"Alice," she asked, one morning, "how many eggs are eaten in Baden every morning before ten o'clock?"

"Alice," she asked, one morning, "how many eggs are eaten in Baden every day before ten o'clock?"


Mr. Palliser, who at the moment was in the act of eating one, threw down his spoon, and pushed his plate from him.

Mr. Palliser, who at the moment was eating one, threw down his spoon, and pushed his plate from him.


"But never mind; I am a fool to care for it."

"But never mind; I am a fool to care about it."


"I declare I didn't know that I had done anything wrong," said Lady Glencora.


Alice said that she did understand very well.

Alice said that she understood very well.


"Of course she understands," said Mr. Palliser.


And, indeed, Miss Vavasor, I am more unhappy than I can express myself, to think that your comfort should be disturbed in this way."

And, indeed, Miss Vavasor, I am more unhappy than I can express, to think that your comfort should be disturbed in this way."


"Upon my word I think Alice is doing very well," said Lady Glencora.

"I think Alice is doing very well," said Lady Glencora.


She never jokes, or does anything wicked, and, of course, she isn't punished."


Mr. Palliser, as he wandered that day alone through the gambling-rooms at the great Assembly House, thought that, after all, it might have been better for him to have remained in London, to have become Chancellor of the Exchequer, and to have run all risks.


"I wonder whether it would be any harm if I were to put a few pieces of money on the table, just once?"


Lady Glencora said to her cousin, on the evening of the same day, in one of those gambling salons.

Lady Glencora said to her cousin that evening, in one of those gambling salons.


There had been some music on that evening in one side of the building, and the Pallisers had gone to the rooms. But as neither of the two ladies would dance, they had strayed away into the other apartments.

There had been some music in one side of the building, and afterwards the ladies had strayed away into the other apartments.


said Alice; "and what on earth could you gain by it?"


You don't really want any of those horrid people's money?"


"I'll tell you what I want,--something to live for,--some excitement.

"Something to live for - some excitement.


Is it not a shame that I see around me so many people getting amusement, and that I can get none?


I'd go and sit out there, and drink beer and hear the music, only Plantagenet wouldn't let me.


I think I'll throw one piece on to the table to see what becomes of it."


"I shall leave you if you do," said Alice.


It seems to me as if it must have been my special fate,--my good fate, I mean,--that has thrown me so much with you.


You look after me quite as carefully as Mr. Bott and Mrs. Marsham ever did; but as I chose you myself, I can't very well complain, and I can't very well get rid of you."


Do you know, there are moments when I almost make up my mind to go headlong to the devil,--when I think it is the best thing to be done.

Do you know, there are moments when I almost make up my mind to go headlong to the devil - when I think it is the best thing to be done.


It's a hard thing for a woman to do, because she has to undergo so much obloquy before she gets used to it.

It's a hard thing for a woman to do, because she gets so despised.


A man can take to drinking, and gambling and all the rest of it, and nobody despises him a bit.


The domestic old fogies give him lectures if they can catch him, but he isn't fool enough for that.


All he wants is money, and he goes away and has his fling.

All he needs is money, and he goes away and has his fling.


Now I have plenty of money,--or, at any rate, I had,--and I never got my fling yet.

Now I have plenty of money, and I never got my fling yet.


I do feel so tempted to rebel, and go ahead, and care for nothing."


"Throwing one piece on to the table wouldn't satisfy that longing."


"You think I should be like the wild beast that has tasted blood, and can't be controlled.

"You think I should be like the wild beast that has tasted blood, and can't be controlled?


There are husbands gambling, and their wives don't know it; and wives gambling, and their husbands don't know it.


I wonder whether Plantagenet ever has a fling?


What a joke it would be to come and catch him!"


"I don't think you need be afraid of that."


I should like him all the better for it.


If he came to me, some morning, and told me that he had lost a hundred thousand pounds, I should be so much more at my ease with him."

If he came to me some morning, and told me that he had lost a hundred thousand pounds, I should be so much more at my ease with him."


"You have no chance in that direction, I'm quite sure."


He'd make a calculation that the chances were nine to seven against him, and then the speculation would seem to him to be madness."

He'd make a calculation that the chances were nine to seven against him, and then the speculation would seem madness."


"I don't suppose he'd wish to try, even though he were sure of winning."

"I don't suppose he'd wish to try, even if he were sure of winning."


It would be a very vulgar kind of thing then.


Is there one there whom it would not disgrace you to touch?


Look at their cheeks, and their eyes, and their hands.


Those men who rake about the money are bad enough, but the women look like fiends."

Those men are bad enough, but the women look like fiends."


"You're not going to frighten me in that hobgoblin sort of way, you know.

"You're not going to frighten me in that hobgoblin way, you know.


I don't see anything the matter with any of the people."


"What do you think of that young woman who has just got a handful of money from the man next to her?"


I never get money given to me by handfuls, and the man to whom I belong gives me no encouragement when I want to amuse myself."


They were now standing near to one end of the table, and suddenly there came to be an opening through the crowd up to the table itself.

They were now standing near one end of the table, and suddenly there came to be an opening through the crowd.


Lady Glencora, leaving Alice's side, at once stepped up and deposited a piece of gold on one of the marked compartments.

Lady Glencora at once stepped up and placed a piece of gold on one of the marked compartments.


As soon as she placed it she retreated again with flushed face, and took hold of Alice's arm.

She retreated again with flushed face, and took hold of Alice's arm.


Alice, in her dismay, did not know what step to take.

Alice, in her dismay, did not know what to do.


She could not scold her friend now, as the eyes of many were turned upon them, nor could she, of course, leave her, as she had threatened.

She could not scold her friend, as many eyes were turned upon them, nor could she, of course, leave her, as she had threatened.


Lady Glencora laughed with her peculiar little low laughter, and stood her ground.

Lady Glencora laughed with her peculiar little low laughter.


"I was determined you shouldn't frighten me out of it," she said.


One of the ministers at the table had in the meantime gone on with the cards, and had called the game; and another minister had gently pushed three or four more pieces of gold up to that which Lady Glencora had flung down, and had then cunningly caught her eye, and, with all the courtesy of which he was master, had pushed them further on towards her.

One of the croupiers at the table had in the meantime called the game; and another had gently pushed three or four more pieces of gold up to that which Lady Glencora had flung down, and had then cunningly caught her eye, and had pushed them further towards her.


She had supposed herself to be unknown there in the salon, but no doubt all the croupiers and half the company knew well enough who was the new customer at the table.

She had supposed herself to be unknown in the salon, but no doubt all the croupiers and half the company knew well enough who she was.


There was still the space open, near to which she stood, and then someone motioned to her to come and take up the money which she had won.

Someone motioned to her to come and take up the money which she had won.


She hesitated, and then the croupier asked her, in that low, indifferent voice which these men always use, whether she desired that her money should remain.

She hesitated, and then the croupier asked her, in a low, indifferent voice, whether she desired that her money should remain.


She nodded her head to him, and he at once drew the money back again to the spot on which she had placed the first napoleon.

She nodded and he drew the money back to the spot on which she had placed the first napoleon.


Again the cards were turned up softly, again the game was called, and again she won.


The money was dealt out to her,--on this occasion with a full hand. There were lying there between twenty and thirty napoleons, of which she was the mistress.

The money was dealt out to her - between twenty and thirty napoleons.


Her face had flushed before, but now it became very red.


She caught hold of Alice, who was literally trembling beside her, and tried to laugh again.


But there was that in her eye which told Alice that she was really frightened.


Some one then placed a chair for her at the table, and in her confusion, not knowing what she was to do, she seated herself.

Someone placed a chair for her at the table, and in her confusion, not knowing what to do, she seated herself.


"Come away," said Alice, taking hold of her, and disregarding everything but her own purpose, in the agony of the moment.


"I must get rid of that money," said Glencora, trying to whisper her words, "and then I will come away."

"I must get rid of that money," said Glencora, trying to whisper, "and then I will come away."


The croupier again asked her if the money was to remain, and she again nodded her head.

The croupier again asked her if the money was to remain, and she again nodded.


Everybody at the table was now looking at her.


The women especially were staring at her,--those horrid women with vermilion cheeks, and loud bonnets half off their heads, and hard, shameless eyes, and white gloves, which, when taken off in the ardour of the game, disclosed dirty hands.

The women especially were staring at her with hard, shameless eyes; their white gloves had been removed to show dirty hands.


They stared at her with that fixed stare which such women have, and Alice saw it all, and trembled.


"Leave it," said Alice, "and come away."


What she said was, of course, in English, and was probably understood by no one near her; but it was easy to be seen that she was troubled, and, of course, those around her looked at her the more because of her trouble.

What she said was, of course, in English, but it was easy to see that she was troubled, and, of course, those around her looked at her more because of her trouble.


Again that little question and answer went on between her and the croupier, and on this occasion the money was piled up on the compartment--a heap of gold which made envious the hearts of many who stood around there.

Again that little question and answer went on between her and the croupier, and the money was piled up on the compartment - a heap of gold.


Alice had now both her hands on the back of the chair, needing support.


If the devil should persist, and increase that stock of gold again, she must go and seek for Mr. Palliser.


She understood nothing of the table, or of its laws; but she supposed all those ministers of the game to be thieves, and believed that all villainous contrivances were within their capacity.


She thought that they might go on adding to that heap so long as Lady Glencora would sit there, presuming that they might thus get her into their clutches.


Of course, she did not sift her suspicions.


"Come away at once, and leave it," she said, "or I shall go."


At that moment the croupier raked it all up, and carried it all away; but Alice did not see that this had been done.

At that moment the croupier raked it all up, and carried it all away; but Alice did not see this.


A hand had been placed on her shoulder, and as she turned round her face her eyes met those of Mr. Palliser.


"It is all gone," said Glencora, laughing.


And now she, turning round, also saw her husband.


"I am so glad that you are come," said Alice.


There was anger in his tone, and anger in his eye.

There was anger in his tone, and in his eye.


He took his wife's arm upon his own, and walked away quickly, while Alice followed them alone.

He took his wife's arm, and walked away quickly, while Alice followed them alone.


He went off at once, down the front steps of the building, towards the hotel.

He went down the front steps of the building, towards the hotel.


What he said to his wife, Alice did not hear; but her heart was swelling with the ill-usage to which she herself was subjected.

What he said to his wife, Alice did not hear; but her heart was swelling.


Though she might have to go back alone to England, she would tell him that he was ill-treating her.


She followed him on, up into their drawing-room, and there he stood with the door open in his hand for her, while Lady Glencora threw herself upon a sofa, and burst out into affected laughter.

She followed him on, up into their drawing-room, and there he stood with the door open, while Lady Glencora threw herself upon a sofa, and burst out into affected laughter.


"Here's a piece of work," she said, "about a little accident."


You don't suppose that I sat down there meaning to win all that money?"


"Mr. Palliser," said Alice, "you have treated me this evening in a manner I did not expect from you.


You know well how to show your anger without speaking.

"No; you know well how to show your anger without speaking.


As I do not choose to undergo your displeasure, I will return to England by myself."


said Glencora, jumping up, "that is nonsense!


Leave me, because he chooses to be angry about nothing?"


"Is it nothing that I find my wife playing at a common gambling-table, surrounded by all that is wretched and vile,--established there, seated, with heaps of gold before her?"

"Is it nothing that I find my wife seated and playing at a common gambling-table, surrounded by all that is wretched and vile?"


"You wrong me, Plantagenet," said Glencora.


"There was only one heap, and that did not remain long.


"It is impossible to make you ashamed of anything," he said.


"I certainly don't like being ashamed," she answered; "and don't feel any necessity on this occasion."


"If you don't object, Mr. Palliser," said Alice, "I will go to bed.


You can think over all this at night,--and so can I.


Then Alice took her candle, and marched off to her own room, with all the dignity of which she was mistress.

Then she took her candle, and marched off to her own room, with all the dignity of which she was capable.


George when he left the room in which he had insulted the lawyer, went immediately across to the parlour in which his aunt and sister were sitting.

When George had left the room in which he had insulted the lawyer, he went immediately to the parlour where his aunt and sister were sitting.


"Kate," said he, "put on your hat and come and walk with me.


Kate's hat and shawl were in the room, and they were out of the house together within a minute.

They were out of the house together within a minute.


They walked down the carriage-road, through the desolate, untenanted grounds, to the gate, before either of them spoke a word.

They walked down the carriage-road, through the desolate grounds to the gate, before either of them spoke a word.


Kate was waiting for George to tell her of the will, but did not dare to ask any question.

Kate did not dare to ask about the will.


George intended to tell her of the will, but was not disposed to do so without some preparation.

George intended to tell her, but not without some preparation.


It was a thing not to be spoken of open-mouthed, as a piece of ordinary news.


said Kate, as soon as they had passed through the old rickety gate, which swung at the entrance of the place.

said Kate, as soon as they had passed through the old rickety gate.


"Up across the fell," said George; "the day is fine, and I want to get away from my uncle for a time."

"Up across the fell," said George; "the day is fine, and I want to get away from my uncle for a while."


She turned round, therefore, outside the hill of firs, and led the way back to the beacon wood through which she and Alice had walked across to Haweswater upon a memorable occasion.

So she led the way to the wood through which she and Alice had walked across to Haweswater.


They had reached the top of the beacon hill, and were out upon the Fell, before George had begun his story.

They had reached the top of the beacon hill, and were out upon the Fell, before George began his story.


Kate was half beside herself with curiosity, but still she was afraid to ask.


"Well," said George, when they paused a moment as they stepped over a plank that crossed the boundary ditch of the wood: "don't you want to know what that dear old man has done for you?"

"Well," he said as they paused a moment at the boundary of the wood: "don't you want to know what that dear old man has done for you?"


Then he looked into her face very steadfastly.


"But perhaps you know already," he added.


He had come out determined not to quarrel with his sister.


He had resolved, in that moment of thought which had been allowed to him, that his best hope for the present required that he should keep himself on good terms with her, at any rate till he had settled what line of conduct he would pursue.

He had resolved that his best hope for the present was to keep on good terms with her, at any rate till he had decided what to do.


But he was, in truth, so sore with anger and disappointment,--he had become so nearly mad with that continued, unappeased wrath in which he now indulged against all the world, that he could not refrain himself from bitter words.

But he was, in truth, so sore with anger and disappointment that he could not refrain himself from bitter words.


He was as one driven by the Furies, and was no longer able to control them in their driving of him.

He was as one driven by the Furies, and was no longer able to control them.


"I am beginning to doubt," said he, "whether a man can be safe in trusting any one.

"I am beginning to doubt," said he, "whether a man can be safe in trusting anyone.


My grandfather has done his best to rob me of the property altogether."


"I told you that I feared he would do so."


"He told me distinctly that he would not do that."


"Then, George, I shall do that which I told him I should do in the event of his making such a will; for he asked me the question.

"Then, George, I shall do what I told him I should do if he made such a will; for he asked me the question.


I told him I should restore the estate to you, and upon that he swore that he would not leave it to me."


"And what a fool you were," said he, stopping her in the pathway.

"And what a fool you were," said he, stopping her in the path.


You knew that he would not, on that account, do justice to me."

You knew that meant he would not do justice to me."


now you have ruined me, and you might have saved me."


"But I will save you still, if he has left the estate to me.


As God in heaven sees me, I have never ceased to endeavour to protect your interests here at Vavasor.

As God in heaven sees me, I have never ceased to protect your interests here at Vavasor.


I will sign anything necessary to make over my right in the property to you."


Then they walked on over the Fell for some minutes without speaking.


They were still on the same path,--that path which Kate and Alice had taken in the winter,--and now poor Kate could not but think of all that she had said that day on George's behalf;--how had she mingled truth and falsehood in her efforts to raise her brother's character in her cousin's eyes!

They were on the same path which Kate and Alice had taken in the winter, and now poor Kate could not avoid thinking of all that she had said that day on George's behalf.


At this very moment of her own trouble Kate thought of John Grey, and repented of what she had done.


Her hopes in that direction were altogether blasted.


She knew that her brother had ill-treated Alice, and that she must tell him so if Alice's name were mentioned between them.


She could no longer worship her brother, and hold herself at his command in all things.

She could no longer worship her brother.


But, as regarded the property to which he was naturally the heir, if any act of hers could give it to him, that act would be done.

But, as regarded the property, if she could give it to him, she would.


"If the will is as you say, George, I will make over my right to you."


"You can make over nothing," he answered.


"The old robber has been too cunning for that; he has left it all in the hands of my uncle John.


I wish he had been dead ten years ago,--or twenty.


Do you suppose I am to forgive him because he is dead?


I'll heap his grave with curses, if that can be of avail to punish him."


"You can only punish the living that way."


"And I will punish them;--but not by cursing them.


My uncle John shall have such a life of it for the next year or two that he shall bitterly regret the hour in which he has stepped between me and my rights."

And my uncle John shall have such a life of it for the next year or two that he shall bitterly regret the hour in which he has stepped between me and my rights."


Do you pretend to think that that make-believe will was concocted without his knowledge?"


I don't think my grandfather's mind was made up a week before he died."


"You'll have to swear that, remember, in a court.


I'm not going to let the matter rest, I can tell you.


How long is it since he asked you what you would do with the estate if he left it to you?"


Kate thought for a moment before she answered.


"It was only two days before he died, if I remember rightly."

"It was two days before he died, if I remember rightly."


And now tell me this honestly; do you believe, in your heart, that he was in a condition fit for making a will?"


"I told him that I thought no man should alter family arrangements when he was so ill."


"He was very angry, and made me send for Mr. Gogram."


"Now, Kate, think a little before you answer me again.


If ever you are to do me a good turn, you must do it now.


And remember this, I don't at all want to take anything away from you.


Whatever you think is fair you shall have."


He was a fool not to have known her better than that.


"I want nothing," she said, stopping, and stamping with her foot upon the crushed heather.


"George, you don't understand what it is to be honest."


He smiled,--with a slight provoking smile that passed very rapidly from his face.

He smiled, with a slight provoking smile that passed rapidly from his face.


The meaning of the smile was to be read, had Kate been calm enough to read it. "I can't say that I do." That was the meaning of the smile.

The meaning of the smile was to be read, had Kate been calm enough to read it: "I can't say that I do," was what it meant.


"Well, never mind about that," said he; "you advised my grandfather not to make his will,--thinking, no doubt, that his mind was not clear enough?"

"Never mind about that," said he; "you advised my grandfather not to make his will, thinking, no doubt, that his mind was not clear enough?"


She paused a moment again before she answered him.


"His mind was clear," she said; "but I thought that he should not trust his judgement while he was so weak."


"Look here, Kate; I do believe that you at any rate have no mind to assist in this robbery.

"Look here, Kate; I believe that you have no wish to assist in this robbery.


That it is a robbery you can't have any doubt.


He has left the estate to my uncle John."


"Of course I am; uncle John won't give it you.


George, I don't understand you; I don't, indeed."


"Never mind about that, but listen to me.


The estate is left in the hands of John Vavasor; but he has left you five hundred a year out of it till somebody is twenty-five years old who is not yet born, and probably never will be born.


The will itself shows the old fool to have been mad."


"He was no more mad than you are, George."


I don't mean that he was a raging maniac.


Now, you had advised him not to make any new will because you thought he was not in a fit condition?"


"I hope I may not be called on to do so.


I hope there may be no swearing about it.


But if I am asked the question I must swear it."


Now listen till you understand what it is I mean.


That will, if it stands, gives all the power over the estate to John Vavasor.


It renders you quite powerless as regards any help or assistance that you might be disposed to give to me.

It renders you quite powerless to give me any assistance.


But, nevertheless, your interest under the will is greater than his,--or than that of any one else,--for your son would inherit if I have none.

But, nevertheless, your interest under the will is greater than his, for your son would inherit if I have no son.


"And your testimony as to the invalidity of the will would be conclusive against all the world."

"And your testimony about the invalidity of the will would be conclusive against all the world."


"I would say in a court what I have told you, if that will do any good."


Look here, Kate; you must be steadfast here; everything depends on you.


How often have you told me that you will stick to me throughout life?


Kate felt that her repugnance towards him,--towards all that he was doing and wished her to do,--was growing stronger within her at every word he spoke.

Kate felt that her repugnance towards him was growing stronger at every word he spoke.


She was becoming gradually aware that he desired from her something which she could not and would not do, and she was aware also that in refusing him she would have to encounter him in all his wrath.

She was becoming gradually aware that he desired her to do something which she could not and would not do, and she was aware also that in refusing him she would incur all his anger.


She set her teeth firmly together, and clenched her little fist.


If a fight was necessary, she would fight with him.

If a fight was necessary, she would fight him.


As he looked at her closely with his sinister eyes, her love towards him was almost turned to hatred.

Her love for him was almost turned to hatred.


"But that was what you meant when you advised him not to make the will because you thought his intellect was impaired!"

"You advised him not to make the will because you thought his intellect was impaired!"


What is the meaning of his judgement being weak?"


"But that was what you meant when you advised him not to trust it!"


"Look here, George; I think I know now what you mean. If anybody asks me if his mind was gone, or his intellect deranged, I cannot say that there was anything of the kind."

"Look here, George; if anybody asks me if his mind was gone, or his intellect deranged, I cannot say that there was anything of the kind."


"Then you are determined to throw me over and claim the property for yourself."


Again he turned towards and looked at her as though he were resolved to frighten her.

Again he turned towards and looked at her threateningly.


"And I am to count you also among my enemies?


They were now upon the fell side, more than three miles away from the Hall; and Kate, as she looked round, saw that they were all alone.

They were now more than three miles away from the Hall; and Kate, as she looked round, saw that they were all alone.


Not a cottage,--not a sign of humanity was within sight.

Not a cottage - not a sign of humanity was within sight.


Kate saw that it was so, and was aware that the fact pressed itself upon her as being of importance.


Then she thought again of her resolution to fight with him, if any fight were necessary; to tell him, in so many words, that she would separate herself from him and defy him.

She thought again of her resolution to fight him, if any fight were necessary; to tell him that she would separate herself from him and defy him.


She would not fear him, let his words and face be ever so terrible!


Surely her own brother would do her no bodily harm.


And even though he should do so,--though he should take her roughly by the arm as he had done to Alice,--though he should do worse than that, still she would fight him.

And even if he did, still she would fight him.


Her blood was the same as his, and he should know that her courage was, at any rate, as high.


And, indeed, when she looked at him, she had cause to fear.


He intended that she should dread what he might do to her at that moment.

He intended her to dread what he might do to her.


As to what he would do he had no resolve made.


Neither had he resolved on anything when he had gone to Alice and had shaken her rudely as she sat beside him.


He had been guided by no fixed intent when he had attacked John Grey, or when he insulted the attorney; but a Fury was driving him, and he was conscious of being so driven. He almost wished to be driven to some act of frenzy.

He had not decided what he would do; but a Fury was driving him, and he almost wished to be driven to some act of frenzy.


Everything in the world had gone against him, and he desired to expend his rage on some one.


"Kate," said he, stopping her, "we will have this out here, if you please.

"Kate," said he, "we will have this out here, if you please.


So much, at any rate, shall be settled to-day.


You have made many promises to me, and I have believed them.


You can now keep them all, by simply saying what you know to be the truth,--that that old man was a drivelling idiot when he made this will.

You can now keep them all, by simply saying what you know to be the truth - that that old man was a drivelling idiot when he made this will.


Think before you answer me, for, by G----, if I cannot have justice among you, I will have revenge."

Think before you answer me, for, by G---, if I cannot have justice, I will have revenge."


And he put his hand upon her breast up near to her throat.

And he put his hand upon her chest near to her throat.


"Take your hand down, George," said she.


"I'm not such a fool that you can frighten me in that way."


he said, and shook her, having some part of her raiment within his clutch.


"Oh, George, that I should live to be so ashamed of my brother!"


"Answer me," he said again; and again he shook her.


I will say nothing of the kind that you want me to say.


My grandfather, up to the latest moment that I saw him, knew what he was about.

My grandfather, up to the latest moment that I saw him, knew what he was doing.


He was, I believe, only carrying out a purpose fixed long before.


You will not make me change what I say by looking at me like that, nor get it by shaking me.

You will not make me change what I say by looking at me like that, nor by shaking me.


You don't know me, George, if you think you can frighten me like a child."


He heard her to the last word, still keeping his hand upon her, and holding her by the cloak she wore; but the violence of his grasp had relaxed itself, and he let her finish her words, as though his object had simply been to make her speak out to him what she had to say.

He still kept his hand upon her, and held her by her cloak; but the violence of his grasp had relaxed.


"Oh," said he, when she had done, "That's to be it; is it?

"Oh," said he, when she had done, "That's it; is it?


The very name of the money being your own has been too much for you.

The idea of the money being your own has been too much for you.


I wonder whether you and my uncle had contrived it all between you beforehand?"


"You will not dare to ask him, because he is a man," said Kate, her eyes brimming with tears, not through fear, but in very vexation at the nature of the charge he had brought against her.

"You will not dare to ask him, because he is a man," said Kate, her eyes brimming with tears, not through fear, but in very vexation at the charge.


Kate, you know that I keep my word. Say that you will do as I desire you, or I will be the death of you."

As for you, with all your promises - Kate, say that you will do as I wish, or I will be the death of you."


Treated as I have been among you, do you suppose that I shall stick at anything?


Why should I not murder you--you and Alice, too, seeing how you have betrayed me?"

Why should I not murder you - and Alice, too, seeing how you have betrayed me?"


As she spoke the words she looked straight into his eyes, as though defying him, as far as she herself were concerned.

As she spoke she looked straight into his eyes.


There's a pair of you; cursed, whining, false, intriguing hypocrites.

A pair of cursed, whining, false, intriguing hypocrites.


There; go down and tell your uncle and that old woman there that I threatened to murder you.

There; go and tell your uncle and that old woman there that I threatened to murder you.


Tell the judge so, when you're brought into court to swear me out of my property.


Then he pushed her from him with great violence, so that she fell heavily upon the stony ground.

Then he pushed her from him with great violence, so that she fell heavily on the stony ground.


He did not stop to help her up, or even to look at her as she lay, but walked away across the heath, neither taking the track on towards Haweswater, nor returning by the path which had brought them thither.

He did not stop to help her up, or even to look at her as she lay, but walked away across the heath, neither taking the track on towards Haweswater, nor returning by the path to the Hall.


He went away northwards across the wild fell; and Kate, having risen up and seated herself on a small cairn of stones which stood there, watched him as he descended the slope of the hill till he was out of sight.

He went away northwards across the wild fell; and Kate, having sat up, watched him as he descended the slope till he was out of sight.


He did not run, but he seemed to move rapidly, and he never once turned round to look at her.

He did not run, but he moved rapidly, and he never once turned round to look at her.


He went away, down the hill northwards, and presently the curving of the ground hid him from her view.

He went away down the hill, and presently the curve of the ground hid him from her view.


When she first seated herself her thoughts had been altogether of him.


She had feared no personal injury, even when she had asked him whether he would murder her.

She had feared no personal injury, even when she had asked whether he would murder her.


Her blood had been hot within her veins, and her heart had been full of defiance. Even yet she feared nothing, but continued to think of him and his misery, and his disgrace.

Her heart had been full of defiance; but now she thought of his misery, and his disgrace.


That he was gone for ever, utterly and irretrievably ruined, thrown out, as it were, beyond the pale of men, was now certain to her.

That he was gone for ever, utterly ruined, was now certain to her.


And this was the brother in whom she had believed; for whom she had not only been willing to sacrifice herself, but for whose purposes she had striven to sacrifice her cousin!

And this was the brother in whom she had believed; for whom she had not only been willing to sacrifice herself, but also her cousin!


As he passed from out of her sight down the hill, it seemed to her as though he were rushing straight into some hell from which there could be no escape.

As he passed out of her sight, it seemed to her as though he were rushing straight into some hell from which there could be no escape.


She knew that her arm had been hurt in the fall, but for a while she would not move it or feel it, being resolved to take no account of what might have happened to herself.

She knew that her arm had been hurt in the fall, but for a while she would not move it, being resolved to take no account of what might have happened to herself.


But when he had been gone some ten minutes, she rose to her feet, and finding that the movement pained her greatly, and that her right arm was powerless, she put up her left hand and became aware that the bone of her arm was broken below the elbow.

But after some ten minutes, she rose to her feet, and finding that her right arm was powerless, she put up her left hand and became aware that the bone was broken below the elbow.


Her first thought was given to the telling him of this, or the not telling, when she should meet him below at the house.

Her first thought was whether to tell him of this, when she should meet him at the house.


How should she mention the accident to him?


Should she lie, and say that she had fallen as she came down the hill alone?


Of course he would not believe her, but still some such excuse as that might make the matter easier for them all.

Of course he would not believe her, but still some such excuse as that might make the matter easier.


It did not occur to her that she might not see him again at all that day; and that, as far as he was concerned, there might be need for no lie.

It did not occur to her that she might not see him again at all that day; and that, as far as he was concerned, there might be no need for a lie.


She started off to walk down home, holding her right arm steadily against her body with her left hand.

She started to walk home, holding her right arm steadily against her body with her left hand.


Of course she must give some account of herself when she got to the house; but it was of the account to be given to him that she thought.

Of course she must give some account of herself when she got to the house; but she thought chiefly of the account to be given to him.


As to the others she cared little for them. "Here I am; my arm is broken; and you had better send for a doctor." That would be sufficient for them.

As to the others, "Here I am; my arm is broken; you had better send for a doctor" - that would be enough.


When she got into the wood the path was very dark.


The heavens were overcast with clouds, and a few drops began to fall.

The heavens were overcast, and a few drops began to fall.


Then the rain fell faster and faster, and before she had gone a quarter of a mile down the beacon hill, the clouds had opened themselves, and the shower had become a storm of water.

Then the rain fell faster and faster, and before she had gone a quarter of a mile, the shower had become a storm of water.


Suffering as she was she stood up for a few moments under a large tree, taking the excuse of the rain for some minutes of delay, that she might make up her mind as to what she would say.

Suffering as she was, she stood up for a few moments under a large tree, taking the excuse to make up her mind what she would say.


Then it occurred to her that she might possibly meet him again before she reached the house; and, as she thought of it, she began for the first time to fear him.

Then it occurred to her that she might meet him again before she reached the house; and she began for the first time to fear him.


Would he come out upon her from the trees and really kill her?

Would he come out from the trees and really kill her?


Had he made his way round, when he got out of her sight, that he might fall upon her suddenly and do as he had threatened?

Had he made his way round, when he got out of her sight, in order to attack her suddenly?


As the idea came upon her, she made a little attempt to run, but she found that running was impracticable from the pain the movement caused her.

As the idea came upon her, she made a little attempt to run, but she found that running was impossible with the pain the movement caused her.


Then she walked on through the hard rain, steadily holding her arm against her side, but still looking every moment through the trees on the side from which George might be expected to reach her.

Then she walked on through the hard rain, steadily holding her arm against her side, but still looking every moment through the trees for George.


But no one came near her on her way homewards.


Had she been calm enough to think of the nature of the ground, she might have known that he could not have returned upon her so quickly.


He must have come back up the steep hill-side which she had seen him descend.


No;--he had gone away altogether, across the fells towards Bampton, and was at this moment vainly buttoning his coat across his breast, in his unconscious attempt to keep out the wet.

George had gone away altogether, across the fells towards Bampton, and was at this moment vainly buttoning his coat against the wet.


The Fury was driving him on, and he himself was not aware whither he was driven.


Dinner at the Hall had been ordered at five, the old hour; or rather that had been assumed to be the hour for dinner without any ordering.

Dinner at the Hall had been ordered at five.


It was just five when Kate reached the front door.


This she opened with her left hand, and turning at once into the dining-room, found her uncle and her aunt standing before the fire.

She opened it with her left hand, and turning into the dining-room, found her uncle and her aunt standing before the fire.


"Dinner is ready," said John Vavasor; "where is George?"


Aunt Greenow had seen at once that something was amiss.


"Has he come back with you, or are we to wait for him?"


"I don't quite know where he is," she said.


In the meantime her aunt had hastened up to her side just in time to catch her as she was falling from her chair.

Her aunt hastened to her side just in time to catch her as she was falling from her chair.


"My arm," said Kate, very gently; "my arm!"


Then she slipped down against her aunt, and had fainted.

Then she slipped down against her aunt, and fainted.


"He has done her a mischief," said Mrs. Greenow, looking up at her brother.

"He has done her a mischief," said Mrs. Greenow, looking at her brother.


John Vavasor stood confounded, wishing himself back in Queen Anne Street.


A week or ten days after this, Alice, when she came down to the breakfast-parlour one morning, found herself alone with Mr. Bott.

A week after this, Alice, when she came down to breakfast one morning, found herself alone with Mr. Bott.


It was the fashion at Matching Priory for people to assemble rather late in the day.


The nominal hour for breakfast was ten, and none of the ladies of the party were ever seen before that.


Some of the gentlemen would breakfast earlier, especially on hunting mornings; and on some occasions the ladies, when they came together, would find themselves altogether deserted by their husbands and brothers.


On this day it was fated that Mr. Bott alone should represent the sterner sex, and when Alice entered the room he was standing on the rug with his back to the fire, waiting till the appearance of some other guest should give him the sanction necessary for the commencement of his morning meal.

When she entered the room he was standing with his back to the fire, waiting till the appearance of some other guest should give him the sanction necessary to start his morning meal.


Alice, when she saw him, would have retreated had it been possible, for she had learned to dislike him greatly, and was, indeed, almost afraid of him; but she could not do so without making her flight too conspicuous.

Alice would have retreated if possible, for she had learned to dislike him greatly, and was, indeed, almost afraid of him; but she could not do so without making her flight conspicuous.


"Do you intend to prolong your stay here, Miss Vavasor?"


said Mr. Bott, taking advantage of the first moment at which she looked up from a letter which she was reading.

said Mr. Bott, taking advantage of the first moment at which she looked up from a letter she was reading.


"For a few more days, I think," said Alice.


Mr. Palliser has pressed me so much to remain till he goes to the Duke's, that I cannot get away sooner.


As I am an unmarried man myself, I can employ my time as well in one place as in another;--at this time of the year at least."

As I am an unmarried man, I can employ my time as well in one place as in another."


"You must find that very convenient," said Alice.


You see in my position,--Parliamentary position, I mean,--I am obliged, as a public man, to act in concert with others.

You see, with my position in Parliament I am obliged to act in concert with others.


A public man can be of no service unless he is prepared to do that.


We must give and take, you know, Miss Vavasor."


As Miss Vavasor made no remark in answer to this, Mr. Bott continued--"I always say to the men of my party,--of course I regard myself as belonging to the extreme Radicals."

As Miss Vavasor made no answer. Mr. Bott continued, "Of course I regard myself as belonging to the extreme Radicals."


I came into Parliament on that understanding; and I have never seen any occasion as yet to change any political opinion that I have expressed.


But I always say to the gentlemen with whom I act, that nothing can be done if we don't give and take.

But nothing can be done if we don't give and take.


I don't mind saying to you, Miss Vavasor, that I look upon our friend, Mr. Palliser, as the most rising public man in the country.

I look upon our friend Mr. Palliser as the most rising public man in the country."


"I am happy to hear you say so," said his victim, who found herself driven to make some remark.

"I am happy to hear you say so," said his victim.


"And I, as an extreme Radical, do not think I can serve my party better than by keeping in the same boat with him, as long as it will hold the two.

"And I do not think I can serve my party better than by keeping in the same boat with him.


'He'll make a Government hack of you,' a friend of mine said to me the other day.


'And I'll make a Manchester school Prime Minister of him,' I replied.


I rather think I know what I'm about, Miss Vavasor."


"And so does he;--and so does he. Mr. Palliser is not the man to be led by the nose by any one.

"And so does he; Mr. Palliser is not the man to be led by the nose by anyone.


But it's a fair system of give and take.


You can't get on in politics without it.


What a charming woman is your relative, Lady Glencowrer!


I remember well what you said to me the other evening."

I remember what you said to me the other evening."


"And I quite agree with you that confidential intercourse regarding dear friends should not be lightly made."

"And I quite agree with you that confidential discussion of dear friends should not be lightly made."


"But there are occasions, Miss Vavasor; there are occasions when the ordinary laws by which we govern our social conduct must be made somewhat elastic."

"But there are occasions, Miss Vavasor, when the ordinary laws of social conduct must be made somewhat elastic."


"I don't think this one of them, Mr. Bott."

"I don't think this is one of them, Mr. Bott."


Just listen to me for one moment, Miss Vavasor.


Our friend, Mr. Palliser, I am proud to say, relies much upon my humble friendship.


Our first connection has, of course, been political; but it has extended beyond that, and has become pleasantly social;--I may say, very pleasantly social."


"But I need not tell you that Lady Glencowrer is--very young; we may say, very young indeed."

But I need not tell you that Lady Glencowrer is very young; we may say, very young indeed."


"Mr. Bott, I will not talk to you about Lady Glencora Palliser."


This Alice said in a determined voice, and with all the power of resistance at her command.


She frowned too, and looked savagely at Mr. Bott.


But he was a man of considerable courage, and knew how to bear such opposition without flinching.

But he was a man of courage, and knew how to bear such opposition without flinching.


"When I tell you, Miss Vavasor, that I speak solely with a view to her domestic happiness!"

"Miss Vavasor, I speak solely with a view to her domestic happiness!"


"I don't think that she wishes to have any such guardian of her happiness."


Now I have the means of knowing that he has the greatest reliance on your judgement."

Now I know he has the greatest reliance on your judgement."


Hereupon Alice got up with the intention of leaving the room, but she was met at the door by Mrs. Conway Sparkes.


"Are you running from your breakfast, Miss Vavasor?"


"No, Mrs. Sparkes; I am running from Mr. Bott," said Alice, who was almost beside herself with anger.


Alice returned to the room, and Mrs. Sparkes immediately saw that she had in truth been running from Mr. Bott. "I hope I shall be able to keep the peace," said she.

"I hope I shall be able to keep the peace," said Mrs. Sparkes as Alice turned back into the room.


"I trust his offence was not one that requires special punishment."


"Ha, ha, ha," again laughed Mr. Bott, who rather liked his position.


Alice was very angry with herself, feeling that she had told more of the truth to Mrs. Sparkes than she should have done, unless she was prepared to tell the whole.

Alice was very angry with herself for saying only part of the truth to Mrs. Sparkes.


As it was, she wanted to say something, and did not know what to say; but her confusion was at once stopped by the entrance of Lady Glencora.

She wanted to say something, and did not know what to say; but her confusion was stopped by the entrance of Lady Glencora.


"Mrs. Sparkes, good morning," said Lady Glencora.


But Alice could see that her cousin was not quite in earnest;--that the new trouble, though it might be vexatious, was no great calamity.

But Alice could see that her cousin was not quite in earnest;-that the new trouble was no calamity.


"Come here," said Lady Glencora; and they both went into an embrasure of the window.

"Come here," said Lady Glencora; and they both went to the window.


"Now I shall have to put your confidence in me to the test.


This letter is from,--whom do you think?"

"This letter is from - whom do you think?


and she's coming here on Monday, on her road to London.


Unless you tell me that you are quite sure this is as unexpected by me as by you, I will never speak to you again."


But first we'll go and have some breakfast."


Then more ladies swarmed into the room,--the Duchess and her daughter, and the two Miss Pallisers, and others; and Mr. Bott had his hands full in attending,--or rather in offering to attend, to their little wants.

Then more ladies swarmed into the room; and Mr. Bott had his hands full in attending to their little wants.


The morning was nearly gone before Alice and her cousin had any further opportunity of discussing in private the approach of Lady Midlothian; but Mr. Palliser had come in among them, and had been told of the good thing which was in store for him.

The morning was nearly gone before Alice and her cousin had any chance of a private talk. Meanwhile Mr. Palliser was told of the visit.


"We shall be delighted to see Lady Midlothian," said Mr. Palliser.


"But there is somebody here who will not be at all delighted to see her," said Lady Glencora to her husband.
"Is there, indeed?" said he. "Who is that?"
"Her most undutiful cousin, Alice Vavasor. But, Alice, Mr. Palliser knows nothing about it, and it is too long to explain."

"But Alice will not be at all delighted, for reasons too long to explain," said Lady Glencora.


"I am extremely sorry--" began Mr. Palliser.

"I am extremely sorry-" began Mr. Palliser.


"I can assure you it does not signify in the least," said Alice.

"It does not signify in the least," said Alice.


"It will only be taking me away three days earlier."


Upon hearing this Mr. Palliser looked very serious.


What quarrel could Miss Vavasor have had with Lady Midlothian which should make it impossible for them to be visitors at the same house?

What quarrel could make it impossible for Alice and Lady Midlothian to be visitors at the same house?


"It will do no such thing," said Lady Glencora. "Do you mean to say that you are coward enough to run away from her?"

"Do you mean to say that you are coward enough to run away from her?" said Lady Glencora.


"I'm afraid, Miss Vavasor, that we can hardly bid her not come," said Mr. Palliser.

"I'm afraid, Miss Vavasor, that we can hardly ask her not to come," said Mr. Palliser.


In answer to this, Alice protested that she would not for worlds have been the means of keeping Lady Midlothian away from Matching.

Alice protested that she would not wish it.


"I should tell you, Mr. Palliser, that I have never seen Lady Midlothian, though she is my far-away cousin.

"I should tell you, Mr. Palliser, that I have never met Lady Midlothian, though she is my distant cousin.


But she has given me advice by letter, and I did not answer her because I thought she had no business to interfere.


I shall go away, not because I am afraid of her, but because, after what has passed, our meeting would be unpleasant to her."

I shall go away because our meeting would be unpleasant to her."


"You could tell her that Miss Vavasor is here," said Mr. Palliser.

"You could tell her that Miss Vavasor is here," said Mr. Palliser to his wife.


"And then she need not come unless she pleased."


The matter was so managed at last that Alice found herself unable to leave Matching without making more of Lady Midlothian's coming than it was worth.


It would undoubtedly be very disagreeable,--this unexpected meeting with her relative; but, as Lady Glencora said, Lady Midlothian would not eat her.

It would undoubtedly be very disagreeable; but, as Lady Glencora said, Lady Midlothian would not eat her.


In truth, she felt ashamed of herself in that she was afraid of her relative.

In truth, she felt ashamed to be so afraid of her relative.


So much she was forced to admit to herself.


But she resolved at last that she would not let her drive her out of the house.


"Is Mr. Bott an admirer of your cousin?"


Mrs. Sparkes said that evening to Lady Glencora.


"A very distant one I should think," said Lady Glencora.


exclaimed an old lady who had been rather awed by Alice's intimacy and cousinship with Lady Glencora; "it's the very last thing I should have dreamt of."


"But I didn't dream it, first or last," said Mrs. Sparkes.


"Don't suppose that I am asking whether Miss Vavasor is an admirer of his," said Mrs. Sparkes.


I rather think that when he plays Bacchus she plays Ariadne, with full intention of flying from him in earnest."


If you observe, he has something of a godlike and triumphant air about him."


"I don't think his godship will triumph there," said Lady Glencora.


"I really think she would be throwing herself very much away," said the old lady.


"Miss Vavasor is not at all disposed to do that," said Mrs. Sparkes.


Then that conversation was allowed to drop.


On the following Monday, Lady Midlothian arrived.


The carriage was sent to meet her at the station about three o'clock in the afternoon, and Alice had to choose whether she would undergo her first introduction immediately on her relative's arrival, or whether she would keep herself out of the way till she should meet her in the drawing-room before dinner.

The carriage was sent to meet her at the station.


"I shall receive her when she comes," said Lady Glencora, "and of course will tell her that you are here."


"Yes, that will be best; and--; dear me, I declare I don't know how to manage it."

"Yes, that will be best; but I don't know how to manage our first meeting."


"I'll bring her to you in my room if you like it."

"I'll bring her to you in my room if you like."


"No; that would be too solemn," said Alice. "That would make her understand that I thought a great deal about her."
"Then we'll let things take their chance, and you shall come across her just as you would any other stranger."

"No; we'll let things take their chance."


It was settled at last that this would be the better course, but that Lady Midlothian was to be informed of Alice's presence at the Priory as soon as she should arrive.

However, it was decided that Lady Midlothian was to be informed of Alice's presence as soon as she arrived.


Alice was in her own room when the carriage in which sat the unwelcome old lady was driven up to the hall-door. She heard the wheels plainly, and knew well that her enemy was within the house.

Alice was in her own room when she heard the carriage-wheels, and knew that her enemy had come.


She had striven hard all the morning to make herself feel indifferent to this arrival, but had not succeeded; and was angry with herself at finding that she sat up-stairs with an anxious heart, because she knew that her cousin was in the room down-stairs.

She had striven to feel indifferent, but had not succeeded; and was angry with herself for feeling anxious.


What was Lady Midlothian to her that she should be afraid of her?

Why should she be afraid of Lady Midlothian?


And yet she was very much afraid of Lady Midlothian.


She questioned herself on the subject over and over again, and found herself bound to admit that such was the fact.


At last, about five o'clock, having reasoned much with herself, and rebuked herself for her own timidity, she descended into the drawing-room,--Lady Glencora having promised that she would at that hour be there,--and on opening the door became immediately conscious that she was in the presence of her august relative.

At about five o'clock, having rebuked herself for her timidity, she descended into the drawing-room. Lady Glencora had promised that she would be there at that hour.


There sat Lady Midlothian in a great chair opposite the fire, and Lady Glencora sat near to her on a stool.

When Alice entered, Lady Midlothian sat in a great chair opposite the fire, with Lady Glencora near her on a stool.


One of the Miss Pallisers was reading in a further part of the room, and there was no one else present in the chamber.

One of the Miss Pallisers was reading further away, and there was no one else in the room.


The Countess of Midlothian was a very little woman, between sixty and seventy years of age, who must have been very pretty in her youth.

The Countess of Midlothian was a very little woman of between sixty and seventy, who must have been very pretty in her youth.


At present she made no pretension either to youth or beauty,--as some ladies above sixty will still do,--but sat confessedly an old woman in all her external relations.


She wore a round bonnet which came much over her face,--being accustomed to continue the use of her bonnet till dinner time when once she had been forced by circumstances to put it on. She wore a short cloak which fitted close to her person, and, though she occupied a great arm-chair, sat perfectly upright, looking at the fire.

She wore a round bonnet and a short cloak, and sat perfectly upright, looking at the fire.


Very small she was, but she carried in her grey eyes and sharp-cut features a certain look of importance which saved her from being considered as small in importance.

Very small she was, but she carried in her grey eyes and sharp-cut features a certain look of importance.


Alice, as soon as she saw her, knew that she was a lady over whom no easy victory could be obtained.

Alice at once saw that she was a lady over whom no easy victory could be obtained.


"Here is Alice," said Lady Glencora, rising as her cousin entered the room.

"Here is Alice," said Lady Glencora, rising.


"Alice, let me introduce you to Lady Midlothian."


Alice, as she came forward, was able to assume an easy demeanour, even though her heart within was failing her.

Alice, as she came forward, was able to assume an easy demeanour, even though her heart was failing her.


She put out her hand, leaving it to the elder lady to speak the first words of greeting.


"I am glad at last to be able to make your acquaintance, my dear," said Lady Midlothian; "very glad." But still Alice did not speak. "Your aunt, Lady Macleod, is one of my oldest friends, and I have heard her speak of you very often."

"I am glad at last to be able to make your acquaintance, my dear," said Lady Midlothian; "Your aunt, Lady Macleod, is one of my oldest friends, and I have heard her speak of you very often."


"And Lady Macleod has often spoken to me of your ladyship," said Alice.


"Then we know each other's names," said the Countess; "and it will be well that we should be acquainted with each other's persons.

"Then it is as well that we should be acquainted with each other," said the Countess.


I am becoming an old woman, and if I did not learn to know you now, or very shortly, I might never do so."

"I am becoming an old woman, and if I do not get to know you soon, I might never do so."


Alice could not help thinking that even under those circumstances neither might have had, so far as that was concerned, much cause of sorrow, but she did not say so.

Alice could not help thinking that in that case neither might feel much sorrow; but she did not say so.


She was thinking altogether of Lady Midlothian's letter to her, and trying to calculate whether or no it would be well for her to rush away at once to the subject.

She was wondering whether to speak of Lady Midlothian's letter to her.


That Lady Midlothian would mention the letter, Alice felt well assured; and when could it be better mentioned than now, in Glencora's presence,--when no other person was near them to listen to her?

She was sure that Lady Midlothian would mention the letter; and it would be better now, in Glencora's presence.


"I would wish to be so," said Lady Midlothian.


"Blood is thicker than water, my dear; and I know no earthly ties that can bind people together if those of family connection will not do so.

"Blood is thicker than water, my dear," said Lady Midlothian, "and no earthly ties are as strong as those of family.


Your mother, when she and I were young, was my dearest friend."


"I never knew my mother," said Alice,--feeling, however, as she spoke, that the strength of her resistance to the old woman was beginning to give way.

"I never knew my mother," said Alice - feeling, however, that her resistance to the old woman was beginning to give way.


"No, my dear, you never did; and that is to my thinking another reason why they who loved her should love you. But Lady Macleod is your nearest relative,--on your mother's side, I mean,--and she has done her duty by you well."

"No, my dear, you never did; but Lady Macleod is your nearest relative on your mother's side, and she has done her duty by you well."


"She has, and others, therefore, have been the less called upon to interfere.

"She has, and others, therefore, have been less called upon to interfere.


I only say this, my dear, in my own vindication,--feeling, perhaps, that my conduct needs some excuse."

I only say this, my dear, in my own vindication - feeling, perhaps, that my conduct needs some excuse."


"I'm sure Alice does not think that," said Lady Glencora.


"It is what I think rather than what Alice thinks that concerns my own shortcomings," said Lady Midlothian, with a smile which was intended to be pleasant. "But I have wished to make up for former lost opportunities."

"But I have wished to make up for lost opportunities," said Lady Midlothian.


Alice knew that she was about to refer to her letter, and trembled.


"I am very anxious now to be reckoned one of Alice Vavasor's friends, if she will allow me to become so."

"I am very anxious now to be Alice Vavasor's friend, if she will allow me to become so."


I believe that she meant to be gracious, but there was something in her manner, or, perhaps, rather in her voice, so repellant, that Alice felt that they could hardly become true friends.

Although she meant to be gracious, there was something repellent in her manner.


"Let Alice say what she means herself," said Lady Midlothian.


"I hardly know how to say what I do mean," said Alice, whose spirit within her was rising higher as the occasion for using it came upon her.

"I hardly know how to say what I mean," said Alice, her spirit rising higher.


"I am assured that you and I, Lady Midlothian, differ very much as to a certain matter; and as it is one in which I must be guided by my own opinion, and not that of any other person, perhaps--"

"I am sure that you and I, Lady Midlothian, differ very much about a certain matter, in which I must be guided by my own opinion-"


"Yes," said Alice; "I mean about Mr. Grey."


"I think so much about that matter, and your happiness as therein concerned, that when I heard that you were here I was determined to take Matching in my way to London, so that I might have an opportunity of speaking to you."

"I think so much about that matter, and your happiness, that when I heard that you were here I was determined to visit Matching so that I might have an opportunity of speaking to you."


"Then you knew that Alice was here," said Lady Glencora.

"Then you knew that Alice was here?" said Lady Glencora.


I suppose you have heard all the history, Glencora?"


Lady Glencora was forced to acknowledge that she had heard the history,--"the history" being poor Alice's treatment of Mr. Grey.

Lady Glencora was forced to acknowledge that she had heard the "history" of poor Alice's treatment of Mr. Grey.


Both Alice and her hostess looked round to the further end of the room in which Miss Palliser was reading, intending thus to indicate that the lady knew as yet none of the circumstances, and that there could be no good reason why she should be instructed in them at this moment.

Both Alice and Lady Glencora looked towards the end of the room where Miss Palliser was reading, to indicate that the lady knew nothing of it.


"Perhaps another time and another place may be better," said Lady Midlothian; "but I must go the day after to-morrow,--indeed, I thought of going to-morrow."

"Perhaps another time and place may be better," said Lady Midlothian; "but I must go the day after tomorrow; indeed, I thought of going tomorrow.


"You must regard this as merely a passing visit, made upon business.


But, as I was saying, when shall I get an opportunity of speaking to Alice where we need not be interrupted?"

When shall I get an opportunity of speaking to Alice where we need not be interrupted?"


Lady Glencora suggested her room up-stairs, and offered the use of it then, or on that night when the world should be about to go to bed.

Lady Glencora suggested her room upstairs, and offered the use of it then, or in the evening.


But the idea of this premeditated lecture was terrible to Alice, and she determined that she would not endure it.

But the idea of being lectured was terrible to Alice, and she was determined not to endure it.


"Lady Midlothian, it would really be of no use."


"And as you have not answered it, I have come all this way to see you."


"I shall be so sorry if I give offence, but it is a subject which I cannot bring myself to discuss"--she was going to say with a stranger, but she was able to check herself before the offensive word was uttered,--"which I cannot bring myself to discuss with any one."

"I shall be so sorry to give offence, but it is a subject which I cannot bring myself to discuss."


"But you don't mean to say that you won't see me?"


"I will not talk upon that matter," said Alice.


"I will not do it even with Lady Macleod."


"No," said Lady Midlothian, and her sharp grey eyes now began to kindle with anger; "and therefore it is so very necessary that other friends should interfere."


"But I will endure no interference," said Alice, "either from persons who are friends or who are not friends."


And as she spoke she rose from her chair.


"You must forgive me, Lady Midlothian, if I say that I can have no conversation with you on this matter."


Then she walked out of the room, leaving the Countess and Lady Glencora together.


As she went Miss Palliser lifted her eyes from her book, and knew that there had been a quarrel, but I doubt if she had heard any of the words which had been spoken.


"The most self-willed young woman I ever met in my life," said Lady Midlothian, as soon as Alice was gone.


[Illustration: "The most self-willed young woman I ever met in my life."]


"I knew very well how it would be," said Lady Glencora.


She has been engaged, with the consent of all her friends, to this young man."


"I don't quite understand her, but I suppose she fears they would not be happy together."


I should think not; nobody can understand her.

I should think nobody can understand her.


A young woman to become engaged to a gentleman in that way,--before all the world, as one may say;--to go to his house, as I am told, and talk to the servants, and give orders about the furniture and then turn round and simply say that she has changed her mind!

A young woman to become engaged to a gentleman in that way, and then turn round and simply say that she has changed her mind!


She hasn't given the slightest reason to my knowledge."


And Lady Midlothian, as she insisted on the absolute iniquity of Alice's proceedings, almost startled Lady Glencora by the eagerness of her countenance.

Lady Midlothian almost startled Lady Glencora by her eagerness.


Lady Midlothian had been one of those who, even now not quite two years ago, had assisted in obtaining the submission of Lady Glencora herself.

Lady Midlothian had been one of those who, not quite two years before, had assisted in obtaining the submission of Lady Glencora herself.


Lady Midlothian seemed on the present occasion to remember nothing of this, but Lady Glencora remembered it very exactly.


"I shall not give it up," continued Lady Midlothian.


"I have the greatest possible objection to her father, who contrived to connect himself with our family in a most shameful manner, without the slightest encouragement.

"I have the greatest objection to her father, who contrived to connect himself with our family in a most shameful manner, without the slightest encouragement.


I don't think I have spoken to him since, but I shall see him now and tell him my opinion."


Alice held her ground, and avoided all further conversation with Lady Midlothian.

Alice held her ground, and avoided all further conversation with Lady Midlothian during her stay.


A message came to her through Lady Glencora imploring her to give way, but she was quite firm.


"Good-bye to you," Lady Midlothian said to her as she went.


"Even yet I hope that things may go right, and if so you will find that I can forget and forgive."


"If perseverance merits success," said Lady Glencora to Alice, "she ought to succeed."


At the end of ten days Alice found herself quite comfortable at Matching Priory.

After ten days Alice felt quite comfortable at Matching Priory.

Chapter 25: In Which Much of the History of the Pallisers Is Told


She had now promised to remain there till the second week of December, at which time she was to go to Vavasor Hall,--there to meet her father and Kate.

She had promised to remain there till the second week of December, when she was to go to Vavasor Hall to meet her father and Kate.


The Pallisers were to pass their Christmas with the Duke of Omnium in Barsetshire.


"We always are to do that," said Glencora.


"It is the state occasion at Gatherum Castle, but it only lasts for one week.

"It is the state occasion at Gatherum Castle," said Glencora, "but it only lasts for one week.


"Because--; I don't think I mean to tell you."

"Because - I don't think I mean to tell you."


But I can be as firm as you, and I'm sure I won't tell you unless you do ask."

But I won't tell you unless you do ask."


But Alice did not ask, and it was not long before Lady Glencora's firmness gave way.

Alice did not ask; but it was not long before Lady Glencora gave way.


But, as I have said, Alice had become quite comfortable at Matching Priory.


Perhaps she was already growing upwards towards the light.

Perhaps Alice was already growing upwards towards the light.


At any rate she could listen with pleasure to the few words the Duke would say to her.


She could even chat a little to the Duchess,--so that her Grace had observed to Lady Glencora that "her cousin was a very nice person,--a very nice person indeed.

She could even chat a little to the Duchess - so that her Grace had observed to Lady Glencora that "her cousin was a very nice person indeed.


What a pity it was that she had been so ill-treated by that gentleman in Oxfordshire!"

What a pity that she had been so ill-treated by that gentleman in Oxfordshire!"


Lady Glencora had to explain that the gentleman lived in Cambridgeshire, and that he, at any rate, had not treated anybody ill. "Do you mean that she--jilted him?"

Lady Glencora had to explain that the gentleman lived in Cambridgeshire, and that he had not treated anybody ill.
"Do you mean that she jilted him?"


said the Duchess, almost whistling, and opening her eyes very wide.


And when she next spoke to Alice she assumed rather a severe tone of emphasis;--but this was soon abandoned when Alice listened to her with complacency.

And when she next spoke to Alice she assumed rather a severe tone - until Alice listened to her pleasantly.


Alice also had learned to ride,--or rather had resumed her riding, which for years had been abandoned. Jeffrey Palliser had been her squire, and she had become intimate with him so as to learn to quarrel with him and to like him,--to such an extent that Lady Glencora had laughingly told her that she was going to do more.

Alice had also begun riding, with Jeffrey Palliser as her squire. She had become friendly enough with him to quarrel, and to like him - so much, that Lady Glencora laughingly told her that she was going to do more.


"I don't just at present,--at any rate."


"Upon my word it would be very nice;--and then perhaps some day you'd be the Duchess."

"It would be very nice; and then perhaps some day you'd be the Duchess."


"Those are the speculations which people make.


Only I should spite you by killing myself, so that he might marry again."


He spoke to me the other day about Jeffrey's altered position, and I knew what he meant;--or rather what he didn't mean to say, but what he thought.

He spoke to me the other day about Jeffrey's altered position, and I knew what he meant; or rather what he thought.


"I only know one other way," said Lady Glencora.


"You are thinking of things which should never be in your thoughts," said Alice vehemently.


Cannot you accept what has been done for you?"


Mr. Bott had gone away, much to Lady Glencora's delight, but had unfortunately come back again.


On his return Alice heard more of the feud between the Duchess and Mrs. Conway Sparkes.


"I did not tell you," said Lady Glencora to her friend;--"I did not tell you before he went that I was right about his tale-bearing."

"I was right about his tale-telling," said Lady Glencora to her friend.


"Yes; I did get the scolding, and I know very well that it came through him, though Mr. Palliser did not say so.

"Yes; I got a scolding, and I know it came through him, though Mr. Palliser did not say so.


But he told me that the Duchess had felt herself hurt by that other woman's way of talking."


It was he who desired me to ask Mrs. Conway Sparkes to come here.

It was he who wanted me to ask Mrs. Conway Sparkes here.


I didn't want her. She goes everywhere, and it is thought a catch to get her; but if she had been drowned in the Red Sea I shouldn't have minded.

I didn't want her, although she goes everywhere.


When I told him that, he said it was nonsense,--which of course it was; and then he said I ought to make her hold her tongue.

When I told him that, he said it was nonsense, and I ought to make her hold her tongue.


Mrs. Conway Sparkes wouldn't care for me.

Mrs. Conway Sparkes wouldn't care about me.


If she quizzed me, myself, I told him that I could take care of myself, though she were ten times Mrs. Conway Sparkes, and had written finer poetry than Tennyson."


I know a great deal of it by heart, only I wouldn't give her the pleasure of supposing that I had ever thought so much about her poetry.


And then I told him that I couldn't take care of the Duchess,--and he told me that I was a child."

And then I told him that I couldn't take care of the Duchess - and he told me that I was a child."


Why didn't he marry some strong-minded, ferocious woman that could keep his house in order, and frown Mrs. Sparkes out of her impudence?


Then he kissed me, and said it was all right, and told me that I should grow older.

Then he kissed me, and said it was all right, and that I should grow older.


'And Mrs. Sparkes will grow more impudent,' I said, 'and the Duchess more silly.'


Now this horrid Mr. Bott has come back again, and only that it would be mean in me to condescend so far, I would punish him.

Now this horrid Mr. Bott has come back again, and I wish I could punish him.


He grins and smiles at me, and rubs his big hands more than ever, because he feels that he has behaved badly.

He grins and smiles at me, and rubs his big hands.


Is it not horrid to have to live in the house with such people?"


"Yes; but I am the mistress here, and am told that I am to entertain the people.

"Yes; but I am the mistress here, and am told to entertain the people.


Fancy entertaining the Duchess of St. Bungay and Mr. Bott!"


Alice had now become so intimate with Lady Glencora that she did not scruple to read her wise lectures,--telling her that she allowed herself to think too much of little things,--and too much also of some big things.


"As regards Mr. Bott," said Alice, "I think you should bear it as though there were no such person."


"But that would be pretence,--especially to you."


"No; it would not be pretence; it would be the reticence which all women should practise,--and you, in your position, more almost than any other woman."

"No; it would be the reticence which all women should practise - and you, in your position, almost more than any other woman."


Then Lady Glencora pouted, told Alice that it was a pity she had not married Mr. Palliser, and left her.


That evening,--the evening of Mr. Bott's return to Matching, that gentleman found a place near to Alice in the drawing-room.

That evening, Mr. Bott found a place near to Alice in the drawing-room.


He had often come up to her, rubbing his hands together, and saying little words, as though there was some reason from their positions that they two should be friends.

He had often come up to her, rubbing his hands together, and speaking as though there was some reason that they should be friends.


Alice had perceived this, and had endeavoured with all her force to shake him off; but he was a man, who if he understood a hint, never took it.

Alice had perceived this, and had tried to shake him off; but if he understood a hint, he never took it.


A cold shoulder was nothing to him, if he wanted to gain the person who showed it him.


His code of perseverance taught him that it was a virtue to overcome cold shoulders.


The man or woman who received his first overtures with grace would probably be one on whom it would be better that he should look down and waste no further time; whereas he or she who could afford to treat him with disdain would no doubt be worth gaining.


Such men as Mr. Bott are ever gracious to cold shoulders.


The colder the shoulders, the more gracious are the Mr. Botts.


"What a delightful person is our dear friend, Lady Glencora!"


said Mr. Bott, having caught Alice in a position from which she could not readily escape.

said Mr. Bott, having caught Alice in a position from which she could not easily escape.


Alice had half a mind to differ, or to make any remark that might rid her from Mr. Bott.

Alice had half a mind to argue to get rid of him.


But she did not dare to say a word that might seem to have been said playfully.


She was angry with herself for her own stupidity as soon as the phrase was out of her mouth, and then she almost laughed as she thought of the Duchess and the hot-water pipes at Longroyston.


You and her ladyship are great friends, I believe, Miss Vavasor."


I have reason to know that Mr. Palliser is very much gratified that you should be so much with her."


Alice could not quite assume sufficient courage to get up from her chair and walk away from him, and yet she felt that she must escape further conversation.

Alice could not quite assume enough courage to get up from her chair and walk away from him, and yet she felt that she must escape further conversation.


"I don't know that I am very much with her, and if I were I can't think it would make any difference to Mr. Palliser."


But Mr. Bott was not a man to be put down when he had a purpose in hand.


"I can assure you that those are his sentiments.


Of course we all know that dear Lady Glencora is young.

Of course we all know that dear Lady Glencora is very young."


"Mr. Bott, I really would rather not talk about my cousin."


"But, dear Miss Vavasor;--when we both have her welfare in view--?"

"But, dear Miss Vavasor; when we both have her welfare in view?"


"I haven't her welfare in view, Mr. Bott; not in the least.

"I haven't her welfare in view, Mr. Bott.


You must excuse me if I say I cannot talk about her welfare with a perfect stranger."


Then she did get up, and went away from the Member of Parliament, leaving him rather astonished at her audacity.

Then she did get up, and walked away, leaving him rather astonished.


But he was a constant man, and his inner resolve was simply to the effect that he would try it again.

But it simply made him resolve that he would try again.


I wonder whether Jeffrey Palliser did think much of the difference between his present position and that which would have been his had Lady Glencora been the happy possessor of a cradle up-stairs with a boy in it.

I wonder whether Jeffrey Palliser did think much of the change in his position if Lady Glencora had a son.


I suppose he must have done so. It is hardly possible that any man should not be alive to the importance of such a chance.

He must have been aware of its importance to him.


His own present position was one of the most unfortunate which can fall to the lot of a man.


His father, the Duke's youngest brother, had left him about six hundred a year, and had left him also a taste for living with people of six thousand.

His father, the Duke's youngest brother, had left him about six hundred a year, and with expensive tastes.


The propriety of earning his bread had never been put before him.


His father had been in Parliament, and had been the most favoured son of the old Duke, who for some years before his death had never spoken to him who now reigned over the house of the Pallisers.


Jeffrey's father had been brought up at Matching Priory as scions of ducal houses are brought up, and on the old man's death had been possessed of means sufficient to go on in the same path, though with difficulty.


His brother had done something for him, and at various times he had held some place near the throne.


But on his death, when the property left behind him was divided between his son and three daughters, Jeffrey Palliser became possessed of the income above stated.


Of course he could live on it,--and as during the winter months of the year a home was found for him free of cost, he could keep hunters, and live as rich men live. But he was a poor, embarrassed man, without prospects,--until this fine ducal prospect became opened to him by the want of that cradle at Matching Priory.

Of course he could live on six hundred a year; but he was a poor man, without prospects - until this fine ducal prospect became opened to him by the lack of an occupied cradle at Matching Priory.


But the prospect was no doubt very distant.


Lady Glencora might yet have as many sons as Hecuba.


Or she might die, and some other more fortunate lady might become the mother of his cousin's heir.

Or she might die, and some other more fortunate lady might bear sons in her place.


Or the Duke might yet marry and have a son.


And, moreover, his cousin was only one year older than himself, and the great prize, if it came his way, might not come for forty years as yet.

Moreover, Jeffrey's cousin was only one year older than himself, and the great prize might not come for forty years.


Nevertheless his hand might now be acceptable in quarters where it would certainly be rejected had Lady Glencora possessed that cradle up-stairs.

Nevertheless his hand might now be acceptable, where it would certainly be rejected if Lady Glencora had filled that cradle.


We cannot but suppose that he must have made some calculations of this nature.

He must have made some calculations of this nature.


"It is a pity you should do nothing all your life," his cousin Plantagenet said to him one morning just at this time.

"It is a pity you should do nothing all your life," his cousin Plantagenet said to him one morning at this time.


Jeffrey had sought the interview in his cousin's room, and I fear had done so with some slight request for ready money.

Jeffrey had sought the interview, I fear with a request for ready money.


There's no man so poor but what he can do that.


The question would be how I might like the subsequent starvation."


Though your own fortune is small, it is something,--and many girls have fortunes of their own."

Though your own fortune is small, it is something, and many girls have fortunes of their own."


Jeffrey thought of Lady Glencora, but he made no allusion to her in speech.


"I don't think I'm very good at that kind of thing," he said.

"I don't think I'm very good at that kind of thing," said Jeffrey.


"When the father and mother came to ask of my house and my home I should break down.


I don't say it as praising myself;--indeed, quite the reverse; but I fear I have not a mercenary tendency."

"I fear I have not a mercenary tendency."


"Men must have mercenary tendencies or they would not have bread.

Men must have mercenary tendencies or they would not eat.


The man who ploughs that he may live does so because he, luckily, has a mercenary tendency."


But you see I am less lucky than the ploughman."


"There is no vulgar error so vulgar,--that is to say, common or erroneous, as that by which men have been taught to say that mercenary tendencies are bad.

It is a common error to say that mercenary tendencies are bad.


A desire for wealth is the source of all progress.


Civilization comes from what men call greed.


Let your mercenary tendencies be combined with honesty and they cannot take you astray."


This the future Chancellor of the Exchequer said with much of that air and tone of wisdom which a Chancellor of the Exchequer ought to possess.

This the future Chancellor of the Exchequer said with an appropriate air of wisdom.


"But I haven't got any such tendencies," said Jeffrey.


"Would you like to occupy a farm in Scotland?"


It would be dishonest, as I know I should never pay it."


"You are too old, I fear, for the public service."

"You are too old, I fear, for the civil service."


"You mean a desk in the Treasury,--with a hundred a year.

"You mean a desk in the Treasury, with a hundred a year.


Sometimes I have thought I would go to New Zealand."


I should get up an opposition to the Government and that sort of thing, and then they would buy me off and give me a place."


"That does very well here, Jeffrey, if a man can get into Parliament and has capital enough to wait; but I don't think it would do out there.


Only I should be sure to get terribly into debt.


I don't owe very much, now,--not to speak of,--except what I owe you."

I don't owe very much, now - except what I owe you."


"You owe nothing to me," said Plantagenet, with some little touch of magniloquence in his tone.

"You owe nothing to me," said Plantagenet.


I have no brother, and between you and me it means nothing.


You see, Jeffrey, it may be that I shall have to look to you as my--my--my heir, in short."

You see, Jeffrey, it may be that I shall have to look to you as my - my heir, in short."


Hereupon Jeffrey muttered something as to the small probability of such necessity, and as to the great remoteness of any result even if it were so.

Jeffrey muttered something as to the small probability of such necessity.


"That's all true," said the elder heir of the Pallisers, "but still--.

"That's true," said the elder Palliser, "but still...


In short, I wish you would do something.


Do you think about it; and then some day speak to me again."

Think about it, and we will speak again."


Jeffrey, as he left his cousin with a cheque for 500 in his waist-coat pocket, thought that the interview which had at one time taken important dimensions, had not been concluded altogether satisfactorily.

Jeffrey left with a cheque for 500 in his pocket, but not altogether satisfied.


If his cousin would so far use his political, monetary, or ducal interest as to do that for him;--as to give him something of the status properly belonging to the younger son of the House, then indeed life would have some charms for him!

If his cousin would do that for him - give him something of the status properly belonging to the younger son of the House, then indeed life would have some charms for him!


But as for the farm in Scotland, or a desk at an office in London,--his own New Zealand plan would be better than those.


And then as he went along of course he bethought himself that it might be his lot yet to die, and at least to be buried, in the purple, as a Duke of Omnium.


If so, certainly it would be his duty to prepare another heir, and leave a duke behind him,--if it were possible.

Then he began to think that if he were destined to inherit, it might be his duty to prepare another heir, and leave a duke behind him.


"Are you going to ride with us after lunch?"


said Lady Glencora to him as he strolled into the drawing-room.


"No," said Jeffrey; "I'm going to study."


"To study;--or rather I shall spend to-day in sitting down and considering what I will study.

Or rather, I shall sit down and consider what I should study.


My cousin has just been telling me that I ought to do something."


"So you ought," said Iphigenia energetically from her writing-desk.


"But he didn't seem to have any clear opinion what it ought to be.

"But he didn't have any clear idea what.


You see there can't be two Chancellors of the Exchequer at the same time.


Mrs. Sparkes, what ought a young man like me to set about doing?"


"Go into Parliament, I should say," said Mrs. Sparkes.


He had some notion of that kind, too, but he didn't name any particular place.


They've four there, and of course the chance of getting in would thereby be doubled."


"I thought that commercial men were generally preferred in the City," said the Duchess, taking a strong and good-natured interest in the matter.


"Mr. Palliser means to make a fortune in trade as a preliminary," said Mrs. Sparkes.


"I don't think he meant anything of the kind," said the Duchess.


"At any rate I have got to do something, so I can't go and ride," said Jeffrey.


"And you ought to do something," said Iphigenia from her desk.


Twice during this little conversation Lady Glencora had looked up, catching Alice's eye, and Alice had well known what she had meant.

During this little conversation Lady Glencora had caught Alice's eye, and Alice had known what she had meant.


"You see," the glance had said, "Plantagenet is beginning to take an interest in his cousin, and you know why.


The man who is to be the father of the future dukes must not be allowed to fritter away his time in obscurity.

The man who is to be a duke must not be allowed to fritter away his time in obscurity.


Had I that cradle up-stairs Jeffrey might be as idle as he pleased."

If I had a baby, Jeffrey might be as idle as he pleased."


Of course Jeffrey did join the riding party.


"What is a man like me to do who wants to do something?"


Alice was quite aware that Lady Glencora had contrived some little scheme that Mr. Palliser should be riding next to her.

Lady Glencora had contrived that he should be riding next to her.


She liked Mr. Palliser, and therefore had no objection; but she declared to herself that her cousin was a goose for her pains.

She liked Mr. Palliser, and had no objection; but she thought her cousin was a goose.


"Mrs. Sparkes says you ought to go into Parliament."


"Yes;--and the dear Duchess would perhaps suggest a house in Belgrave Square.


"I can only say ditto to Miss Palliser."


But you see the more of my time he steals the better it is for me."


"My cousin Plantagenet suggested--marriage."

"My cousin Plantagenet suggested - marriage."


"A very good thing too, I'm sure," said Alice; "only it depends something on the sort of wife you get."

"A very good thing too, I'm sure," said Alice; "only it depends on the sort of wife you get."


"You mean, of course, how much money she has."


"Looking at it from my cousin's point of view, I suppose that it is the only important point.

"From my cousin's point of view, that it is the only important point.


Who are there coming up this year,--in the way of heiresses?"

Who is coming up this year, in the way of heiresses?"


In the first place, how much money makes an heiress?"


"For such a fellow as me, I suppose ten thousand pounds ought to do."


"That's not much," said Alice, who had exactly that amount of her own.


But the lower one went in the money speculation, the greater would be the number to choose from, and the better the chance of getting something decent in the woman herself.

But the more moderate my demands, the greater would be the number to choose from, and the better the chance of getting something decent in the woman herself.


I have something of my own,--not much you know; so with the lady's ten thousand pounds we might be able to live,--in some second-rate French town perhaps."

I have something of my own, so with the lady's ten thousand pounds we might be able to live - in some second-rate French town perhaps.


"But I don't see what you would gain by that."


"My people here would have got rid of me.


If you hear of any girl with about that sum, moderately good-looking, not too young so that she might know something of the world, decently born, and able to read and write, perhaps you will bear me in mind."

If you hear of any girl with about that sum, moderately good-looking, not too young and ignorant, decently born, and able to read and write, perhaps you will bear me in mind."


"Yes, I will," said Alice, who was quite aware that he had made an accurate picture of her own position.

"Yes, I will," said Alice, well aware that he had described her own position.


"When I meet such a one, I will send for you at once."


"I declare I don't think he could do anything better," her cousin said to her that night.

"I don't think he could do any better," her cousin said to her that night.


Lady Glencora was now in the habit of having Alice with her in what she called her dressing-room every evening, and then they would sit till the small hours came upon them.

Lady Glencora was now in the habit of having Alice with her in her dressing-room every evening, when they would sit till the small hours.


Mr. Palliser always burnt the midnight oil and came to bed with the owls. They would often talk of him and his prospects till Alice had perhaps inspired his wife with more of interest in him and them than she had before felt.

They would often talk of Mr. Palliser and his prospects, and Alice inspired his wife with more interest in him than she had felt before.


And Alice had managed generally to drive her friend away from those topics which were so dangerous,--those allusions to her childlessness, and those hints that Burgo Fitzgerald was still in her thoughts.

And Alice managed generally to drive her friend away from the dangerous topics of her childlessness, and Burgo Fitzgerald.


And sometimes, of course, they had spoken of Alice's own prospects, till she got into a way of telling her cousin freely all that she felt.

Sometimes, of course, they spoke of Alice's own prospects, till she was telling her cousin freely all that she felt.


On such occasions Lady Glencora would always tell her that she had been right,--if she did not love the man.


"Though your finger were put out for the ring," said Lady Glencora on one such occasion, "you should go back, if you did not love him."


"Then I don't understand it," said Lady Glencora; and, in truth, close as was their intimacy, they did not perfectly understand each other.


But on this occasion they were speaking of Jeffrey Palliser.

On this occasion they were speaking of Jeffrey Palliser.


"I declare I don't think he could do any better," said Lady Glencora.

"I don't think he could do any better," said Lady Glencora.


"If you talk such nonsense, I will not stay," said Alice.


You would be very comfortable with your joint incomes.


He is one of the best fellows in the world.


It is clear that he likes you; and then we should be so near to each other.

It is clear that he likes you; and then we should be near each other.


I am sure Mr. Palliser would do something for him if he married,--and especially if I asked him."

I am sure Mr. Palliser would do something for him if he married."


"That he would not take me for his wife, and that I would not take him for my husband."


But one can't marry all the people one likes."


"But what reason is there why you shouldn't marry him?"


"This chiefly," said Alice, after a pause; "that I have just separated myself from a man whom I certainly did love truly, and that I cannot transfer my affections quite so quickly as that."

"Because," said Alice, after a pause, "I have just separated myself from a man whom I certainly did love truly, and I cannot transfer my affections quite so quickly as that."


As soon as the words were out of her mouth she knew that they should not have been spoken.


She had loved a man and had separated herself from him and had married another all within a month or two.

She had loved a man and had separated from him and had married another all within a month or two.


Lady Glencora first became red as fire over her whole face and shoulders, and Alice afterwards did the same as she looked up, as though searching in her cousin's eyes for pardon.

Lady Glencora blushed as red as fire. Alice did the same as she looked up, searching in her cousin's eyes for pardon.


"It is an unmaidenly thing to do, certainly," said Lady Glencora very slowly, and in her lowest voice.

"It is an unmaidenly thing to do, certainly," said Lady Glencora in her lowest voice.


"Nay, it is unwomanly; but one may be driven.