s; yet it had a mollifying effect, and he presently spoke with
less irritation and more regret.

'She suspects no evil, and cannot understand any imputation on her
friend. She fancies I speak from report, but I have known this fellow,
Mark, all my life. His mother is a sister of my Aunt Fotheringham. They
wanted me to hunt up an appointment to get him out of the young lady's
way.'

'Before her marriage?'

'Ay. When I was last in England, there was a great to-do at the
discovery of an engagement between this youth and Miss Georgina. I
suppose, considering her bringing-up, she was not much to be blamed. I
remember my aunt thought the poor girl harshly dealt with.'

'O, that must have been the cause of the nervous fever Theodora
mentioned. She said she knew no particulars.'

'She has not been openly dealt with,' said Percy. 'They do not dare to
let her see their doings.'

'So the poor thing was tormented into this marriage?'

'No torment needed. The elder sister did try to warn her that it could
not turn out well. I should think the old rogue had found his punishment
for his extortions. Fine stories I could tell you of him in South
America. Now, am I not justified in keeping clear of them? Let Theodora
say what she will, it does not make it right for me to put myself in the
way of those great extravagant dinners and parties of theirs, where they
want me for nothing but a show-off.'

'I am sure Theodora will think with you, when she is cooler, and not
taken by surprise.'

The clock struck.

'There, I have an appointment!'

'I wish you could wait for luncheon. She must come then.'

'What are you going to do this evening?'

'I am sorry to say that we dine out; but to-morrow is Sunday, and you
will be sure to find us at home.'

He went, and one o'clock came, but no Theodora. Violet had waited ten
minutes for luncheon before she returned.

'I did not know how late it was,' said she. 'I wish you had begun
without me.'

Then, throwing her bonnet into a chair, and cutting some cake, she
proceeded: 'Such hours as they keep! No one but Jane was up when I came,
so I went to her room, and told her I would hear the rights of it.'

'Were you satisfied?'

'Georgina has been foolish and unguarded, and the world is very
ill-natured. I hate it altogether, from beginning to end,' said
Theodora, with an impatient gesture. 'Most decidedly,' she added,
'Georgina never ought to have married. I forced it from Jane that
sh