him that any portion of my money is at his service which may be needed for his purposes before that twelve months is over."

I have told him that my money is at his service if any is needed for his purposes before that year is over."


And Kate perhaps felt at the moment that her brother was a man to whom such an offer could hardly be made with safety.

Kate perhaps felt that her brother was a man to whom such an offer could hardly be made with safety.


Mercury, with sixpence in his pocket, is already posting my generosity at Shap.


And, to tell the truth, Kate, it is no more than fair.


He has honestly told me that while the old Squire lives he will want my money to assist him in a career of which I do much more than approve.

He has honestly told me that he will need my money to assist him in his career.


It has been my earnest wish to see him in Parliament.


It will now be the most earnest desire of my heart;--the one thing as to which I shall feel an intense anxiety.


How then can I have the face to bid him wait twelve months for that which is specially needed in six months' time?

How then can I bid him wait twelve months?"


It would be like the workhouses which are so long in giving bread, that in the mean time the wretches starve."


"But the wretch shan't starve," said Kate.


"My money, small as it is, will carry him over this bout.

"But my money, small as it is, will carry him over till then.


I have told him that he shall have it, and that I expect him to spend it.

I have told him that I expect him to spend it.


Moreover, I have no doubt that Aunt Greenow would lend me what he wants."


"But I should not wish him to borrow from Aunt Greenow."


She would advance him the money, as you say, upon stamped paper, and then talk of it."


"He shall not touch your money till you are his wife," said Kate, very seriously.


"I wish you would consent to change your mind about this stupid tedious year, and then you might do as you pleased.

"I wish you would change your mind about this stupid year.


I have no doubt such a settlement might be made as to the property here, when my grandfather hears of it, as would make you ultimately safe."

I have no doubt a settlement might be made from the property here, by my grandfather, to make you ultimately safe."


"And do you think I care to be ultimately safe, as you call it?


Kate, my dear, you do not understand me."


And yet I thought that I had known something about you."


"It is because I do not care for the safety of which you speak that I am now going to become your brother's wife.

"It is because I do not care for that safety that I am going to become your brother's wife.


Do you suppose that I do not see that I must run much risk?"


"You prefer the excitement of London to the tranquillity, may I say, of Cambridgeshire."


"Exactly;--and therefore I have told George that he shall have my money whenever he wants it."

But George shall have my money whenever he wants it."


Kate was very persistent in her objection to this scheme till George's answer came.

Kate was very persistent in her objection to this till George's answer came.


His answer to Alice was accompanied by a letter to his sister, and after that Kate said nothing more about the money question.

He enclosed a letter to his sister, and after that Kate said nothing more about the money.


She said no more then; but it must not therefore be supposed that she was less determined than she had been that no part of Alice's fortune should be sacrificed to her brother's wants;--at any rate before Alice should become her brother's wife.


But her brother's letter for the moment stopped her mouth.

felt the same way about it, but her brother's letter stopped her mouth.


It would be necessary that she should speak to him before she again spoke to Alice.


In what words Alice had written her assent it will be necessary that the reader should know, in order that something may be understood of the struggle which she made upon the occasion; but they shall be given presently, when I come to speak of George Vavasor's position as he received them.

In what words Alice had written her assent the reader will be told later.


George's reply was very short and apparently very frank.

George's reply to it was very short and apparently very frank.


He deprecated the delay of twelve months, and still hoped to be able to induce her to be more lenient to him.

He regretted the delay of twelve months, and hoped to be able to induce her to be more lenient to him.


He advised her to write to Mr. Grey at once,--and as regarded the Squire he gave her _carte blanche_ to act as she pleased.

He advised her to write to Mr. Grey at once, and to tell the Squire if she pleased.


If the Squire required any kind of apology, expression of sorrow,--and asking for pardon, or such like, he, George, would, under the circumstances as they now existed, comply with the requisition most willingly.

If the Squire required any apology from George, he would comply most willingly.


He would regard it as a simple form, made necessary by his coming marriage.


As to Alice's money, he thanked her heartily for her confidence.

As to Alice's money, he thanked her heartily for her confidence in him.


If the nature of his coming contest at Chelsea should make it necessary, he would use her offer as frankly as it had been made.

If the coming contest at Chelsea should make it necessary, he would use her offer.


What was contained in his letter to Kate, Alice never knew.


Then came the business of telling this new love tale,--the third which poor Alice had been forced to tell her father and grandfather;--and a grievous task it was.

Then came the business of telling this new love tale to Alice's father and grandfather; and a grievous task it was.


In this matter she feared her father much more than her grandfather, and therefore she resolved to tell her grandfather first;--or, rather, she determined that she would tell the Squire, and that in the mean time Kate should talk to her father.

In this matter she feared her father much more than her grandfather, so she decided that she would tell the Squire, and that meanwhile Kate should talk to her father.


"Grandpapa," she said to him the morning after she had received her cousin's second letter.--The old man was in the habit of breakfasting alone in a closet of his own, which was called his dressing-room, but in which he kept no appurtenances for dressing, but in lieu of them a large collection of old spuds and sticks and horse's-bits.

She went to the room where the old man breakfasted alone.


There was a broken spade here, and a hoe or two; and a small table in the corner was covered with the debris of tradesmen's bills from Penrith, and dirty scraps which he was wont to call his farm accounts.--"Grandpapa," said Alice, rushing away at once into the middle of her subject, "you told me the other day that you thought I ought to be--married."

It contained a broken spade, a hoe or two and some horses' bits; and a small table in the corner was covered with tradesmen's bills from Penrith, and dirty scraps which he called his farm accounts.
"Grandpapa," said Alice, "you told me the other day that you thought I ought to be - married."


And so you ought;--I mean to that Mr. Grey."


"Then what's the use of your coming and talking to me about it?"


This made Alice's task not very easy; but, nevertheless, she persevered.


"I am come, grandpapa, to tell you of another engagement."


And by the tone of his voice he accused his granddaughter of having a larger number of favoured suitors than ought to fall to the lot of any young lady.


It was very hard upon her, but still she went on.


"You know," said she, "that some years ago I was to have been married to my cousin George;"--and then she paused.

"You know that some years ago I was to have married my cousin George." She paused.


"And I remember you told me then that you were much pleased."

"And I remember you told me that you were much pleased."


George was doing well then; or,--which is more likely,--had made us believe that he was doing well.

George was doing well then; or had made us believe that he was doing well.


"And that's the meaning of your jilting Mr. Grey, is it?"

"And that's why you jilted Mr. Grey, is it?"


It is hard to explain how heavy a blow fell upon her from the open utterance of that word!


Of all words in the language it was the one which she now most dreaded.


She had called herself a jilt, with that inaudible voice which one uses in making self-accusations;--but hitherto no lips had pronounced the odious word to her ears.

No-one till now had said that odious word to her.


She was a jilt; and perhaps it may have been well that the old man should tell her so.

But she was a jilt; and perhaps it may have been well that the old man should tell her so.


she said; and there was that in the tone of her voice which somewhat softened the Squire's heart.

she said; and her tone softened the Squire's heart.


"Well, my dear, I don't want to be ill-natured.


So you are going at last to marry George, are you?

So you are going to marry George, are you?


I hope he'll treat you well; that's all.

I hope he'll treat you well, that's all.


"I have told you first, sir;--because I wish to obtain your consent to seeing George again here as your grandson."

"I have told you first, sir, because I wish to obtain your consent to receiving George here as your grandson."


"Never," said the old man, snarling;--"never!"

"Never," said the old man, snarling; "never!"


"If he has been wrong, he will beg your pardon."


Didn't he want to squander every shilling of the property,--property which has never belonged to him;--property which I could give to Tom, Dick, or Harry to-morrow, if I liked?--If he has been wrong!"

Didn't he want to squander every shilling of the property? -If he has been wrong!"


"I am not defending him, sir;--but I thought that, perhaps, on such an occasion as this--"

"I am not defending him, sir; but I thought that, perhaps"


"He will be less likely to do so if you will recognise him as your heir.


Pray believe, sir, that he is not the sort of man that he was."


"He must be a very clever sort of man, I think, when he has talked you out of such a husband as John Grey.


It's astounding to me,--with that ugly mug of his!


Well, my dear, if your father approves of it, and if George will ask my pardon,--but I don't think he ever will--"

Well, my dear, if your father approves of it, and if George will ask my pardon; but I don't think he ever will."


I am his messenger for as much as that."


Then you may also be my messenger to him, and tell him that, for your sake, I will let him come back here.

"Well, you can tell him that, for your sake, I'll let him come here.


I know he'll insult me the first day; but I'll try and put up with it,--for your sake, my dear.

I know he'll insult me; but I'll try and put up with it - for your sake, my dear.


Of course I must know what your father thinks about it."

But I must know what your father thinks about it."


It may be imagined that Kate's success was even less than that which Alice achieved.


"I knew it would be so," said John Vavasor, when his niece first told him;--and as he spoke he struck his hand upon the table.

"I knew it would be so," said John Vavasor, when his niece told him; and he struck his hand upon the table.


"And why should it not be so, Uncle John?"


"He is your brother, and I will not tell you why."


"I think that he is as unsafe a man as ever I knew to be intrusted with the happiness of any young woman.

"I think that he is as unsafe a man as ever.


Tell Alice this from me,--that as I have never yet been able to get her to think anything of my opinion, I do not at all expect that I shall be able to induce her to do so now.

Tell Alice that as I have never yet been able to influence her, I do not expect that I shall be able to do so now.


As my son-in-law I will not receive George Vavasor.

But I will not receive George Vavasor as my son-in-law.


Alice was told her father's message; but Kate in telling it felt no deep regret.

Alice was told her father's message; but Kate felt deep regret about it.


She well knew that Alice would not be turned back from her present intention by her father's wishes.

She knew that Alice would not be turned back by her father's wishes.


Nor would it have been very reasonable that she should.


Her father had for many years relieved himself from the burden of a father's cares, and now had hardly the right to claim a father's privileges.


We will now go once again to George Vavasor's room in Cecil Street, in which he received Alice's letter.

We will now return to George Vavasor's room in Cecil Street, where he received Alice's letter.


He was dressing when it was first brought to him; and when he recognised the handwriting he put it down on his toilet table unopened.

He was dressing when it was brought to him; and


He put it down, and went on brushing his hair, as though he were determined to prove to himself that he was indifferent as to the tidings which it might contain.

he put it down, and went on brushing his hair, as though to prove to himself that he was indifferent about its contents.


He went on brushing his hair, and cleaning his teeth, and tying his cravat carefully over his turned-down collar, while the unopened letter lay close to his hand.

He cleaned his teeth, and tied his cravat carefully, while the unopened letter lay close by.


Of course he was thinking of it,--of course he was anxious,--of course his eye went to it from moment to moment.


But he carried it with him into the sitting-room still unopened, and so it remained until after the girl had brought him his tea and his toast.

time; but he carried it with him into the sitting-room still unopened. After the girl had brought him his breakfast, he opened it, and read:


"And now," said he, as he threw himself into his arm-chair, "let us see what the girl of my heart says to me."


The girl of his heart said to him as follows:--


I feel great difficulty in answering your letter.


Could I have my own way, I should make no answer to it at present, but leave it for the next six months, so that then such answer might hereafter be made as circumstances should seem to require.

Could I have my own way, I should make no answer at present, but leave it for the next six months.


This will be little flattering to you, but it is less flattering to myself.


Whatever answer I may make, how can anything in this affair be flattering either to you or to me?


We have been like children who have quarrelled over our game of play, till now, at the close of our little day of pleasure, we are fain to meet each other in tears, and acknowledge that we have looked for delights where no delights were to be found.

We have been like children who have quarrelled over our game, till now, at the close of our little day of pleasure, we meet each other in tears, and acknowledge that we have looked for delights where no delights were to be found.


Kate, who is here, talks to me of passionate love.


There is no such passion left to me;--nor, as I think, to you either.

There is no such passion left to me; nor, I think, to you either.


It would not now be possible that you and I should come together on such terms as that.


We could not stand up together as man and wife with any hope of a happy marriage, unless we had both agreed that such happiness might be had without passionate love.

We could not marry with any hope of happiness, unless we had both agreed that happiness might be had without passionate love.


You will see from all this that I do not refuse your offer.


Without passion, I have for you a warm affection, which enables me to take a livelier interest in your career than in any other of the matters which are around me.

Without passion, I have for you a warm affection, which enables me to take a lively interest in your career.


Of course, if I become your wife that interest will be still closer and dearer, and I do feel that I can take in it that concern which a wife should have in her husband's affairs.

Of course, if I become your wife that interest will be still closer and dearer.


If it suits you, I will become your wife;--but it cannot be quite at once.

If it suits you, I will become your wife; but it cannot be quite at once.


I have suffered much from the past conflicts of my life, and there has been very much with which I must reproach myself.

I have suffered much from the past conflicts of my life, and there has been much with which I must reproach myself.


Sometimes I have to undergo the doubly bitter self-accusation of having behaved in a manner which the world will call unfeminine.

, and in a manner which the world will call unfeminine.


You must understand that I have not passed through this unscathed, and I must beg you to allow me some time for a cure.


A perfect cure I may never expect, but I think that in twelve months from this time I may so far have recovered my usual spirit and ease of mind as to enable me to devote myself to your happiness.

I think that in twelve months I may so far have recovered my usual spirit as to enable me to devote myself to your happiness.


Dear George, if you will accept me under such circumstances, I will be your wife, and will endeavour to do my duty by you faithfully.


I have said that even now, as your cousin, I take a lively interest in your career,--of course I mean your career as a politician,--and especially in your hopes of entering Parliament.

I have said that I take a lively interest in your career as a politician, especially in your hopes of entering Parliament.


I understand, accurately as I think, what you have said about my fortune, and I perfectly appreciate your truth and frankness.

I understand what you have said about my fortune, and I perfectly appreciate your frankness.


If I had nothing of my own you, in your circumstances, could not possibly take me as your wife.

If I had no fortune you could not possibly take me as your wife.


I know, moreover, that your need of assistance from my means is immediate rather than prospective.


My money may be absolutely necessary to you within this year, during which, as I tell you most truly, I cannot bring myself to become a married woman.

my money may be necessary to you within this year.


But my money shall be less cross-grained than myself.


You will take it as frankly as I mean it when I say, that whatever you want for your political purposes shall be forthcoming at your slightest wish.

Therefore, even before we marry, whatever you want for your political purposes shall be forthcoming at your wish.


Dear George, let me have the honour and glory of marrying a man who has gained a seat in the Parliament of Great Britain!


Of all positions which a man may attain that, to me, is the grandest.


I shall wait for a further letter from you before I speak either to my father or to my grandfather.


If you can tell me that you accede to my views, I will at once try to bring about a reconciliation between you and the Squire.

If you agree, I will try to bring about a reconciliation between you and the Squire.


I think that that will be almost easier than inducing my father to look with favour upon our marriage.

I think that will be almost easier than inducing my father to look with favour upon our marriage.


But I need hardly say that should either one or the other oppose it,--or should both do so,--that would not turn me from my purpose.

But I need hardly say that should either of them oppose it, that would not turn me from my purpose.


I also wait for your answer to write a last line to Mr. Grey.


George Vavasor when he had read the letter threw it carelessly from him on to the breakfast table, and began to munch his toast.

After reading this letter George Vavasor threw it carelessly on to the breakfast table, as if taking pride in his carelessness, and began to munch his toast.


He threw it carelessly from him, as though taking a certain pride in his carelessness.


It is probably the best thing that I could do, whatever the effect may be on her."

It is probably the best thing that I could do."


But before the day was over he had made many plans,--plans made almost unconsciously,--as to the benefit which might accrue to him from the offer which she had made of her money.

But before the day was over he had made many plans about the use he could make of her money.


And before night he had written that reply to her of which we have heard the contents; and had written also to his sister Kate a letter, of which Kate had kept the contents to herself.

And before night he had written his reply to her, and his letter to Kate.


"George," said Kate, speaking before she quite got up to them, "will you tell me whether you have been preparing all your things for an open sale by auction?"

"George," said Kate as she approached them, "have you been preparing all your things for sale by auction?"


Then she stole a look at Alice, and having learned from that glance that something had occurred which prevented Alice from joining her in her raillery, she went on with it herself rapidly, as though to cover Alice's confusion, and give her time to rally before they should all move.

Then she stole a look at Alice, and gathering that something had occurred, she went on rapidly, as though to cover Alice's confusion,


he had three razors laid out on his table--"

he had three razors laid out on his table-"


"But not with three razors at once; and three hair-brushes, and half a dozen toothbrushes, and a small collection of combs, and four or five little glass bottles, looking as though they contained poison,--all with silver tops.

"But not with three razors at once; and three hair-brushes, and half a dozen toothbrushes, and several combs and little glass bottles.


I can only suppose you desired to startle the weak mind of the chambermaid.


I have put them all up; but remember this, if they are taken out again you are responsible.

I have packed them all; but now you are responsible for them.


And I will not put up your boots, George.


What can you have wanted with three pairs of boots at Basle?"

What can you have wanted with three pairs of boots?"


"When you have completed the list of my wardrobe we'll go out upon the bridge.


When they got upon the bridge Alice and Kate were together, while George strolled behind them, close to them, but not taking any part in their conversation,--as though he had merely gone with them as an escort.

, Alice and Kate together, while George strolled behind, close to them, but not joining in their conversation - as though he had merely gone with them as an escort.


Kate seemed to be perfectly content with this arrangement, chattering to Alice, so that she might show that there was nothing serious on the minds of any of them.

Kate was chattering to Alice to show that there was nothing serious on their minds.


It need hardly be said that Alice at this time made no appeal to George to join them.


He followed them at their heels, with his hands behind his back, looking down upon the pavement and simply waiting upon their pleasure.

followed them with his hands behind his back, looking down at the pavement.


"Do you know," said Kate, "I have a very great mind to run away."


Perhaps I'd go to the little inn at Handek.


It's a lonely place, where nobody would hear of me,--and I should have the waterfall.

It's a lonely place, where nobody would hear of me - and I should have the waterfall."


I'm afraid they'd want to have their bill paid.


"I won't, because you wouldn't like going home with George alone,--and I suppose he'd be bound to look after me, as he's doing now.


I wonder what he thinks of having to walk over the bridge after us girls.


I suppose he'd be in that place down there drinking beer, if we weren't here."


"If he wanted to go, I dare say he would, in spite of us."


"That's ungrateful of you, for I'm sure we've never been kept in a moment by his failing us.


But as I was saying, I do dread going home.


You are going to John Grey, which may be pleasant enough; but I'm going--to Aunt Greenow."

You are going to John Grey, which may be pleasant enough; but I'm going to Aunt Greenow."


I haven't any real choice in the matter.


Of course I might refuse to speak to Aunt Greenow, and nobody could make me;--but practically I haven't any choice in the matter.


Fancy a month at Yarmouth with no companion but such a woman as that!"

Fancy a month at Yarmouth with no companion but her!"


Aunt Greenow always seems to me to be a very good sort of woman."

Aunt Greenow seems to be a very good sort of woman."


"She may be a good woman, but I must say I think she's of a bad sort.

"She may be a good woman, but I must say I think she's a bad sort.


You've never heard her talk about her husband?"


"No, never; I think she did cry a little the first day she came to Queen Anne Street, but that wasn't unnatural."

"No, never; I think she did cry a little the first day she came to Queen Anne Street after he died, but that was natural."


"He was thirty years older than herself."


And even if her tears are assumed, what of that?


She was thirty-five, and had nothing, while he was sixty-five, and was very rich.

She was thirty-five, and had nothing, while he was sixty-five, and very rich.


According to all accounts she made him a very good wife, and now that she's got all his money, you wouldn't have her go about laughing within three months of his death."

But according to all accounts she made him a very good wife, and you wouldn't have her go about laughing within three months of his death."


"No; I wouldn't have her laugh; but neither would I have her cry.


And she's quite right to wear weeds; but she needn't be so very outrageous in the depth of her hems, or so very careful that her caps are becoming.

; but she needn't be so outrageous in wearing her mourning, or so very careful that her widow's caps are becoming.


Her eyes will be worn out by their double service.


They are always red with weeping, and yet she is ready every minute with a full battery of execution for any man that she sees."

Her eyes are always red with weeping, and yet she is ready to flutter her eyelids at any man she sees."


"Then why have you consented to go to Yarmouth with her?"


"Just because she's got forty thousand pounds.


If Mr. Greenow had left her with a bare maintenance I don't suppose I should ever have held out my hand to her."


"Quite as bad;--and that's what makes me want to run away.


Does anybody ever drop their rich relatives?


When she proposed to take me to Yarmouth, wasn't it natural that the squire should ask me to go?


When I told George, wasn't it natural that he should say, 'Oh, go by all means.


One can't pretend to be wiser or better than one's relatives.


And after all what can I expect from her money?"


I'm nearly thirty and she's only forty, and of course she'll marry again.


I will say of myself, too, that no person living cares less for money."


"Yet one sticks to one's rich relatives.


"But shall I tell you, Alice, why I do stick to her?"


Perhaps you'll think the object as mean as though I wanted her money myself."


"Because it is on the cards that she may help George in his career.

"Because it's possible that she may help George in his career.