you."

Ralph took Gus Eardham down to dinner, and did his very best to make
himself agreeable. Gus was the middle one of the three, and was
certainly a fine girl. The Eardham girls would have no money; but
Ralph was not a greedy man,--except when he was in great need. It
must not be supposed, however, that on this occasion he made up his
mind to marry Gus Eardham. But, as on previous occasions, he had been
able to hold all the Eardhams in a kind of subjection to himself,
feeling himself to be bigger than they,--as hitherto he had been
conscious that he was bestowing and they receiving,--so now, in his
present misfortune, did he recognise that Gus was a little bigger
than himself, and that it was for her to give and for him to take.
And Gus was able to talk to him as though she also entertained the
same conviction. Gus was very kind to him, and he felt grateful to
her.

Lady Eardham saw Gus alone in her bedroom that night. "I believe he's
a very good young man," said Lady Eardham, "if he's managed rightly.
And as for all this about the horrid man's daughter, it don't matter
at all. He'd live it down in a month if he were married."

"I don't think anything about that, mamma. I dare say he's had his
fun,--just like other men."

"Only, my dear, he's one of that sort that have to be fixed."

"It's so hard to fix them, mamma."

"It needn't be hard to fix him,--that is, if you'll only be steady.
He's not sharp and hard and callous, like some of them. He doesn't
mean any harm, and if he once speaks out, he isn't one that can't be
kept to time. His manners are nice. I don't think the property is
involved; but I'll find out from papa; and he's just the man to think
his wife the pink of perfection." Lady Eardham had read our hero's
character not inaccurately.

CHAPTER LIII.

THE END OF POLLY NEEFIT.

Rumours, well-supported rumours, as to the kind of life which Mr.
Neefit was leading reached Alexandra Cottage, filling Mrs. Neefit's
mind with dismay, and making Polly very angry indeed. He came home
always somewhat the worse for drink, and would talk of punching the
heads both of Mr. Newton and of Mr. Ontario Moggs. Waddle, who was
very true to his master's interests, had taken an opportunity of
seeing Mrs. Neefit, and of expressing a very distinct idea that the
business was going to the mischief. Mrs. Neefit was of opinion that
in this emergency the business should be sold, and that they might
safely remove th