r opportunity. Do
ring, and desire Lucy to come to me."

Mrs. Mainwaring really became alarmed at the situation of the baronet,
and felt, from this request to have his daughter sent to him, which
looked like delirium, that he was not in a state to enter upon or hear
anything that might disappoint or disturb him. She consequently rose to
take her leave, which she did after having expressed her sincere regret
at his indisposition, as she termed it.

"I wish it was only indisposition, Mrs. Mainwaring, I wish it was.
Present my respects to your husband, and I wish you and him all
happiness;" and so with another courtesy, Mrs. Mainwaring took her leave.

After she had gone, Gibson once more attended the bell.

"Well, Gibson," said his master, sitting up and flinging his nightcap
aside, "did you see that old grindress? Zounds and the devil, what are
women? The old mantrap has got married at these years! Thank heaven, my
grandmother is dead, or God knows what the devil might put into her old
noddle."

"Women are very strange cattle, certainly, sir," replied Gibson, with a
smirk, "and not age itself will keep them from a husband."

"Lucy--Miss Gourlay, I mean--is with her; I am certain of it. The girl
was always very much attached to her, and I know the sly old devil has
been sent to negotiate with me, but I declined. I knew better than
to involve myself in a controversy with an old she prig who deals in
nothing but maxims, and morals, and points of duty. I consequently sent
her off in double quick time, as they say. Get me some burgundy and
water. I really am not well. There is something wrong, Gibson, whatever
it is; but I think it's nothing but anxiety. Gibson, listen. I have
never been turned from my purpose yet, and I never shall. Miss Gourlay
must be Countess of Cullamore, or it is a struggle for life and death
between her and me; either of us shall die, or I shall have my way.
Get me the burgundy and water," and Gibson, with his sleek bow, went to
attend his orders.

Mrs. Mainwaring having some purchases to make and some visits to pay,
and feeling that her unexpectedly brief visit to Sir Thomas had allowed
her time for both, did not immediately return to call upon Lucy, fearing
that she might only disturb the interview between her and Lady Gourlay.

Lucy, as the servant said, was shown up to the drawing-room, where she
amused herself as well as she could, by examining some fine paintings,
among which was one of