ward, to go to a big
country-house party in the north. That will show you--what she's made
of. Then she wrote--a hypocritical letter--putting it on _him_. _He_
must not be agitated, nor feel her any burden upon him; so, for _his_
sake, she broke it off. Of course, they were to be cousins and friends
again just as before. She had arranged it all to her own
satisfaction--and was meanwhile flirting desperately, as we heard from
various people in the north, with Lord Philip Darcy. Oliver showed me
her letter, and at last told me the whole story. I persuaded him not to
answer it. A fortnight ago, she wrote again, proposing to come back
here--to 'look after' us--poor things! This time, _I_ replied. She would
like Tallyn, no doubt, as a place of retreat, should other plans fail;
but it will not be open to her!"

It was not energy now--vindictive energy--that was lacking to the
personality before him!

"An odious young woman" exclaimed Sir James, lifting hands and eyebrows.
"I am afraid I always thought so, saving your presence, Lady Lucy.
However, she will want a retreat; for her plans--in the quarter you
name--have not a chance of success."

"I am delighted to hear it!" said Lady Lucy, still erect and flushed.
"What do you know?"

"Simply that Lord Philip is not in the least likely to marry her,
having, I imagine, views in quite other quarters--so I am told. But he
is the least scrupulous of men--and no doubt if, at Eastham, she threw
herself into his arms--'what mother's son,' et cetera. Only, if she
imagined herself to have caught him--such an old and hardened
stager!--in a week--her abilities are less than I supposed."

"Alicia's self-conceit was always her weak point."

But as she spoke the force imparted by resentment died away. Lady Lucy
sank back in her chair.

"And Oliver felt it very much?" asked Sir James, after a pause, his
shrewd eyes upon her.

"He was wounded, of course--he has been more depressed since; but I have
never believed that he was in love with her."

Sir James did not pursue the subject, but the vivacity of the glance
bent now on the fire, now on his companion, betrayed the marching
thoughts behind.

"Will Oliver see me this evening?" he inquired, presently.

"I hope so. He promised me to make the effort."

A servant knocked at the door. It was Oliver's valet.

"Please, my lady, Mr. Marsham wished me to say he was afraid he would
not be strong enough to see Sir James Chide to-night. H