," said Lady Rythdale.
"Macintosh thinks he will have a good little wife in you;--is it true?"

"I do not know, ma'am," said Eleanor haughtily.

"I think it is true. Look up here and let me see." And putting her hand
under Eleanor's chin, she chucked up her face as if she were something
to be examined for purchase. Eleanor felt in no amiable mood certainly,
and her cheeks were flaming; nevertheless the old lady coolly held her
under consideration and even with a smile on her lips which seemed of
satisfaction. Eleanor did not see it, for her eyes could not look up;
but she felt through all her nerves the kiss with which the examination
was dismissed.

"I think it is true," the old baroness repeated. "I hope it is true;
for my son would not be an easy man to live with on any other terms, my
dear."

"I suppose its truth depends in a high degree upon himself, madam,"
said Eleanor, very much incensed. "Does your ladyship choose to wind
this silk now?"

"You may hold it. I see you have got it into order. That shews you
possessed of the old qualification of patience.--Your hands a little
higher. My dear, I would not advise you to regulate your behaviour by
anything in other people. Macintosh will make you a kind husband if you
do not displease him; but he is one of those men who must obeyed."

Eleanor had no escape; she must sit holding the silk, a mark for Lady
Rythdale's eyes and tongue. She sat drooping a little with indignation
and shame, when Mr. Carlisle came up. He had seen from a distance the
tint of his lady's cheeks, and judged that she was going through some
sort of an ordeal. But though he came to protect, he stood still to
enjoy. The picture was so very pretty. The mother and son exchanged
glances.

"I think you can make her do," said the baroness contentedly.

"Not as a permanent winding reel!" exclaimed Eleanor jumping up. "Mr.
Carlisle, I am tired;--have the goodness to take this silk from my
fingers."

And slipping it over the gentleman's astonished hands, before he had
time quite to know what she was about, Eleanor left the pair to arrange
the rest of the business between them, and herself walked off to one of
the deep windows. She was engaged there immediately by Lord Rythdale,
in civil conversation enough; then he introduced other gentlemen; and
it was not till after a series of talks with one and another, that
Eleanor had a minute to herself. She was sitting in the window, where
an encroaching