y Charlotte was in a most variable frame of mind; one day hoping
devoutly that the Langham affair might prove lasting enough in its
effects to tire Hugh out; the next, outraged that a silly girl should
waste a thought on such a creature, while Hugh was in her way; at one
time angry that an insignificant chit of a schoolmaster's daughter
should apparently care so little to be the Duke of Sedbergh's niece, and
should even dare to allow herself the luxury of snubbing a Flaxman; at
another, utterly sceptical as to any lasting obduracy on the chit's
part. The girl was clearly anxious not to fall too easily, but as to
final refusal--pshaw! And it made her mad that Hugh would hold himself
so cheap.

Meanwhile, Mr. Flaxman felt himself in no way called upon to answer that
remark of his aunt's we have recorded.

'I have qualms,' he repeated, 'but I mean to do all I know, and you and
Helen must help me.'

Lady Charlotte crossed her hands before her.

'I may be a Liberal and a lion-hunter,' she said firmly, 'but I have
still conscience enough left not to aid and abet my nephew in throwing
himself away.'

She had nearly slipped in 'again'; but just saved herself.

'Your conscience is all a matter of the Duke,' he told her. 'Well, if
you won't help me, then Helen and I will have to arrange it by
ourselves.'

But this did not suit Lady Charlotte at all. She had always played the
part of earthly providence to this particular nephew, and it was
abominable to her that the wretch, having refused for ten years to
provide her with a love affair to manage, should now manage one for
himself in spite of her.

'You are such an arbitrary creature!' she said fretfully; 'you prance
about the world like Don Quixote, and expect me to play Sancho without a
murmur.'

'How many drubbings have I brought you yet?' he asked her laughing. He
was really very fond of her. 'It is true there is a point of likeness; I
won't take your advice. But then why don't you give me better? It is
strange,' he added musing; 'women talk to us about love as if we were
too gross to understand it; and when they come to business, and they're
not in it themselves, they show the temper of attorneys.'

'Love!' cried Lady Charlotte nettled. 'Do you mean to tell me, Hugh,
that you are really, _seriously_ in love with that girl?'

'Well, I only know,' he said, thrusting his hands far into his pockets,
'that unless things mend I shall go out to California in the autumn