r him. Don't think me
uncharitable; it is the truth; Val will tell you the same. She is not
capable of experiencing common affection for any one; every feeling of
her nature is merged in self-interest. Had her daughter left another boy
she would not be dismayed at the prospect of this one's death; whether he
lived or died, it would be all one to her. The grievance is that Reginald
should have the chance of succeeding."

"Because he is your son. I understand. A vain, puffed-up old thing! the
idea of her still painting her face and wearing false curls! I wonder you
tolerate her in your house, Anne! She's always here."

"How can I help myself? She considers, I believe, that she has more right
in this house than I have."

"Does she make things uncomfortable?"

"More so than I have ever confessed, even to my husband. From the hour of
my marriage she set the two children against me, and against my children
when they came; and she never ceases to do so still."

"Why do you submit to it?"

"She is their grandmother, and I cannot well deny her the house. Val
might do so, but he does not. Perhaps I should have had courage to
attempt it, for the children's own sake, it is so shocking to train them
to ill-nature, but that he appears to think as she does. The petty
disputes between the children are frequent--for my two elder ones are
getting of an age to turn again when put upon--but their father never
corrects Edward and Maude, or allows them to be corrected; let them do
what wrong they will, he takes their part. I believe that if Edward
_killed_ one of my children, he would only caress him."

Lady Laura turned her eyes on the speaker's face, on its flush of pain
and mortification.

"And Val loved you: and did _not_ love Maude! What does it mean, Anne?"

"I cannot tell you. Things altogether are growing more than I can bear."

"Margaret has been with you some time; has she not interfered, or tried
to put things upon a right footing?"

Anne shook her head. "She espouses the dowager's side; upholds the two
children in their petty tyranny. No one in the house takes my part, or my
children's."

"That is just like Margaret. Do you remember how you and I used to dread
her domineering spirit when we were girls? It's time I came, I think, to
set things right."

"Laura, neither you nor any one else can set things right. They have been
wrong too long. The worst is, I cannot see what the evil is, as regards
Val. If I ask him h