; and above all, his wife--whom he
still loved, though he could no longer esteem her.

"Come, Orige,--dry thine eyes," he said pityingly.

He did not know, poor victim! that they required no drying.

"Thou shalt have what thou wouldst. Tell me the sum thou lackest, and I
will spare it, though I cut timber therefor."

Which was equivalent, in his eyes, to the very last and worst of all
honest resources for raising money.

Lady Enville made a rapid calculation (with her handkerchief still at
her eyes), which ran much in this fashion:--

+========================================+======+
YVelvet dress - at least 40; say Y45 0 0Y
+----------------------------------------+------+
YSatin kirtle - about Y20 0 0Y
+----------------------------------------+------+
YKersey dress Y3 10 0Y
+----------------------------------------+------+
YHood, best Y 1 6 8Y
+----------------------------------------+------+
YHood, second-rate Y 13 4Y
+----------------------------------------+------+
YFrontlet Y 4 4Y
+----------------------------------------+------+
YLawn for ruffs (embroidered at home) sayY 2 6Y
+----------------------------------------+------+
YGloves, one dozen pairs, best quality Y 2 6Y
+----------------------------------------+------+
YRibbon, 40 yards, various colours Y 13 4Y
+----------------------------------------+------+
YMiscellaneous items, a good margin, say Y 9 7 4Y
+----------------------------------------+------+
YWhich makes a total of Y80 0 0Y
+========================================+======+

Without removing the signal of distress, her Ladyship announced that the
small sum of 80 pounds would satisfy her need: a sum equivalent to about
1200 pounds in our day. Sir Thomas held his breath. But he knew that
unless he had courage authoritatively to deny the fair petitioner,
argument and entreaty would alike be thrown away upon her. And that
courage he was conscious he had not.

"Very well, Orige," he said quietly; "thou shalt have it."

But he ordered four fine oaks to be felled that evening.

"Clare, what lackest thou in the matter of raiment?" he asked when he
met her alone.

"If it liked your goodness to bestow on me a crown-piece, Father, I
would be very thankful," said Clare, blushing as if she thought herself
extravagant. "I