ringham's restraint or refinement,
and, after M. E. had seen Mr. Derringham and, I presume, returned him
his freedom, she had a terrible fit of hysterics, only calmed when
Mr. Hanbury-Green entered the room and suggested emptying the water
jug over her. It appears he has a sister who is subject to these
attacks, and this is the only method which has any effect upon her. I
suppose in his circle they would have a number of crude remedies
which we are unaccustomed to, but it seemed to be the right one for
M. E., who pulled herself together at once.

They told me privately that they are engaged, but do not intend to
announce it yet, and I believe they are really suited to each other.
I had thought at one time that Mr. Derringham might be equally a mate
for her, because of his selfishness, but, after I grew to know him
when he was ill, I saw that he was infinitely above her, and not
really more selfish than other men--and, as you know, I have extended
to him my pity and commiseration ever since. Your liking of him
confirmed my good opinion. I am to stay on with M. E. as long as I
will, because Mr. Hanbury-Green, she says, is not cultivated either,
and I may be of use to them both, she thinks, in the future, although
she has not imparted this to him. I do not believe I shall like
having to render his speeches erudite, because my political
convictions are all upon the other side. But something else may turn
up, and it is a comfort to know things are settled for the present.
Mr. Derringham looked so joyous as he came from her sitting-room,
after his dismissal, that I am sure he will go off at once to that
person I have often given you a hint about,--and his restoration to
health may consequently be looked upon as a certainty. I fear the
influences we shall have to live under now will not encourage that
high tone which endeavoring to keep up with Mr. Derringham and his
party entailed, and it may grow more than I can bear. The inference
to be drawn from M. E.'s defection to the other side is not
felicitous, and gives me cause for the most gloomy foreboding as to
the future of the country, because she would never have done it if
she had not received from Mr. Hanbury-Green absolute guarantees that
with him she will occupy the highest position. Everything
Conservative is _vieux jeu_ now, she says