t Arthur was
uneasy. Theodora was gloomy, and not responding to her languid attempts
at conversation, thinking there was affectation in her worn-out
plaintive voice.

As soon as the tedious dinner was over, Arthur insisted on her going
at once to bed, without listening to her entreaties that, as it was
Theodora's first evening, she might lie on the sofa and hear them talk.
She turned back at the door to tell Theodora that there was a new review
on the table, with something in it she would like to read, and then let
Arthur take her up-stairs.

'Ah!' thought Theodora, 'tormenting him about the child does not
suffice--she must be ill herself! It is even beyond what I expected.
When she had brought him home she might have let him have his evening in
peace; but I suppose she is displeased at my coming, and won't let him
stay with me. She will keep him in attendance all the evening, so I
may as well see what books she has got. "The West Indies"; "The
Crusaders"--of course! "Geoffroi de Villechardouin"--Percy's name in
it. Where's this review? Some puff, I suppose. Yes, now if I was a silly
young lady, how much I should make of Percy because he has made a
good hit, and is a literary lion; but he shall see the world makes no
difference to me. I thought the book good in manuscript; and all the
critics in the country won't make me think a bit better of it or of its
author. However, I'll just see what nonsense they talk till she chooses
to release Arthur.'

What would have been her displeasure if she had known that Arthur was
lingering up-stairs giving his wife a ludicrous version of her adventure
with Mr. Wingfield!

After a time the drawing-room door opened, but she did not heed it,
meaning to be distant and indifferent; but a browner, harder hand than
Arthur's was put down on the book before her, and an unexpected voice
said, 'Detected!'

'Percy! Oh, how are you?' she exclaimed.

'I am very glad you are come; I came to inquire at the door, and they
told me that you were here. How is she, poor thing?'

'She is gone to bed; Arthur thinks her knocked up.'

'It is well he is come; I was much concerned at her being alone
yesterday. So little Johnnie is better?'

'Like Mother Hubbard's dog.'

'The croup is no joke,' said Percy, gravely.

'Then you think there was really something in it?'

'Why, what do you mean? Do you think it was humbug?'

'Not at all; but it was such a terrific account, and alarmed poor Arthur
so