ce himself that his prejudice against Rodman was
groundless. He loved his sister, and for her alone would put up
with things otherwise intolerable. It was a new exasperation when he
discovered that Rodman could not be persuaded to continue his work at
New Wanley. All inducements proved vain. Richard had hoped that at
least one advantage might come of the marriage, that Rodman would devote
capital to the works; but Rodman's Socialism cooled strangely from the
day when his ends were secured. He purposed living in London, and Alice
was delighted to encourage him. The girl had visions of a life such as
the heroines of certain novels rejoice in. For a wonder, her husband was
indispensable to the brightness of that future. Rodman had inspired
her with an infatuation. Their relations once declared, she grudged him
every moment he spent away from her. It was strangely like true passion,
the difference only marked by an extravagant selfishness. She thought of
no one, cared for no one, but herself, Rodman having become part of that
self. With him she was imperiously slavish; her tenderness was a kind
of greed; she did not pretend to forgive her brother for his threatened
opposition, and, having got hold of the idea that Adela took part
against Rodman, she hated her and would not be alone in her company for
a moment. On her marriage day she refused Adela's offered kiss and did
her best to let everyone see how delighted she was to leave them behind.

The autumn was a time of physical suffering for Adela. Formerly she had
sought to escape her mother's attentions, now she accepted them with
thankfulness. Mrs. Waltham had grave fears for her daughter; doctors
suspected some organic disease, one summoned from London going so far as
to hint at a weakness of the chest. Early in November it was decided to
go south for the winter, and Exmouth was chosen, chiefly because Mrs.
Westlake was spending a month there. Mr. Westlake, whose interest in
Adela had grown with each visit he paid to the Manor, himself suggested
the plan. Mrs. Waltham and Adela left Wanley together; Mutimer promised
visits as often as he could manage to get away. Since Rodman's departure
Richard found himself overwhelmed with work. None the less he resolutely
pursued the idea of canvassing Belwick at the coming general election.
Opposition, from whomsoever it came, aggravated him. He was more than
ever troubled about the prospects of New Wanley; there even loomed
before hi