their mock gravity,
were fixed on his irritated face. He would have agreed absolutely with
Mr Cholderton's estimate of the evil in her, and of its proper remedy.

Wherein Duplay was derided his niece made very plain to him; wherein his
words had any effect was studiously concealed. Yet she repeated the
words when he had, with a marked failure of temper, gone his way and
slammed the door behind him. "In love with Harry Tristram!" Mina found
the idea at once explanatory and picturesque. Why otherwise was she his
champion? She paused (as they say) for a reply. How better could she
draw to herself a part and a share in the undoubtedly romantic situation
in which she grouped the facts of the case? By being in love with Harry
she became part of the drama; and she complicated the drama most
delightfully. Janie knew nothing--she knew everything. Janie
hesitated--what if she did not hesitate? A big _role_ opened before her
eyes. What if it were very unlikely that Harry would reciprocate her
proposed feelings? The Imp hesitated between a natural vexation and an
artistic pleasure. Such a failure on his part would wound the woman, but
it would add pathos to the play. She became almost sure that she could
love Harry; she remained uncertain whether he should return the
compliment. And, after all, to be Lady Tristram of Blent! That was
attractive. Or (in case Harry suffered defeat) to be Lady Tristram of
Blent in the sight of heaven (a polite and time-honored way of
describing an arrangement not recognized on earth, and quite adaptable
to the present circumstances); that had a hardly less alluring, and at
least a rarer, flavor. The Imp looked down on Blent with an access of
interest. Monsieur Zabriska had left her with unexhausted reserves of
feeling. Moreover she could not be expected to help her uncle if she
were seriously attached to Harry. The moral of all this for the Major
was that it is unwise to suggest courses of action unless you are
willing to see them carried out, or channels of emotion unless you are
prepared to find them filled.

"Some people are capable of self-sacrifice in their love." That would
mean being his champion still, and letting him marry Janie Iver. She did
not object much to her own part, but she cavilled suddenly at
Janie's--or at Harry's relation to Janie. Would it be better to share
adversity with him? Perhaps. But, after all, she did not fancy him in
adversity. The third course recommended itself--vic