things.'

'You must not be childish, Violet; I am come as your best friend to give
you advice. You ought to consider what would become of you if you were
left with a family of young children, connected as you are. You depend
entirely on one life, and you must not reckon on us, as you MUST see.'

'I see,' said Violet, only wanting him to cease.

'Then you perceive I have your real interest in view when I tell you it
is your duty to use what influence you have to get some provision made.'

'Don't go on, Albert. As my marriage was brought about, it would be
improper in me to do anything of the kind.'

'I only wished you to see what you have to trust to. Ah! by the bye,
there's the old aunt. Have not you expectations from her?'

'No; she was so much offended at our marriage that there is no
likelihood of her doing anything for us.'

'Bless me! That's a bad case! But you have been staying there. Can't a
pretty engaging thing like you manage to come round the old lady and get
into her good graces?'

'Albert! don't talk so.'

'Really, Violet, it is time to give up being a silly child. You ought
not to throw away your true interests, or the time will come when you
will be sorry, and remember what I said; but you are not to depend on
me.'

'No,' said Violet, and scalding tears arose, 'I do not. You need not be
afraid. I have a brother who will take care of me and mine.'

'John Martindale?'

'Yes.'

'Well, you know your own ground. I thought it my duty to warn you, and
I hope you will take care to make the most of yourself--it will never do
to let yourself seem of no importance, and be overcrowed by this haughty
young lady.'

Violet nearly laughed, but the next speech was too much for her
patience. 'And you are satisfied at Martindale being so much from home?'

'He must be while his regiment is at Windsor;' and she rang for tea, and
sent a message to summon Miss Martindale, feeling her presence her only
protection.

Her head ached so much that she was obliged to lie on the sofa and let
things take their chance, and Theodora's attempt to represent her in
good health only appeared like blindness and indifference. Albert was
much enchanted with Miss Martindale, and made himself more ridiculous,
until it was a great satisfaction to his sister to see him depart.

'He always comes on unlucky days!' she said. 'I wish I could have made
it go off better. Thank you for taking all the trouble.'

'No trouble at all,' s