n it did, but for the
hopelessness which had taken up its abode within him. Nevertheless he
resented it. He did not suppose it possible that the Ashtons could have
heard of the dilemma he was in, or that he should be unable to fulfil his
engagement with Anne, having with his usual vacillation put off any
explanation with them; which of course must come sometime. He had taken
an idea into his head long before, that Dr. Ashton wished to part them,
and he looked upon the letter as resulting from that. Hartledon was
feeling weary of the world.

How little did he divine that the letter of the doctor was called forth
by a communication from the countess-dowager. An artful communication,
with a charming candour lying on its surface. She asked--she actually
asked that Dr. Ashton would allow "fair play;" she said the "deepest
affection" had grown up between Lord Hartledon and Lady Maude; and she
only craved that the young man might not be coerced either way, but might
be allowed to choose between them. The field after Miss Ashton's return
would be open to the two, and ought to be left so.

You may imagine the effect this missive produced upon the proud,
high-minded doctor of divinity. He took a sheet of paper and wrote a
stinging letter to Lord Hartledon, forbidding him to think again of Anne.
But when he was in the act of sealing it a sudden doubt like an instinct
rushed over him, whether it might not be a ruse, and nothing else, of the
crafty old dowager's. The doubt was sufficiently strong to cause him to
tear up the letter. But he was not satisfied with Lord Hartledon's own
behaviour; had not been for some few months; and he then wrote a second
letter, suspending matters until they should meet again. It was in effect
what was asked for by the countess-dowager; and he wrote a cold proud
letter to that lady, stating what he had done. Of course any honourable
woman--any woman with a spark of justice in her heart--would have also
forbidden all intercourse with Lady Maude. The countess-dowager's policy
lay in the opposite direction.

But Lord Hartledon remained in London, utterly oblivious to the hints and
baits held out for his return to Calne. He chiefly divided his time
between the House of Lords and sitting at home, lamenting over his own
ill-starred existence. He was living quite en garcon, with only one man,
his house having been let for the season. We always want what we cannot
obtain, and because marriage was denied him