I believe him to be a very honest fellow."


said Kate; "with all her faults I believe she would go through fire and water to serve me.


I think she'd lend me money without any stamped paper."


Then Aunt Greenow's letter was put up, and the two girls had come out upon the open fell.

Then Aunt Greenow's letter was put away, and the two girls had come to the open fell.


It was a delicious afternoon for a winter's walk.


The air was clear and cold, but not actually frosty.

The air was clear and cold, but not frosty.


The ground beneath their feet was dry, and the sky, though not bright, had that appearance of enduring weather which gives no foreboding of rain.

The ground was dry, and the sky gave no sign of rain.


There is a special winter's light, which is very clear though devoid of all brilliancy,--through which every object strikes upon the eye with well-marked lines, and under which almost all forms of nature seem graceful to the sight if not actually beautiful.

There is a special winter's light which is very clear,


But there is a certain melancholy which ever accompanies it.


It is the light of the afternoon, and gives token of the speedy coming of the early twilight.


It tells of the shortness of the day, and contains even in its clearness a promise of the gloom of night.

; it tells of the shortness of the day and the coming of the early twilight.


It is absolute light, but it seems to contain the darkness which is to follow it.


I do not know that it is ever to be seen and felt so plainly as on the wide moorland, where the eye stretches away over miles, and sees at the world's end the faint low lines of distant clouds settling themselves upon the horizon.

It is never seen so plainly as on the wide moorland, where the eye stretches away over miles to the faint low lines of distant clouds settling themselves upon the horizon.


Such was the light of this Christmas afternoon, and both the girls had felt the effects of it before they reached the big stone on Swindale Fell, from which they intended to look down upon the loveliness of Hawes Water.

Such was the light of this Christmas afternoon, and both the girls had felt the effects of it before they reached the big stone on Swindale Fell.


As they went up through the wood there had been some laughter between them over Aunt Greenow's letter; and they had discussed almost with mirth the merits of Oileymead and Mr. Cheesacre; but as they got further on to the fell, and as the half-melancholy wildness of the place struck them, their words became less light, and after a while they almost ceased to speak.

At first they had discussed almost with mirth the merits of Oileymead and Mr. Cheesacre; but as they got further on to the fell, the half-melancholy wildness of the place struck them, and they ceased to speak.


Alice had still her letter in her pocket.


She had placed it there when she came down to breakfast, and had carried it with her since.


She had come to no resolution as yet as to her answer to it, nor had she resolved whether or no she would show it to Kate.

She had come to no decision yet as to her answer; nor had she decided whether to show it to Kate.


Kate had ever been regarded by her as her steadfast friend.

She regarded Kate as her steadfast friend


In all these affairs she had spoken openly to Kate.


We know that Kate had in part betrayed her, but Alice suspected no such treason.


She had often quarrelled with Kate; but she had quarrelled with her not on account of any sin against the faith of their friendship.

She had often quarrelled with Kate; but not because she did not trust her.


She believed in her cousin perfectly, though she found herself often called upon to disagree with her almost violently.


Why should she not show this letter to Kate, and discuss it in all its bearings before she replied to it?

Why should she not show this letter to Kate, and discuss it before she replied to it?


This was in her mind as she walked silently along over the fell.


The reader will surmise from this that she was already half inclined to give way, and to join her lot to that of her cousin George.

The reader will surmise from this that she was already half inclined to give way, and to accept her cousin George.


The reader will be right in his surmise.


And yet it was not her love for the man that prompted her to run so terrible a risk.

And yet it was not her love for him that prompted her to run so terrible a risk.


Had it been so, I think that it would be easier to forgive her.


She was beginning to think that love,--the love of which she had once thought so much,--did not matter.

She was beginning to think that the love of which she had once thought so much did not matter.


Of what use was it, and to what had it led?


What had love done for her friend Glencora?


Had she not loved John Grey, and had she not felt that with all her love life with him would have been distasteful to her?

Had she not loved John Grey, and had she not felt that life with him would have been distasteful to her?


It would have been impossible for her to marry a man whom personally she disliked; but she liked her cousin George,--well enough, as she said to herself almost indifferently.

She could not marry a man whom she disliked, but she liked her cousin George well enough, as she said to herself almost indifferently.


Upon the whole it was a grievous task to her in these days,--this having to do something with her life.

It was a grievous task to her these days - this having to do something with her life.


As for that girl's dream of the joys of love which she had once dreamed,--that had gone from her slumbers, never to return.

As for her earlier dream of the joys of love - that had gone, never to return.


How might she best make herself useful,--useful in some sort that might gratify her ambition;--that was now the question which seemed to her to be of most importance.

How she could make herself useful in some way that might gratify her ambition; that was now the question which seemed most important.


Her cousin's letter to her had been very crafty.


He had studied the whole of her character accurately as he wrote it.


When he had sat down to write it he had been indifferent to the result; but he had written it with that care to attain success which a man uses when he is anxious not to fail in an attempt.


Whether or no he cared to marry his cousin was a point so little interesting to him that chance might decide it for him; but when chance had decided that he did wish it, it was necessary for his honour that he should have that for which he condescended to ask.

Whether he cared to marry his cousin was a point of so little interest to him that he left it to chance; but once chance had decided that he did wish it, it was necessary for his honour that he should get what he wanted.


His letter to her had been clever and very crafty.


"At any rate he does me justice," she said to herself, when she read those words about her money, and the use which he proposed to make of it.

"At any rate he does me justice," Alice said to herself, when she read his words about her money.


"He is welcome to it all if it will help him in his career, whether he has it as my friend or as my husband."

"He is welcome to it all if it will help him in his career, whether as my friend or as my husband."


Then she thought of Kate's promise of her little mite, and declared to herself that she would not be less noble than her cousin Kate.


And would it not be well that she should be the means of reconciling George to his grandfather?


George was the representative of the family,--of a family so old that no one now knew which had first taken the ancient titular name of some old Saxon landowner,--the parish, or the man.

George was the heir of a family so old that it went back to the Saxons.


There had been in old days some worthy Vavaseurs, as Chaucer calls them, whose rank and bearing had been adopted on the moorland side.


Of these things Alice thought much, and felt that it should be her duty so to act, that future Vavasors might at any rate not be less in the world than they who had passed away.

Alice thought much about this, and felt that it should be her duty to


In a few years at furthest, George Vavasor must be Vavasor of Vavasor.


Would it not be right that she should help him to make that position honourable?


They walked on, exchanging now and again a word or two, till the distant Cumberland mountains began to form themselves in groups of beauty before their eyes.

They walked on, exchanging a word or two, till the distant Cumberland mountains began to appear.


But you will when you get up to the bank there.


That's Scaw Fell on the left;--the round distant top.

That's Scaw Fell on the left; the round distant top."


I can distinguish it, though I doubt whether you can."


Then they went on again, and were soon at the bank from whence the sharp top of the mountain which Alice had named was visible.


"And now we are on Swindale, and in five minutes we shall get to the stone."


In less than five minutes they were there; and then, but not till then, the beauty of the little lake, lying down below them in the quiet bosom of the hills, disclosed itself.

; and then the beauty of the little lake of Haweswater lying down below them disclosed itself.


A lake should, I think, be small, and should be seen from above, to be seen in all its glory.

A lake should, I think, be seen from above, to be seen in all its glory.


The distance should be such that the shadows of the mountains on its surface may just be traced, and that some faint idea of the ripple on the waters may be present to the eye.


And the form of the lakes should be irregular, curving round from its base among the lower hills, deeper and still deeper into some close nook up among the mountains from which its head waters spring.


It is thus that a lake should be seen, and it was thus that Hawes Water was seen by them from the flat stone on the side of Swindale Fell.


The basin of the lake has formed itself into the shape of the figure of 3, and the top section of the figure lies embosomed among the very wildest of the Westmoreland mountains.


Altogether it is not above three miles long, and every point of it was to be seen from the spot on which the girls sat themselves down.


The water beneath was still as death, and as dark,--and looked almost as cold.

The water beneath them was still as death, and as dark.


But the slow clouds were passing over it, and the shades of darkness on its surface changed themselves with gradual changes.


And though no movement was visible, there was ever and again in places a slight sheen upon the lake, which indicated the ripple made by the breeze.

, as now a then a slight sheen was laid upon it by the breeze.


"I'm so glad I've come here," said Alice, seating herself.


"I cannot bear the idea of coming to Vavasor without seeing one of the lakes at least."


"We'll get over to Windermere one day," said Kate.


I don't think it possible that I should stay long.


And there was that in the tone of her voice which instantly put Kate upon her mettle.

And the tone of her voice instantly put Kate upon her mettle.


Kate seated herself also, and put up her hand for the letter.


"No," said Alice; "it is not from Mr. Grey."


Kate before she had touched it had seen that it was from her brother George; and as she opened it looked anxiously into Alice's face.

Kate saw it was from her brother. As she opened it looked anxiously at Alice.


"Read it," said Alice, "and then we'll talk of it afterwards,--as we go home."

"Read it," said Alice, "and then we'll talk of it as we go home."


Then she got up from the stone and walked a step or two towards the brow of the fell, and stood there looking down upon the lake, while Kate read the letter.

Then she got up and stood looking down upon the lake while Kate read.


she said, when she returned to her place.


"Alice, Alice, it will, indeed, be well if you listen to him.


Alice, my own Alice, my darling, my friend!


And Kate knelt at her friend's feet upon the heather, and looked up into her face with eyes full of tears.

And Kate knelt at her friend's feet upon the heather, and looked up at her with eyes full of tears.


What shall we say of a woman who could be as false as she had been, and yet could be so true?


Alice made no immediate answer, but still continued to gaze down over her friend upon the lake.

Alice made no answer, but continued to gaze down upon the lake.


"Alice," continued Kate, "I did not think I should be made so happy this Christmas Day.


You could not have the heart to bring me here and show me this letter in this way, and bid me read it so calmly, and then tell me that it is all for nothing.

You could not have the heart to bring me here and show me this letter, and then tell me that it is all for nothing.


And then she put her face down upon the boulder-stone and kissed it.


Still Alice said nothing, but she began to feel that she had gone further than she had intended.


It was almost impossible for her now to say that her answer to George must be a refusal.

It was almost impossible for her now to say that she must refuse George.


Say, Alice,--is it not a letter of which if you were his brother you would feel proud if another girl had shown it to you?


I know that he is a man with a manly heart and manly courage, who will yet do manly things.

I know that he is a man with a manly heart, who will do manly things.


Here out on the mountain, with nobody near us, with Nature all round us, I ask you on your solemn word as a woman, do you love him?"


"Yes;--love him: as a woman should love her husband.


If it be so, it should be your glory to say so, here, to me, as you hold that letter in your hand."


I have ever loved my cousin; but not so passionately as you seem to think."

"I have always loved my cousin. Kate; but not so passionately as you seem to think."


But come; we shall be late; and you will be cold sitting there."

But come; we shall be late; and you will get cold sitting there."


"I would sit here all night to be sure that your answer would be as I would have it.

"I would sit here all night to be sure that your answer would a yes.


But, Alice, at any rate you shall tell me before I move what your answer is to be.

But, Alice, tell me what your answer is to be.


I know you will not refuse him; but make me happy by saying so with your own lips."

I know you will not refuse him; but make me happy by saying so."


"I cannot tell you before you move, Kate."


On such a subject and under such circumstances a woman must resolve at the first moment.

On such a subject a woman must decide at the first moment.


You had resolved, I know, before you had half read the letter;--though, perhaps, it may not suit you to say so."

You had resolved, I know, before you had half read the letter."


Come along and let us walk, and I will tell you all."


Then Kate arose, and they turned their back to the lake, and began to make their way homewards.

They turned their backs to the lake, and began to make their way homewards.


"I have not made up my mind as to what answer I will give him; but I have shown you his letter in order that I might have some one with whom I might speak openly.

"I have shown you his letter so that I might have someone with whom I could speak openly.


I knew well how it would be, and that you would strive to hurry me into an immediate promise."

I knew how it would be, and that you would try to hurry me into an immediate promise."


"But yet I could not deny myself the comfort of your friendship."


But you cannot be surprised that I should be very eager.


Has it not been the longing of all my life?


Have I not passed my time plotting and planning and thinking of it till I have had time to think of nothing else?

Have I not passed my time planning and thinking of it?


Do you know what I suffered when, through George's fault, the engagement was broken off?

Do you know what I suffered when the engagement was broken off?


Was it not martyrdom to me,--that horrid time in which your Crichton from Cambridgeshire was in the ascendant?


Did I not suffer the tortures of purgatory while that went on;--and yet, on the whole, did I not bear them with patience?


And, now, can you be surprised that I am wild with joy when I begin to see that everything will be as I wish;--for it will be as I wish, Alice.

And, now, can you be surprised that I am wild with joy? - for it will be as I wish, Alice.


It may be that you have not resolved to accept him.


But you would have resolved to refuse him instantly had that been your destined answer to his letter."

You would have decided to refuse him instantly had that been your destiny."


There was but little more said between them on the subject as they were passing over the fell, but when they were going down the path through the Beacon Wood, Kate again spoke: "You will not answer him without speaking to me first?"

There was little more said until they were going down the path through the Beacon Wood. Then Kate again spoke:
"You will not answer him without speaking to me first?"


"I will, at any rate, not send my answer without telling you," said Alice.


"Nay," said Alice; "I will not promise that.


"But if it is unfavourable I will show it you."


"Then I shall never see it," said Kate, laughing.


I by no means wish to criticise the love-sweet words in which you tell him that his offences are all forgiven.


I know how sweet your words of forgiveness will be.


Then they were at home; and the old man met them at the front door, glowering at them angrily from out his old leonine eyes, because the roast beef was already roasted.

Then they were at home; and the old man met them at the front door, glowering angrily, because the roast beef was ready.


He had his great uncouth silver watch in his hand, which was always a quarter of an hour too fast, and he pointed at it fiercely, showing them the minute hand at ten minutes past the hour.

He had his great uncouth silver watch in his hand, which was always a quarter of an hour too fast, and he pointed at it fiercely.


"But, grandpapa, you are always too fast," said Kate.


"And you are always too slow, miss," said the hungry old squire.


"And how long are you going to be dressing?"


That's what they always say," he muttered, peevishly.


"As if one would be any better waiting for them after the meat is on the table."


But neither Kate nor Alice heard this, as they were already in their rooms.

And the two girls hurried to their rooms to change.


Nothing more was said that evening between Alice and Kate about the letter; but Kate, as she wished her cousin good night inside her bedroom door, spoke to her just one word--"Pray for him to-night," she said, "as you pray for those you love best."

Nothing more was said that evening about the letter; but Kate, as she wished her cousin good night, said, "Pray for him tonight, as you pray for those you love best."


Alice made no answer, but we may believe that she did as she was desired to do.

Alice made no answer, but we may believe she did as Kate desired.


Some ten or twelve days after George Vavasor's return to London from Westmoreland he appeared at Mr. Scruby's offices with four small slips of paper in his hand.

Some ten or twelve days after George Vavasor's return to London he appeared at Mr. Scruby's offices with four small slips of paper in his hand.

Chapter 60: Alice Vavasor's Name Gets into the Money Market


Mr. Scruby, as usual, was pressing for money.


The third election was coming on, and money was already being spent very freely among the men of the River Bank.


Mr. Grimes, of the "Handsome Man," had shown signs of returning allegiance.


But Mr. Grimes could not afford to be loyal without money.


Mr. Scruby, too, had his little family, and was not ashamed to use it on this occasion.


"I'm a family man, Mr. Vavasor, and therefore I never run any risks.


I never go a yard further than I can see my way back."


This he had said in answer to a proposition that he should take George's note of hand for the expenses of the next election, payable in three months' time.


"It is so very hard to realize," said George, "immediately upon a death, when all the property left is real property."

"It is very hard to realize money," said George, "immediately after a death, when all the property left is real property."


"Very hard indeed," said Mr. Scruby, who had heard with accuracy all the particulars of the old Squire's will.

"Very hard indeed," said Mr. Scruby, who had heard all about the old Squire's will.


Vavasor understood the lawyer, cursed him inwardly, and suggested to himself that some day he might murder Mr. Scruby as well as John Grey,--and perhaps also a few more of his enemies.

Vavasor cursed him inwardly, and suggested to himself that some day he might murder Mr. Scruby as well as John Grey - and perhaps also a few more of his enemies.


Two days after the interview in which his own note of hand had been refused, he again called in Great Marlborough Street.


Upon this occasion he tendered to Mr. Scruby for his approval the four slips of paper which have been mentioned.

, and gave Mr. Scruby the four slips of paper which have been mentioned.


Mr. Scruby regarded them with attention, looking first at one side horizontally, and then at the other side perpendicularly.


But before we learn the judgement pronounced by Mr. Scruby as to these four slips of paper, we must go back to their earlier history.

Before we learn Mr Scruby's judgment of those scraps of paper, we must go back to their earlier history.


As they were still in their infancy, we shall not have to go back far.


One morning, at about eleven o'clock the parlour-maid came up to Alice, as she sat alone in the drawing-room in Queen Anne Street, and told her there was a "gentleman" in the hall waiting to be seen by her.

One morning the parlour-maid came up to Alice, as she sat alone in the drawing-room in Queen Anne Street, and told her there was a "gentleman" waiting in the hall.


We all know the tone in which servants announce a gentleman when they know that the gentleman is not a gentleman.

We all know the tone in which servants announce a gentleman when they know that he is not a gentleman.


"Well, miss, I don't think he's just of our sort; but he's decent to look at."

"Well, miss, I don't think he's just of our sort."


Alice Vavasor had no desire to deny herself to any person but one.


She was well aware that the gentleman in the hall could not be her cousin George, and therefore she did not refuse to see him.

was aware that the gentleman could not be her cousin George, and therefore she said, "Let him come up."


"But I think, Jane, you ought to ask him his name."


Jane did ask him his name, and came back immediately, announcing Mr. Levy.


This occurred immediately after the return of Mr. John Vavasor from Westmoreland.


He had reached home late on the preceding evening, and at the moment of Mr. Levy's call was in his dressing-room.


Alice got up to receive her visitor, and at once understood the tone of her maid's voice.


Mr. Levy was certainly not a gentleman of the sort to which she had been most accustomed.


He was a little dark man, with sharp eyes, set very near to each other in his head, with a beaked nose, thick at the bridge, and a black moustache, but no other beard.

was a little dark man, with sharp close-set eyes, a beaked nose, and a black moustache.


Alice did not at all like the look of Mr. Levy, but she stood up to receive him, made him a little bow, and asked him to sit down.

Alice did not like the look of him, but she asked him to sit down.


Alice asked the servant, purely to let Mr. Levy know that there was a gentleman in the house with her.


"Well, miss, I don't think he is,--not to say dressed."


Alice had thought it might be as well that Mr. Levy should know that there was a gentleman in the house with her.


"I've called about a little bit of business, miss," said Mr. Levy, when they were alone.

"I've called about a little bit of business," said Mr. Levy, when they were alone.


"Nothing as you need disturb yourself about.


Then he took a case out of his breast-pocket, and produced a note, which he handed to her.

Then he produced a note, which he handed to her.


Alice took the note, and saw immediately that it was addressed to her by her cousin George.


"Yes, Mr. George Vavasor," said Mr. Levy.


"I dare say you never saw me before, miss?"


I'll read his letter, if you please, sir."


George Vavasor's letter to his cousin was as follows:--


After what passed between us when I last saw you I thought that on my return from Westmoreland I should learn that you had paid in at my bankers' the money that I require.

After what passed between us when I last saw you, I thought that on my return from Westmorland I should learn that you had paid in at my bankers' the money that I require.


But I find that this is not so; and of course I excuse you, because women so seldom know when or how to do that which business demands of them.

But I find that this is not so; and of course I excuse you, because women so seldom know how to do what business demands of them.


You have, no doubt, heard the injustice which my grandfather has done me, and will probably feel as indignant as I do.

You have, no doubt, heard of the injustice which my grandfather has done me, and will probably feel as indignant as I do.


I only mention this now, because the nature of his will makes it more than ever incumbent on you that you should be true to your pledge to me.

I only mention this, because the nature of his will makes it more than ever necessary that you should be true to your pledge to me.


Till there shall be some ground for a better understanding between us,--and this I do not doubt will come,--I think it wiser not to call, myself, at Queen Anne Street.

Till there shall be some ground for a better understanding between us, I think it wiser not to call on you myself.


I therefore send my confidential clerk with four bills, each of five hundred pounds, drawn at fourteen days' date, across which I will get you to write your name.

I therefore send my clerk with four bills, each of five hundred pounds, drawn at fourteen days' date, across which I will get you to write your name.


Mr. Levy will show you the way in which this should be done.

Mr. Levy will show you how this should be done.


Your name must come under the word "accepted," and just above the name of Messrs. Drummonds, where the money must be lying ready, at any rate, not later than Monday fortnight.

Your name must come under the word "accepted," and just above the name of Messrs. Drummonds, where the money must be lying not later than Monday fortnight.


Indeed, the money must be there some time on the Saturday.


They know you so well at Drummonds' that you will not object to call on the Saturday afternoon, and ask if it is all right.

Drummonds bank will not object if you call on the Saturday afternoon, and ask if it is all right.


I have certainly been inconvenienced by not finding the money as I expected on my return to town.


If these bills are not properly provided for, the result will be very disastrous to me.

If these bills are not properly provided for, the result will be disastrous to me.


I feel, however, sure that this will be done, both for your own sake and for mine.


The unparalleled impudence of this letter had the effect which the writer had intended.


It made Alice think immediately of her own remissness,--if she had been remiss,--rather than of the enormity of his claim upon her.

It made Alice think immediately of her own remissness, rather than of the enormity of his claim upon her.


The decision with which he asked for her money, without any pretence at an excuse on his part, did for the time induce her to believe that she had no alternative but to give it to him, and that she had been wrong in delaying it.

She believed that she had no alternative but to give him the money.


She had told him that he should have it, and she ought to have been as good as her word.

She had told him that he should have it.


She should not have forced upon him the necessity of demanding it.

She should not have forced him into the necessity of demanding it.


But the idea of signing four bills was terrible to her, and she felt sure that she ought not to put her name to orders for so large an amount and then intrust them to such a man as Mr. Levy.

But the idea of signing four bills was terrible to her, and she felt sure that she ought not to put her name to orders for so large an amount and then entrust them to such a man as Mr. Levy.


Her father was in the house, and she might have asked him.

Her father was in the house, and she thought of asking him.


The thought that she would do so of course occurred to her.


But then it occurred to her also that were she to speak to her father as to this advancing of money to her cousin,--to this giving of money, for she now well understood that it would be a gift;--were she to consult her father in any way about it, he would hinder her, not only from signing the bills for Mr. Levy, but, as far as he could do so, from keeping the promise made to her cousin.

But it occurred to her that if she were to speak to her father about this advancing of money, he would prevent her, if he could, from keeping the promise made to her cousin.


She was resolved that George should have the money, and she knew that she could give it to him in spite of her father.


But her father might probably be able to delay the gift, and thus rob it of its chief value.

; but her father might be able to delay the gift.


If she were to sign the bills, the money must be made to be forthcoming.

If she signed the bills, the money must be forthcoming.


Mr. Levy had taken out the four bills from the same case, and had placed them on the table before him.

Mr. Levy had taken out the four bills and had placed them on the table.


"Mr. Vavasor has explained, I believe, miss, what it is you have to do?"


"And there is nothing else to trouble you with, I believe.


If you will just write your name across them, here, I need not detain you by staying any longer."

"If you will just write your name across them, here, I need not detain you by staying any longer," he said.


Mr. Levy was very anxious to make his visit as short as possible, since he had heard that Mr. John Vavasor was in the house.

Mr. Levy was anxious to make his visit as short as possible, since he had heard that Mr. John Vavasor was in the house.


Two thousand pounds is a very serious sum of money.


She had heard much of sharpers, and thought that she ought to be cautious.


What if this man, of whom she had never before heard, should steal the bills after she had signed them?


She looked again at her cousin's letter, chiefly with the object of gaining time.


"Could you not leave them with me, sir?"


No doubt Mr. Vavasor has explained it all; but the fact is, he must have them this afternoon.

The fact is, Mr. Vavasor must have them this afternoon.


He has got a heavy sum to put down on the nail about this here election, and if it ain't down to-day, them on whom he has to depend will be all abroad."

He has got a heavy sum to put down about this here election."


"But, sir, the money will not be payable to-day.

"But, sir, the money will not be payable today.


If I understand it, they are not cheques."


But your name, miss, at fourteen days, is the same as ready money;--just the same."

But your name, miss, at fourteen days, is the same as ready money."


She paused, and while she paused, he reached a pen for her from the writing-table, and then she signed the four bills as he held them before her.

While she paused, he handed her a pen, and then she signed the four bills quickly.


She was quick enough at doing this when she had once commenced the work.


Her object, then, was that the man should be gone from the house before her father could meet him.


These were the four bits of paper which George Vavasor tendered to Mr. Scruby's notice on the occasion which we have now in hand.

These were the four bits of paper which George Vavasor offered to Mr. Scruby, in


In doing so, he made use of them after the manner of a grand capitalist, who knows that he may assume certain airs as he allows the odours of the sweetness of his wealth to drop from him.


"You insisted on ready money, with your d---- suspicions," said he; "and there it is.

"You insisted on ready money, with your d-- suspicions," said he; "and there it is.


You're not afraid of fourteen days, I dare say."


"Fourteen days is neither here nor there," said Mr. Scruby.


"We can let our payments stand over as long as that, without doing any harm.


I'll send one of my men down to Grimes, and tell him I can't see him, till,--let me see," and he looked at one of the bills, "till the 15th."

"I'll send one of my men down to Grimes, and tell him I can't see him, till" and he looked at one of the bills, "till the 15th."


But this was not exactly what George Vavasor wanted.

But this was not what George Vavasor wanted.


He was desirous that the bills should be immediately turned into money, so that the necessity of forcing payments from Alice, should due provision for the bills not be made, might fall into other hands than his.

He wished that the bills should be immediately turned into money, but not by him.


"We can wait till the 15th," said Scruby, as he handed the bits of paper back to his customer.


You had better collect them through your own banker, and let me have a cheque on the 15th or 16th."


"How cursed suspicious you are, Scruby."


I don't deal in such articles; that's all!"

I don't deal in such articles; that's all.


"What doubt can there be about such bills as those?


Everybody knows that my cousin has a considerable fortune, altogether at her own disposal."


"The truth is, Mr. Vavasor, that bills with ladies' names on them,--ladies who are no way connected with business,--ain't just the paper that people like."

The truth is, Mr. Vavasor, that bills with ladies' names on them ain't just what people like.


"You take them into the City for discount, and see if the bankers don't tell you the same.

You take them into the City, and see if the bankers don't tell you the same.


They may be done, of course, upon your name."


"I can explain to you the nature of the family arrangement, but I can't do that to a stranger.


The time is so short that it does not signify.


Have them collected through your own bankers, and then, if it don't suit you to call, send me a cheque for a thousand pounds when the time is up."

Have them collected through your own bankers, and then send me a cheque for a thousand pounds when the time is up."


Then Mr. Scruby turned to some papers on his right hand, as though the interview had been long enough.

Then Mr. Scruby turned to some papers as though the interview had been long enough.


Vavasor looked at him angrily, opening his wound at him and cursing him inwardly.

Vavasor looked at him angrily, cursing him inwardly, but Mr. Scruby ignored him.


Mr. Scruby went on with his paper, by no means regarding either the wound or the unspoken curses.


Thereupon Vavasor got up and went away without any word of farewell.


As he walked along Great Marlborough Street, and through those unalluring streets which surround the Soho district, and so on to the Strand and his own lodgings, he still continued to think of some wide scheme of revenge,--of some scheme in which Mr. Scruby might be included.

As he walked along the unalluring streets which surround Soho, to the Strand and his own lodgings, he continued to think of some wide scheme of revenge - in which Mr. Scruby might be included.


There had appeared something latterly in Mr. Scruby's manner to him, something of mingled impatience and familiarity, which made him feel that he had fallen in the attorney's estimation.

Some impatience and familiarity in Mr. Scruby's manner made him feel that he had fallen in the attorney's esteem.


It was not that the lawyer thought him to be less honourable, or less clever, than he had before thought him; but that the man was like a rat, and knew a falling house by the instinct that was in him.

The man was like a rat, and knew a falling house by instinct.


So George Vavasor cursed Mr. Scruby, and calculated some method of murdering him without detection.


The reader is not to suppose that the Member for the Chelsea Districts had, in truth, resolved to gratify his revenge by murder,--by murdering any of those persons whom he hated so vigorously.

The reader is not to suppose that the Member for the Chelsea Districts had, in truth, any intention to


He did not, himself, think it probable that he would become a murderer.


But he received some secret satisfaction in allowing his mind to dwell upon the subject, and in making those calculations.

But he received a secret satisfaction in allowing his mind to dwell upon the subject.


He reflected that it would not do to take off Scruby and John Grey at the same time, as it would be known that he was connected with both of them; unless, indeed, he was to take off a third person at the same time,--a third person, as to the expediency of ending whose career he made his calculations quite as often as he did in regard to any of those persons whom he cursed so often.

He reflected that it would not do to knock off Scruby and John Grey at the same time, as it would be known that he was connected with both of them; unless, indeed, he was to


It need hardly be explained to the reader that this third person was the sitting Member for the Chelsea Districts.


As he was himself in want of instant ready money Mr. Scruby's proposition that he should leave the four bills at his own bankers', to be collected when they came to maturity, did not suit him.

As he needed instant money, Mr. Scruby's proposition that he should leave the four bills at his own bankers', to be collected when they came to maturity, did not suit him.


He doubted much, also, whether at the end of the fourteen days the money would be forthcoming.

He doubted much whether at the end of the fourteen days the money would be forthcoming.


Alice would be driven to tell her father, in order that the money might be procured, and John Vavasor would probably succeed in putting impediments in the way of the payment.

Alice would have to tell her father, and John Vavasor would probably prevent the payment.


He must take the bills into the City, and do the best there that he could with them.


He was too late for this to-day, and therefore he went to his lodgings, and then down to the House.

He was too late for this today, so he went down to the House.


In the House he sat all the night with his hat over his eyes, making those little calculations of which I have spoken.

There he sat all night with his hat over his eyes, plotting his murders.


said Mr. Bott to him, whispering in his ear.


"Finespun has resigned, and Palliser is at this moment with the Duke of St. Bungay in the Lords' library."


"They may both be at the bottom of the Lords' fishpond, for what I care," said Vavasor.

"They may both be at the bottom of the Lords' fishpond, for all I care," said Vavasor.


"Still, you know Palliser is Chancellor of the Exchequer at this moment.


"What a lucky fellow you are to have such a chance come to you directly you get in.


As soon as he takes his seat down there, of course we shall go up behind him."


"We shall have another election in a month's time," said George.


"It never hurts a man at elections to be closely connected with the Government."


George Vavasor was in the City by times the next morning, but he found that the City did not look with favourable eyes on his four bills.

George Vavasor was in the City early the next morning, but he found that the City did not look with favourable eyes on his four bills.


The City took them up, first horizontally, and then, with a twist of its hand, perpendicularly, and looked at them with distrustful eyes.

The City took them up distrustfully, and


The City repeated the name, Alice Vavasor, as though it were not esteemed a good name on Change.


The City suggested that as the time was so short, the holder of the bills would be wise to hold them till he could collect the amount.

and suggested that as the time was so short, the holder of the bills would be wise to hold them till he could collect the amount.


It was very clear that the City suspected something wrong in the transaction.


The City, by one of its mouths, asserted plainly that ladies' bills never meant business.


George Vavasor cursed the City, and made his calculation about murdering it.


Might not a river of strychnine be turned on round the Exchange about luncheon time?

Might not a river of strychnine be turned on the Exchange at luncheon time?


Three of the bills he left at last with his own bankers for collection, and retained the fourth in his breast-pocket, intending on the morrow to descend with it into those lower depths of the money market which he had not as yet visited.

At last he left three of the bills with his own bankers for collection, and kept the fourth in his pocket.


Again, on the next day, he went to work and succeeded to some extent.


Among those lower depths he found a capitalist who was willing to advance him two hundred pounds, keeping that fourth bill in his possession as security.

descended with it into the lower depths of the money market, and found a capitalist who was willing to advance him two hundred pounds, keeping that fourth bill as security.


The capitalist was to have forty pounds for the transaction, and George cursed him as he took his cheque.


George Vavasor knew quite enough of the commercial world to enable him to understand that a man must be in a very bad condition when he consents to pay forty pounds for the use of two hundred for fourteen days.

He knew that a man must be in a very bad condition when he consents to pay forty pounds for the use of two hundred for fourteen days.


He cursed his cousin Alice and his sister Kate.


He cursed the memory of his grandfather.


Mr. Levy had hardly left the house in Queen Anne Street, before Alice had told her father what she had done.


"The money must be forthcoming," said Alice.


To this her father made no immediate reply, but turning himself in his chair away from her with a sudden start, sat looking at the fire and shaking his head.


"The money must be made to be forthcoming," said Alice.


This was very hard upon poor John Vavasor, and so he felt it to be.

To this her father made no reply, but sat looking at the fire and shaking his head, feeling it to be very hard upon him.


"Papa, if you will not promise, I must go to Mr. Round about it myself, and must find out a broker to sell out for me.

"Papa, if you will not promise, I must go to Mr. Round myself, and find a broker to sell out for me."


You would not wish that my name should be dishonoured."


"You will be ruined," said he, "and for such a rascal as that!"


"Never mind whether he is a rascal or not, papa.


You must acknowledge that he has been treated harshly by his grandfather."

You must admit that he has been treated harshly by his grandfather."


"I think that will was the wisest thing my father ever did.


Had he left the estate to George, there wouldn't have been an acre of it left in the family in six months' time."

If he had left the estate to George, there wouldn't have been an acre of it left in the family in six months' time."


"He would have raised all he could upon that, and it would have done him no good."


"At any rate, papa, he must have this two thousand pounds."


"No; I do not think he will ask for more.


At any rate, I do not think that I am bound to give him all that I have."


I should like to know how you can be bound to give him anything?"

Why are you bound to give him anything?"


I have signed the bills now, and it must be done."


"Papa, if you will not say that you will do it, I must go down to Mr. Round at once."


Then there was a pause for a moment in the conversation.


"Upon my word, I never heard of such a thing in my life," said Mr. Vavasor; "I never did.


Four thousand pounds given away to such a man as that, in three months!


And you say you do not intend to marry him."


Things of that sort are so often over with you!"


Perhaps she had deserved the reproach, but still it was very cruel.


The blow struck her with such force that she staggered under it.


Tears came into her eyes, and she could hardly speak lest she should betray herself by sobbing.


"I know that I have behaved badly," she said at last; "but I am punished, and you might spare me now!"


"I didn't want to punish you," he said, getting up from his chair and walking about the room.

"I didn't want to punish you," he said, getting up and walking about the room.


Mr. Vavasor went on walking about the room, jingling the money in his trousers-pockets, and pushing the chairs about as he chanced to meet them.


He would take a day to think whether he would assist her in getting the money, and communicate his decision to her on the following morning.

He would take a day to think whether he would help her get the money, and would tell her his decision on the following morning.


Alice sat alone for an hour without moving when John Grey had left her, and the last words which he had uttered were sounding in her ears all the time, "My heart is still yours, as it has been since I knew you."

Alice sat alone for an hour without moving when John Grey had left her, with his last words sounding in her ears. "My heart is yours now as it has been since I knew you."


There had been something in his words which had soothed her spirits, and had, for the moment, almost comforted her.


He could not have spoken such words as these to her had he not still held her high in his esteem.


Nay;--had he not even declared that he would yet take her as his own if she would come to him?

Nay; had he not even declared that he would take her


"I cannot tell you with how much joy I would take you back to my bosom!"


But yet the assurance had been sweet to her;--dangerously sweet, as she soon told herself.

Yet the assurance was sweet to her - dangerously sweet, as she soon told herself.


She knew that she had lost her Eden, but it was something to her that the master of the garden had not himself driven her forth.


She sat there, thinking of her fate, as though it belonged to some other one,--not to herself; as though it were a tale that she had read.

She sat there, thinking of her fate, as though it belonged to someone else.


Herself she had shipwrecked altogether; but though she might sink, she had not been thrust from the ship by hands which she loved.

She had been shipwrecked altogether; but though she might sink, she had not been thrust from the ship by hands which she loved.


But would it not have been better that he should have scorned her and reviled her?

But would it not have been better if he had reviled her?


Had he been able to do so, he at least would have escaped the grief of disappointed love.

In that case, at least he would have escaped the grief of disappointed love.


Had he learned to despise her, he would have ceased to regret her.


She had no right to feel consolation in the fact that his sufferings were equal to her own.

She had no right to feel consoled by the fact that his sufferings were equal to her own.


But when she thought of this, she told herself that it could not be that it was so.

But when she thought of this, she told herself that it could not be so.


He was a man, she said, not passionate by nature.


it was the mistake she had ever made when summing up the items of his character!

it was the mistake she had always made about his character!


He might be persistent, she thought, in still striving to do that upon which he had once resolved.


He had said so, and that which he said was always true to the letter.


But, nevertheless, when this thing which he still chose to pursue should have been put absolutely beyond his reach, he would not allow his calm bosom to be harassed by a vain regret.

; but when she was put beyond his reach, he would not allow his calmness to be harassed by vain regret.


He was a man too whole at every point,--so Alice told herself,--to allow his happiness to be marred by such an accident.

He was a man too whole at every point - so Alice told herself - to allow his happiness to be marred by such an accident.


Was there no chance that he might be saved, even from such trouble as might follow upon such a loss?


Could it not be possible that he might be gratified,--since it would gratify him,--and that she might be saved!


Over and over again she considered this,--but always as though it were another woman whom she would fain save, and not herself.

Over and over again she considered this, but always as though it were another woman whom she would save, and not herself.


But she knew that her own fate was fixed.


She had been mad when she had done the thing, but the thing was not on that account the less done.

She had been mad when she had done the thing, but the thing was done.


She had been mad when she had trusted herself abroad with two persons, both of whom, as she had well known, were intent on wrenching her happiness from out of her grasp.

She had been mad when she had trusted herself abroad with two people, both intent on wrenching her happiness out of her grasp.


She had been mad when she had told herself, whilst walking over the Westmoreland fells, that after all she might as well marry her cousin, since that other marriage was then beyond her reach!

She had been mad when she had told herself, whilst walking over the Westmorland fells, that after all she might as well marry her cousin, since that other marriage was beyond her reach!


Her two cousins had succeeded in blighting all the hopes of her life;--but what could she now think of herself in that she had been so weak as to submit to such usage from their hands?

Her two cousins had succeeded in blighting all the hopes of her life; but why had she had been so weak as to submit?


Alas!--she told herself, admitting in her misery all her weakness,--alas, she had no mother.

Alas! she told herself, admitting in her misery all her weakness - alas, she had no mother.


She had gloried in her independence, and this had come of it!


She had scorned the prudence of Lady Macleod, and her scorn had brought her to this pass!


Was she to give herself bodily,--body and soul, as she said aloud in her solitary agony,--to a man whom she did not love?

Was she to give herself body and soul to a man whom she did not love?


Must she submit to his caresses,--lie on his bosom,--turn herself warmly to his kisses?

Must she submit to his caresses, lie on his bosom, turn warmly to his kisses?


"No," she said, "no,"--speaking audibly, as she walked about the room; "no;--it was not in my bargain; I never meant it."

"No," she said aloud, "no; it was not in my bargain; I never meant it."


But if so what had she meant;--what had been her dream?


Of what marriage had she thought, when she was writing that letter back to George Vavasor?

What marriage had she thought of, when she was writing that letter to George Vavasor?


How am I to analyse her mind, and make her thoughts and feelings intelligible to those who may care to trouble themselves with the study?


Any sacrifice she would make for her cousin which one friend could make for another.

She would make any sacrifice for her cousin which one friend could make for another.


She would fight his battles with her money, with her words, with her sympathy.


She would sit with him if he needed it, and speak comfort to him by the hour.

She would sit and speak comfort to him by the hour.


His disgrace should be her disgrace;--his glory her glory;--his pursuits her pursuits.

His disgrace should be her disgrace; his glory her glory.


Was not that the marriage to which she had consented?


But he had come to her and asked her for a kiss, and she had shuddered before him, when he made the demand.

But he had come and asked her for a kiss, and she had shuddered.


Then that other one had come and had touched her hand, and the fibres of her body had seemed to melt within her at the touch, so that she could have fallen at his feet.

Then that other one had come and had touched her hand, and the fibres of her body had seemed to melt at the touch, so that she could have fallen at his feet.


She knew that she had sinned with that sin which specially disgraces a woman.


She had said that she would become the wife of a man to whom she could not cleave with a wife's love; and, mad with a vile ambition, she had given up the man for whose modest love her heart was longing.

Mad with a vile ambition, she had given up the man for whom her heart was longing.


She had thrown off from her that wondrous aroma of precious delicacy, which is the greatest treasure of womanhood.


She had sinned against her sex; and, in an agony of despair, as she crouched down upon the floor with her head against her chair, she told herself that there was no pardon for her.


She understood it now, and knew that she could not forgive herself.


But can you forgive her, delicate reader?


Or am I asking the question too early in my story?


The story of the struggle has been present to my mind for many years,--and I have learned to think that even this offence against womanhood may, with deep repentance, be forgiven.


And you also must forgive her before we close the book, or else my story will have been told amiss.


But let us own that she had sinned,--almost damnably, almost past forgiveness.


What;--think that she knew what love meant, and not know which of two she loved!

What; to think that she knew what love meant, and did not know which of two she loved!


What;--doubt, of two men for whose arms she longed, of which the kisses would be sweet to bear; on which side lay the modesty of her maiden love!


She had submitted to pollution of heart and feeling before she had brought herself to such a pass as this.


Come;--let us see if it be possible that she may be cleansed by the fire of her sorrow.


She passed that whole day in asking herself that question.

She passed the whole day in asking herself that question.


She was herself astounded at the rapidity with which the conviction had forced itself upon her that a marriage with her cousin would be to her almost impossible; and could she permit it to be said of her that she had thrice in her career jilted a promised suitor,--that three times she would go back from her word because her fancy had changed?

She was herself astounded at the rapidity with which she had become convinced that she could not marry her cousin; yet could she let it be said of her that she had thrice jilted a suitor - that three times she would go back from her word?


Where could she find the courage to tell her father, to tell Kate, to tell even George himself, that her purpose was again altered?

Where could she find the courage to tell her father, to tell Kate, to tell George himself, that she had changed her mind?


If only during that year he would take her money and squander it, and then require nothing further of her hands, might she not thus escape the doom before her?

If only during that year he would take her money and squander it, and then need nothing further, might she not thus escape the doom before her?


Might it not be possible that the refusal should this time come from him?

Might the refusal this time come from him?


But she succeeded in making one resolve.


She thought at least that she succeeded.


Come what might, she would never stand with him at the altar.

Come what might, she would never stand with George at the altar.


While there was a cliff from which she might fall, water that would cover her, a death-dealing grain that might be mixed in her cup, she could not submit herself to be George Vavasor's wife.

While there was a cliff from which she might fall, water that would cover her, poison to be mixed in her cup, she could not submit herself to be George Vavasor's wife.


To no ear could she tell of this resolve.


To no friend could she hint her purpose.


She owed her money to the man after what had passed between them.


It was his right to count upon such assistance as that would give him, and he should have it.


Only as his betrothed she could give it him, for she understood well that if there were any breach between them, his accepting of such aid would be impossible.

Only as his betrothed could she give it him.


He should have her money, and then, when the day came, some escape should be found.


In the afternoon her father came to her, and it may be as well to explain that Mr. Grey had seen him again that day.

In the afternoon her father came to her, having seen Mr. Grey again that day.


Mr. Grey, when he left Queen Anne Street, had gone to his lawyer, and from thence had made his way to Mr. Vavasor.

Mr. Grey, when he left Queen Anne Street, had gone to his lawyer, and then to Mr. Vavasor.


It was between five and six when Mr. Vavasor came back to his house, and he then found his daughter sitting over the drawing-room fire, without lights, in the gloom of the evening.


Mr. Vavasor had returned with Grey to the lawyer's chambers, and had from thence come direct to his own house.

They had both returned to the lawyer's chambers, where Mr. Vavasor


He had been startled at the precision with which all the circumstances of his daughter's position had been explained to a mild-eyed old gentleman, with a bald head, who carried on his business in a narrow, dark, clean street, behind Doctors' Commons.

had been startled at the precision with which all his daughter's circumstances had been explained to a mild-eyed old


"No;" Mr. Grey had said, when Mr. Vavasor had asked as to the peculiar nature of Mr. Tombe's business; "he is not specially an ecclesiastical lawyer.


He had a partner at Ely, and was always employed by my father, and by most of the clergy there."


Mr. Tombe had evinced no surprise, no dismay, and certainly no mock delicacy, when the whole affair was under discussion.

Mr. Tombe had shown no surprise or dismay at the affair under discussion.


George Vavasor was to get present moneys, but,--if it could be so arranged--from John Grey's stores rather than from those belonging to Alice.

George Vavasor was to get money, but from John Grey's funds rather than from Alice's.


Mr. Tombe could probably arrange that with Mr. Vavasor's lawyer, who would no doubt be able to make difficulty as to raising ready money.

Mr. Tombe could probably arrange that with Mr. Vavasor's lawyer.


Mr. Tombe would be able to raise ready money without difficulty.


And then, at last, George Vavasor was to be made to surrender his bride, taking or having taken the price of his bargain.

And then, at last, having taken the price of his bargain, George Vavasor was to be made to surrender his bride.


John Vavasor sat by in silence as the arrangement was being made, not knowing how to speak.

John Vavasor sat by in silence as the arrangement was made.


He had no money with which to give assistance.


"I wish you to understand from the lady's father," Grey said to the lawyer, "that the marriage would be regarded by him with as much dismay as by myself."

"I wish you to understand from the lady's father," Grey said to the lawyer, "that he would regard the marriage with as much dismay as by myself."


"Certainly;--it would be ruinous," Mr. Vavasor had answered.

"Certainly; it would be ruinous," Mr. Vavasor said.


"And you see, Mr. Tombe," Mr. Grey went on, "we only wish to try the man.


If he be not such as we believe him to be, he can prove it by his conduct.

If he is not as bad as we believe, he can prove it by his conduct.


If he is worthy of her, he can then take her."


"You merely wish to open her eyes, Mr. Grey," said the mild-eyed lawyer.


"I wish that he should have what money he wants, and then we shall find what it is he really wishes."


"Yes; we shall know our man," said the lawyer.


"He shall have the money, Mr. Grey," and so the interview had been ended.

He shall have the money, Mr. Grey," and so the interview had ended.


Mr. Vavasor, when he entered the drawing-room, addressed his daughter in a cheery voice.

Mr. Vavasor, when he came home after this and entered the drawing-room, found his daughter sitting in the dusk. He addressed her in a cheery voice.


Why should I have candles when I am doing nothing?


I came here because I want to say a few words to you about business."


Alice well understood the tone of her father's voice.

Alice understood the tone of her father's voice.


He was desirous of propitiating her; but was at the same time desirous of carrying some point in which he thought it probable that she would oppose him.

He wanted to propitiate; but he also wanted his own way on some point.


"Well; my love, if I understood you rightly, your cousin George wants some money."


"I did not say that he wants it now; but I think he will want it before the time for the election comes."

"I think he will want it before the election."


"No; he has merely said that should he be in need he would take me at my word."

"No; he has merely said that if he is in need he will take me at my word.


"I think there is no doubt that he wants it.


Indeed, I believe that he is almost entirely without present means of his own."


"I can hardly think so; but I have no knowledge about it.


I can only say that he has not asked me yet, and that I should wish to oblige him whenever he may do so."


I get about four hundred a year, but I do not know what it is worth, or how far it can all be turned into money.

I get about four hundred a year, but I do not know what my capital is worth, or how far it can all be turned into money.


I should wish to keep a hundred a year and let him have the rest."


said the father who in spite of his wish not to oppose her, could not but express his dismay.


"I do not imagine that he will want so much; but if he should, I wish that he should have it."


said John Vavasor, unable to restrain himself.


"Of course we should have to give up the house."


He could not suppress his trouble, or refrain from bursting out in agony at the prospect of such a loss.


"But he has asked me for nothing yet, papa."


"No, exactly; and perhaps he may not; but I wish to know what to do when the demand is made.

"No, and perhaps he may not; but I wish to know when the demand is made.


I am not going to oppose you now; your money is your own, and you have a right to do with it as you please;--but would you gratify me in one thing?"

I am not going to oppose you now; your money is your own - but would you gratify me in one thing?"


"When he does apply, let the amount be raised through me?"


"Come to me; I mean, so that I may see the lawyer, and have the arrangements made."

come to me, so that I may see the lawyer, and have the arrangements made?"


Then he explained to her that in dealing with large sums of money, it could not be right that she should do so without his knowledge, even though the property was her own.


"I will promise you that I will not oppose your wishes," he said.

"I promise you that I will not oppose your wishes," he said.


Then Alice undertook that when such case should arise the money should be raised through his means.

Then Alice agreed that the money should be raised through his means.


The day but one following this she received a letter from Lady Glencora, who was still at Matching Priory.

Two days after this she received a letter from Lady Glencora, who was still at Matching Priory.


It was a light-spirited, chatty, amusing letter, intended to be happy in its tone,--intended to have a flavour of happiness, but just failing through the too apparent meaning of a word here and there.

It was a light-spirited, chatty, amusing letter, intended to be happy in its tone, but just failing.


"You will see that I am at Matching," the letter said, "whereas you will remember that I was to have been at Monkshade.

"You will see that I am at Matching," the letter said, "instead of Monkshade.


I escaped at last by a violent effort, and am now passing my time innocently,--I fear not so profitably as she would induce me to do,--with Iphy Palliser.

I escaped at last by a violent effort, and am now passing my time innocently with Iphy Palliser.


She is a good creature, and would fain turn even me to profit, if it were possible.


I own that I am thinking of them all at Monkshade, and am in truth delighted that I am not there.

I admit that I am thinking of them all at Monkshade, and am truly delighted that I am not there.


My absence is entirely laid upon your shoulders.


I go there alone sometimes and fancy that I hear such voices from the walls, and see such faces through the broken windows!


All the old Pallisers come and frown at me, and tell me that I am not good enough to belong to them.

all the old Pallisers frown at me through the broken windows, telling me that I am not good enough to belong to them.


There is a particular window to which Sir Guy comes and makes faces at me.


I told Iphy the other day, and she answered me very gravely, that I might, if I chose, make myself good enough for the Pallisers.

I told Iphy that the other day, and she answered very gravely, that I might, if I chose, make myself good enough for the Pallisers.


Then Lady Glencora went on to say, that her husband intended to come up to London early in the session, and that she would accompany him.

Then Lady Glencora went on to say that her husband intended to come to London early in the parliamentary session, and that she would accompany him.


"That is," added Lady Glencora, "if I am still good enough for the Pallisers at that time."

"That is," she added, "if I am still good enough for the Pallisers at that time."


The coming of Mrs. Greenow at this very moment was a great comfort to Kate.

The coming of Mrs. Greenow was a great comfort to Kate.


Without her she would hardly have known how to bear herself with her uncle and her brother.

Without her she would hardly have known how to talk to her uncle and brother.


As it was, they were all restrained by something of the courtesy which strangers are bound to show to each other.

As it was, they were all restrained by the courtesy which strangers are bound to show each other


George had never seen his aunt since he was a child, and some sort of introduction was necessary between them.

, for George had not seen his aunt since he was a child.


"So you are George," said Mrs. Greenow, putting out her hand and smiling.


She said this pleasantly, meaning it to be taken for truth, and then turned away to her brother.

She said this pleasantly, and then turned to her brother.


"Papa's time was fully come," she said, "though, to tell the truth, I had no idea that he was so weak as Kate describes him to have been."

"Papa's time was fully come," she said, "though, to tell the truth, I had no idea that he was so weak."


"He went to church with us here on Christmas-day."

"He went to church with us here on Christmas Day."


He seems at last to have gone off just like poor Greenow."


Here she put her handkerchief up to her face.

She put her handkerchief up to her face.


"I think you didn't know Greenow, John?"


he wasn't to be known and understood in that way.


I'm aware there was a little prejudice, because of his being in trade, but we won't talk of that now.


Where should I have been without him, tradesman or no tradesman?"


"I've no doubt he was an excellent man."


we can't keep everything in this life for ever."


It may, perhaps, be as well to explain now that Mrs. Greenow had told Captain Bellfield at their last meeting before she left Norwich, that, under certain circumstances, if he behaved himself well, there might possibly be ground of hope.

It may, perhaps, be as well to explain that before she left Norwich, Mrs. Greenow had told Captain Bellfield that if he behaved himself well, there might possibly be hope.


Whereupon Captain Bellfield had immediately gone to the best tailor in that city, had told the man of his coming marriage, and had given an extensive order.


But the tailor had not as yet supplied the goods, waiting for more credible evidence of the Captain's good fortune.

But the tailor had not yet supplied the goods, waiting for more credible evidence of the Captain's good fortune.


"We're all grass of the field," said Mrs. Greenow, lightly brushing a tear from her eye, "and must be cut down and put into the oven in our turns."

"We're all grass of the field," said Mrs. Greenow, lightly brushing a tear from her eye, "and must be cut down in our turn."


Her brother uttered a slight sympathetic groan, shaking his head in testimony of the uncertainty of human affairs, and then said that he would go out and look about the place.

Her brother uttered a slight sympathetic groan, and then said that he would go out and look around the place.


George, in the meantime, had asked his sister to show him his room, and the two were already together up-stairs.

George, in the meantime, had asked his sister to show him his room, and the two were already upstairs.


Kate had made up her mind that she would say nothing about Alice at the present moment,--nothing, if it could be avoided, till after the funeral.

Kate had made up her mind to say nothing about Alice, if it could be avoided, till after the funeral.


She led the way up-stairs, almost trembling with fear, for she knew that that other subject of the will would also give rise to trouble and sorrow,--perhaps, also, to determined quarrelling.

She led the way upstairs, almost trembling with fear, for she knew that the will would also cause trouble.


was the first question that George asked.


Kate immediately felt that he was speaking as though he were master of the house, and also as though he intended to be master of her.


As regarded the former idea, she had no objection to it.


She thoroughly and honestly wished that he might be the master; and though she feared that he might find himself mistaken in his assumption, she herself was not disposed to deny any appearance of right that he might take upon himself in that respect.


But she had already begun to tell herself that she must not submit herself to his masterdom.

But she had already decided that she must not submit herself to his masterdom.


She had gradually so taught herself since he had compelled her to write the first letter in which Alice had been asked to give her money.

She had gradually so taught herself since he had compelled her to write the first letter in which Alice had been asked for money.


"I asked her, George, before my poor grandfather's death, when I thought that he would linger perhaps for weeks.

"I asked her, George, before my poor grandfather's death, when I thought that he might linger for weeks.


My life here alone with him, without any other woman in the house beside the servants, was very melancholy."


"Why did you not ask Alice to come to you?"


"Alice could not have come," said Kate, after a short pause.


"I don't know why she shouldn't have come.


I won't have that woman about the place.


She disgraced herself by marrying a blacksmith--."

She disgraced herself by marrying a blacksmith-."


"Why, George, it was you yourself who advised me to go and stay with her."

"Why, George, you advised me to go and stay with her."


Now that he's dead, and she's got his money, it's all very well that you should go to her occasionally; but I won't have her here."


"It's natural that she should come to her father's house at her father's death-bed."

"It's natural that she should come to her father's death-bed."


"I hate to be told that things are natural.


I don't suppose she cared for the old man any more than I did,--or than she cared for the other old man who married her.

I don't suppose she cared for the old man any more than I did - or than she cared for the old man who married her.


There's my uncle John, pulling a long face because he has come into this house, and he will pull it as long as the body lies up there; and yet for the last twenty years there's nothing on earth he has so much hated as going to see his father.

There's my uncle John, pulling a long face; and yet for the last twenty years he has hated going to see his father.


"Why couldn't they do it to-morrow, so that we could get away before Sunday?"

"Why couldn't they do it tomorrow, so that we could get away before Sunday?"


"He only died on Monday, George," said Kate, solemnly.

"He only died on Monday, George," said Kate solemnly.


He was here yesterday, and told me to tell you and uncle John that he would have it with him when he came back from the funeral."


"I shall go over to Penrith this afternoon and make Gogram give it up to me."


How do I know that he has really got the old man's last will?


Where did my grandfather keep his papers?"


"In that old secretary, as he used to call it; the one that stands in the dining-room.

"In that old secretary, as he used to call it, in the dining-room.


"Mr. Gogram did,--Mr. Gogram and I together."


"What the deuce made you meddle with it?"


You are thinking of some old trumpery of former days.


Till I know to the contrary, everything here belongs to me as heir-at-law, and I do not mean to allow of any interference till I know for certain that my rights have been taken from me.

Till I know to the contrary, everything here belongs to me as heir, and I do not mean to allow any interference till I know for certain that my rights have been taken from me.


What a man chooses to write when his fingers will hardly hold the pen, goes for nothing."

What a man chooses to write when his fingers will hardly hold the pen goes for nothing."


"You can't suppose that I wish to interfere with your rights?"


Do you think my uncle John would not interfere with me if he could?


if he does, he shall find that he does it to his cost.


I'll lead him such a life through the courts, for the next two or three years, that he'll wish that he had remained in Chancery Lane, and had never left it."


A message was now brought up by the nurse, saying that Mrs. Greenow and Mr. Vavasor were going into the room where the old Squire was lying, "Would Miss Kate and Mr. George go with them?"

A message was now brought up by the nurse, saying that Mrs. Greenow and Mr. Vavasor were going into the room where the old Squire was lying. "Would Miss Kate and Mr. George go with them?"


shouted out George, making the old woman jump.

shouted George, making the old woman jump.


She did not understand his meaning in the least.


Why should I pretend an interest in the dead body of a man whom I hated and who hated me;--whose very last act, as far as I know as yet, was an attempt to rob me?

Why should I pretend an interest in the dead body of a man whom I hated and whose very last act may have been an attempt to rob me?"


Kate went, and was glad of an opportunity of getting away from her brother.

Kate went, and was glad to get away from her brother.


Every hour the idea was becoming stronger in her mind that she must in some way separate herself from him.

Every hour the idea was becoming stronger in her mind that she must somehow separate herself from him.


There had come upon him of late a hard ferocity which made him unendurable.


And then he carried to such a pitch that hatred, as he called it, of conventional rules, that he allowed himself to be controlled by none of the ordinary bonds of society.

He allowed himself to be controlled by none of the ordinary bonds of society.


She had felt this heretofore, with a nervous consciousness that she was doing wrong in endeavouring to bring about a marriage between him and Alice; but this demeanour and mode of talking had now so grown upon him that Kate began to feel herself thankful that Alice had been saved.

She had felt this before, with a nervous consciousness that she was doing wrong in trying to bring about a marriage between him and Alice; but this manner had now grown so much that Kate began to feel thankful that Alice had been saved.


Kate went up with her uncle and aunt, and saw the face of her grandfather for the last time.

With her uncle and aunt, Kate saw the face of her grandfather for the last time.


said Mrs. Greenow, as the easy tears ran down her face.


"Do you remember, John, how he used to scold me, and say that I should never come to good.


He has said the same thing to you, Kate, I dare say?"


"He has been very kind to me," said Kate, standing at the foot of the bed.

"He has been very kind to me," said Kate.


She was not one of those whose tears stand near their eyes.


"He was a fine old gentleman," said John Vavasor;--"belonging to days that are now gone by, but by no means the less of a gentleman on that account.

"He was a fine old gentleman," said John Vavasor.


I don't know that he ever did an unjust or ungenerous act to any one.

"I don't know that he ever did an unjust or ungenerous act to anyone.


Mrs. Greenow lingered to say a word or two to the nurse, of the manner in which Greenow's body was treated when Greenow was lying dead, and then she followed her brother and niece.


George did not go into Penrith, nor did he see Mr. Gogram till that worthy attorney came out to Vavasor Hall on the morning of the funeral.

George did not go into Penrith, nor did he see Mr. Gogram till the attorney came to Vavasor Hall on the morning of the funeral.


He said nothing more on the subject, nor did he break the seals on the old upright desk that stood in the parlour.


The two days before the funeral were very wretched for all the party, except, perhaps, for Mrs. Greenow, who affected not to understand that her nephew was in a bad humour.

The two days before the funeral were very wretched for all, except, perhaps, Mrs. Greenow, who pretended not to understand that her nephew was in a bad humour.


She called him "poor George," and treated all his incivility to herself as though it were the effect of his grief.

She called him "poor George," and treated all his incivility as though it were the effect of grief.


She asked him questions about Parliament, which, of course, he didn't answer, and told him little stories about poor dear Greenow, not heeding his expressions of unmistakable disgust.


The two days at last went by, and the hour of the funeral came.


There was the doctor and Gogram, and the uncle and the nephew, to follow the corpse,--the nephew taking upon himself ostentatiously the foremost place, as though he could thereby help to maintain his pretensions as heir.

There were the doctor and Gogram, and the uncle and the nephew, to follow the corpse - the nephew ostentatiously taking the foremost place.


The clergyman met them at the little wicket-gate of the churchyard, having, by some reasoning, which we hope was satisfactory to himself, overcome a resolution which he at first formed, that he would not read the burial service over an unrepentant sinner.


But he did read it, having mentioned his scruples to none but one confidential clerical friend in the same diocese.


"I'm told that you have got my grandfather's will," George said to the attorney as soon as he saw him.


"I have it in my pocket," said Mr. Gogram, "and purpose to read it as soon as we return from church."

"I have it in my pocket," said Mr. Gogram, "and intend to read it after we return from church."


"Is it usual to take a will away from a man's house in that way?"


"Quite usual," said the attorney; "and in this case it was done at the express desire of the testator."


"I think it is the common practice," said John Vavasor.


George upon this turned round at his uncle as though about to attack him, but he restrained himself and said nothing, though he showed his teeth.

George upon this turned round at his uncle as though about to attack him, showing his teeth.


The funeral was very plain, and not a word was spoken by George Vavasor during the journey there and back.

The funeral was very plain, and George spoke not a word during the journey there and back.


John Vavasor asked a few questions of the doctor as to the last weeks of his father's life; and it was incidentally mentioned, both by the doctor and by the attorney, that the old Squire's intellect had remained unimpaired up to the last moment that he had been seen by either of them.

John Vavasor asked a few questions of the doctor about the last weeks of his father's life; and it was mentioned by both the doctor and the attorney that the old Squire's intellect had remained unimpaired up to the last moment.


When they returned to the hall Mrs. Greenow met them with an invitation to lunch.


They all went to the dining-room, and drank each a glass of sherry.

; they all went to the dining-room, and drank a glass of sherry.


The doctor then withdrew, and drove himself back to Penrith, where he lived.


The three gentlemen then rose up, and went across to the drawing-room, George leading the way.

The three gentlemen went across to the drawing-room, George leading the way.


The attorney followed him, and John Vavasor closed the door behind them.


Had any observer been there to watch them he might have seen by the faces of the two latter that they expected an unpleasant meeting.

If an observer had been watching, he might have seen by the faces of the two latter that they expected an unpleasant meeting.


Mr. Gogram, as he had walked across the hall, had pulled a document out of his pocket, and held it in his hand as he took a chair.

Mr. Gogram held a document in his hand as he took a chair.


John Vavasor stood behind one of the chairs which had been placed at the table, and leaned upon it, looking across the room, up at the ceiling.

John Vavasor stood behind one of the chairs which had been placed at the table, and leaned upon it, looking across the room.


George stood on the rug before the fire, with his hands in the pockets of his trousers, and his coat tails over his arms.

George stood on the rug before the fire, with his hands in his trouser pockets.


Mr. Gogram then opened the document before him.


"Before that paper is read," said George, "I think it right to say a few words.


I don't know what it contains, but I believe it to have been executed by my grandfather only an hour or two before his death."


"On the day before he died,--early in the day," said the attorney.

"Early on the day before he died," said the attorney.


"Well,--the day before he died; it is the same thing,--while he was dying, in fact.

"Well, it is the same thing - while he was dying.


"He was not in bed at the time, Mr. Vavasor.


Not that it would have mattered if he had been.


I don't understand, however, why you make these observations."


"If you'll listen to me you will understand.


"I make them because I deny my grandfather's fitness to make a will in the last moments of his existence, and at such an age.


I saw him a few weeks ago, and he was not fit to be trusted with the management of property then."


"I do not think this is the time, George, to put forward such objections," said the uncle.


"I believe that that paper purports to be an instrument by which I should be villanously defrauded if it were allowed to be held as good.

"I believe that paper purports to villainously defraud me.


Therefore I protest against it now, and shall question it at law if action be taken on it.

Therefore I protest against it, and shall question it at law.


"Oh, yes, I shall read," said Mr. Gogram; "and I say that it is as valid a will as ever a man signed."

"Oh, yes, I shall read it," said Mr. Gogram; "and I say that it is as valid a will as ever a man signed."


The will was read amidst sundry interjections and expressions of anger from George, which it is not necessary to repeat.

The will was read amidst angry interruptions from George, which it is not necessary to repeat.


Nor need I trouble my readers with the will at length.


It began by expressing the testator's great desire that his property might descend in his own family, and that the house might be held and inhabited by some one bearing the name of Vavasor.

It began by expressing the testator's great desire that his property might descend in his own family, and that the house might be inhabited by someone bearing the name of Vavasor.


He then declared that he felt himself obliged to pass over his natural heir, believing that the property would not be safe in his hands; he therefore left it in trust to his son John Vavasor, whom he appointed to be sole executor of his will.

The testator then declared that he felt himself obliged to pass over his natural heir, believing that the property would not be safe in his hands; he therefore left it in trust to his son John Vavasor, whom he appointed sole executor of his will.


He devised it to George's eldest son,--should George ever marry and have a son,--as soon as he might reach the age of twenty-five.

It would go to George's eldest son - should George ever marry and have a son - as soon as he might reach the age of twenty-five.


In the meantime the property should remain in the hands of John Vavasor for his use and benefit, with a lien on it of five hundred a year to be paid annually to his granddaughter Kate.

In the meantime the property should remain in the hands of John Vavasor for his use and benefit, with five hundred a year out of it to be paid annually to his granddaughter Kate.


In the event of George having no son, the property was to go to the eldest son of Kate, or failing that to the eldest son of his other granddaughter who might take the name of Vavasor.


All his personal property he left to his son, John Vavasor.

All his personal effects he left to his son, John Vavasor.


"And, Mr. Vavasor," said the attorney, as he finished his reading, "you will, I fear, get very little by that latter clause.

"And, Mr. Vavasor," said the attorney, addressing John Vavasor as he finished his reading, "you will, I fear, get very little by that last clause.


The estate now owes nothing; but I doubt whether the Squire had fifty pounds in his banker's hands when he died, and the value of the property about the place is very small.

The estate now owes nothing; but I doubt whether the Squire had fifty pounds in the bank when he died, and the value of the personal property about the place is very small.


He has been unwilling to spend anything during the last ten years, but has paid off every shilling that the property owed."

He was unwilling to spend anything during the last ten years, but paid off every shilling that the property owed."


His voice was very unpleasant, and so was the fire of his eyes and the ghastly rage of his scarred face.

His voice was very unpleasant, and so was the ghastly rage of his scarred face.


"The old man has endeavoured in his anger to rob me of everything because I would not obey him in his wickedness when I was here with him a short while before he died.

"The old man has tried to rob me of everything because I would not obey him in his wickedness when I was here with him a short while before he died.


"As to that I have nothing to say at present," said the attorney.


"Where is his other will,--the one he made before that?"

"Where is his other will - the one he made before that?"


"If I remember rightly we executed two before this."


"It is not my business to know, Mr. Vavasor.


I believe that I saw him destroy one, but I have no absolute knowledge.


Your sister is the person chiefly interested under it.


She gets five hundred a year for her life; and if she marries and you don't, or if she has a son and you don't, her son will have the whole property."

She gets five hundred a year for her life; and if she has a son and you don't, her son will have the whole property."


George stood for a few moments thinking.


Might it not be possible that by means of Alice and Kate together,--by marrying the former,--perhaps, he might still obtain possession of the property?

Might it not be possible that by means of Alice and Kate together - by marrying the former - he might still get hold of the property?


But that which he wanted was the command of the property at once,--the power of raising money upon it instantly.

But he wanted the property at once - he wanted the power of raising money upon it instantly.


The will had been so framed as to make that impossible in any way.

The will had been so framed as to make that impossible.


Kate's share in it had not been left to her unconditionally, but was to be received even by her through the hands of her uncle John.

Kate's share in it had not been left to her unconditionally, but was to be received through the hands of her uncle John.


Such a will shut him out from all his hopes.


"It is a piece of d---- roguery," he said.

"It is a piece of d--- roguery," he said.


Who was in the room when that thing was written?"


Who was in the room when the thing was written?"


The presence of any one else at such a time would be very unusual."

The presence of anyone else at such a time would be very unusual."


"Then I regard the document simply as waste paper."


After saying this, George Vavasor left the room, and slammed the door after him.

With this, George Vavasor left the room, and slammed the door after him.


"I never was insulted in such a way before," said the attorney, almost with tears in his eyes.


"He is a disappointed and I fear a ruined man," said John Vavasor.


"I do not think you need regard what he says."


"But he should not on that account insult me.


If he comes in my way again I shall tell him so."


"He probably will not put himself in your way again, Mr. Gogram."


Then the attorney went, having suggested to Mr. Vavasor that he should instruct his attorney in London to take steps in reference to the proving of the will.

Then the attorney left, having suggested to Mr. Vavasor that he should instruct his attorney in London to take steps towards proving the will.


"It's as good a will as ever was made," said Mr. Gogram.


"If he can set that aside, I'll give up making wills altogether."


That was John Vavasor's first thought when he was left alone at the hall-door, after seeing the lawyer start away.

That was John Vavasor's first thought when he was alone.


And how was he to get himself back to London without further quarrelling with his nephew?

And how was he to get back to London without further quarrelling with his nephew?


And what was he to do at once with reference to the immediate duties of proprietorship which were entailed upon him as executor?

And what was he to do at once about his duties as executor?


It was by no means improbable, as he thought, that George might assume to himself the position of master of the house; that he might demand the keys, for instance, which no doubt were in Kate's hands at present, and that he would take possession with violence.

It was by no means improbable, as he thought, that George might assume the position of master of the house; that he might demand the keys, for instance, which no doubt were in Kate's hands at present, and that he would take possession with violence.


What should he do under such circumstances?

What should he do in such circumstances?


It was clear that he could not run away and get back to his club by the night mail train.

It was clear that he could not run away and get back to his club.


He had duties there at the Hall, and these duties were of a nature to make him almost regret the position in which his father's will had placed him.

He had duties at the Hall which made him almost regret the position in which his father's will had placed him.


Eventually he would gain some considerable increase to his means, but the immediate effect would be terribly troublesome.

Eventually he would gain some increase to his means, but the immediate effect would be terribly troublesome.


As he looked up at the melancholy pines which were slowly waving their heads in the wind before the door he declared to himself that he would sell his inheritance and his executorship very cheaply, if such a sale were possible.


In the dining-room he found his sister alone.


"She has gone out to walk with her brother."


He asked her to walk, and she went with him at once."


"Then, I suppose, he will tell her," said John Vavasor.

"Then I suppose he will tell her," said John Vavasor.


After that he explained the circumstances of the will to Mrs. Greenow.

He explained the circumstances of the will to Mrs. Greenow.


I love Kate dearly: and now she can marry almost whom she pleases."


It has been said that George Vavasor had a little establishment at Roebury, down in Oxfordshire, and thither he betook himself about the middle of November.

It has been said that George Vavasor had a little establishment at Roebury, in Oxfordshire; and he went there in the middle of November, to hunt.


He had been long known in this county, and whether or no men spoke well of him as a man of business in London, men spoke well of him down there, as one who knew how to ride to hounds.

In this county, men spoke well of him, as one who knew how to ride.


Not that Vavasor was popular among fellow-sportsmen.

Not that Vavasor was popular among his fellow-sportsmen.


He was not a man that made himself really popular in any social meetings of men.


He did not himself care for the loose little talkings, half flat and half sharp, of men when they meet together in idleness.

He did not care for the loose talk of men when they meet in idleness.


He was not open enough in his nature for such popularity.

He was not open enough in his nature for popularity


Some men were afraid of him, and some suspected him.


There were others who made up to him, seeking his intimacy, but these he usually snubbed, and always kept at a distance.


Though he had indulged in all the ordinary pleasures of young men, he had never been a jovial man.


In his conversations with men he always seemed to think that he should use his time towards serving some purpose of business.

He always seemed to think that his conversations with men should serve some purpose of business.


A woman he could really love;--but I doubt whether for all that he could treat a woman well.

A woman he could really love; but I doubt whether he could treat a woman well.


But he was known in the Oxfordshire country as a man who knew what he was about, and such men are always welcome.

However, he was welcome in Oxfordshire as a man who knew what he was about.


It is the man who does not know how to ride that is made uncomfortable in the hunting field by cold looks or expressed censure.


And yet it is very rarely that such men do any real harm.


Such a one may now and then get among the hounds or override the hunt, but it is not often so.


Many such complaints are made; but in truth the too forward man, who presses the dogs, is generally one who can ride, but is too eager or too selfish to keep in his proper place.


The bad rider, like the bad whist player, pays highly for what he does not enjoy, and should be thanked.


But at both games he gets cruelly snubbed.


At both games George Vavasor was great and he never got snubbed.


There were men who lived together at Roebury in a kind of club,--four or five of them, who came thither from London, running backwards and forwards as hunting arrangements enabled them to do so,--a brewer or two and a banker, with a would-be fast attorney, a sporting literary gentleman, and a young unmarried Member of Parliament who had no particular home of his own in the country.

There were several men who formed a kind of club at Roebury, travelling to the inn there from London for the hunting. They comprised a couple of brewers, a banker, a would-be attorney, a sporting literary gentleman, and a young unmarried Member of Parliament.


These men formed the Roebury Club, and a jolly life they had of it.

These men formed the Roebury Club at the King's Head, and a jolly life they had of it.


They had their own wine closet at the King's Head,--or Roebury Inn as the house had come to be popularly called,--and supplied their own game.


The landlord found everything else; and as they were not very particular about their bills, they were allowed to do pretty much as they liked in the house.

while the landlord supplied everything else; and as they were not very particular about their bills, they were allowed to do pretty much as they liked.


They were rather imperious, very late in their hours, sometimes, though not often, noisy, and once there had been a hasty quarrel which had made the landlord in his anger say that the club should be turned out of his house.

They were rather imperious, very late in their hours, and sometimes noisy


But they paid well, chaffed the servants much oftener than they bullied them, and on the whole were very popular.

; but they paid well, joked with the servants more than they bullied them, and on the whole were very popular.


To this club Vavasor did not belong, alleging that he could not afford to live at their pace, and alleging, also, that his stays at Roebury were not long enough to make him a desirable member.

Vavasor did not belong to this club, claiming that he could not afford


The invitation to him was not repeated and he lodged elsewhere in the little town.

it; when he visited the little town, he lodged elsewhere.


But he occasionally went in of an evening, and would make up with the members a table at whist.

But he occasionally went in, and would make up a table at whist.


He had come down to Roebury by mail train, ready for hunting the next morning, and walked into the club-room just at midnight.

He had come down to Roebury by mail train, ready for hunting the next morning, and walked into the club-room at midnight.


There he found Maxwell the banker, Grindley the would-be fast attorney, and Calder Jones the Member of Parliament, playing dummy.

There he found Maxwell the banker, Grindley the would-be attorney, and Calder Jones the Member of Parliament, playing dummy.


Neither of the brewers were there, nor was the sporting literary gentleman.


"Here's Vavasor," said Maxwell, "and now we won't play this blackguard game any longer.


Somebody told me, Vavasor, that you were gone away."

"Somebody told me, Vavasor, that you were gone away.


"I don't know what it was; that something had happened to you since last season; that you were married, or dead, or gone abroad.


By George, I've lost the trick after all!


Yes, I know; that's seven points on each side.


Upon my word if any one had asked me, I should have said you were dead."

If anyone had asked me, I should have said you were dead."


"But you see, nobody ever does think of asking you anything."

"But nobody ever does think of asking you anything."