p-stairs for Sarah, and
would not be content with her best endeavours to make him happy. And
yet, when, after carefully looking to see that he could come to no harm,
Sarah was obliged to place him on the floor and leave him for the first
time alone with his father, he sat motionless, fixed in earnest, intent
contemplation, like a sort of distant worship of him, keeping him
likewise in a silent amused wonder, what would come next; and when it
ended in a gravely, distinctly pronounced, 'Papa!' Arthur started as if
it had been a jackdaw speaking, then picked up the little fellow in his
arms and carried him off to show, as a natural curiosity, to his mother!
At any other time, Theodora would have been charmed at the rare sight
of Arthur fondling his little boy; now she only felt that nobody wanted
her, and that she was deprived of even the dignity of a nursery-maid.

Her chief occupation was answering inquiries, and writing notes to
decline their evening engagements--the dinner at Mrs. Delaval's among
the rest; for she and Arthur were equally resolved to remain at home
that evening, and she wished to persuade herself that they were Violet's
friends, not her own.

In the midst, Mrs. Finch and Miss Gardner called, and in her state of
irritation the smooth tongue of the latter was oil to the flame.

'Poor thing, no doubt she thinks she has been making a heroic exertion.
Well, she has her reward! It must be delightful to have caused such a
sensation. Your brother is a most devoted husband.'

'And did she really go because she would not trust you without her?'
said Mrs. Finch. 'Well, that is a good joke!'

'I think you must be glad they do not live at Brogden,' quietly added
Jane, in the midst of her sister's laughter.

'It has been put into her head,' said Theodora, 'that she ought to look
after me, and a great mistake it is.'

'Yes, you are not come here to be less free than last year, when Lord
and Lady Martindale had you in their own hands, said Georgina. 'If
I were you I would do something strong all at once, and settle that
matter. That was the way you used to dispose of the governesses.'

'I am not quite what I was then, Georgina.'

'But what is it that she objects to? I see,' as Jane made a sign, as if
to advise her not to inquire. 'Is it to your coming out with me? Well! I
declare, that is pretty well, considering who she was. I thought better
things of her, with her soft voice, as if she was thankful to be spo