on the whole, did not regret her guardian's
gout, which would give her a little more time at home, and put off the
discussion till there should be less anger.

Is this weak? is it childish indifference? thought Honor, or is it a
spirit superior to the selfish personal dread that would proclaim its own
injured innocence by a vehement commotion.

Phoebe rejoiced that she had secured her interview with her friend, for
when the guests were gone, Mervyn claimed her whole attention, and was
vexed if she were not continually at his back. After their _tete-a-tete_
dinner, he kept her sitting over the dessert while he drank his wine.
She tried this opportunity of calling his attention to the frauds of the
servants, but he merely laughed his mocking laugh at her simplicity in
supposing that everybody's servants did not cheat.

'Miss Charlecote's don't.'

'Don't they? Ha--ha! Why, she's the very mark for imposition, and
hypocrisy into the bargain.'

Phoebe did not believe it, but would not argue the point, returning to
that nearer home. 'Nonsense, Phoebe,' he said; 'it's only a choice who
shall prey upon one, and if I have a set that will do it with a civil
countenance, and let me live out of the spoil, I'll not be bothered.'

'I cannot think it need go on so.'

'Well, it won't; I shall break up the concern, and let the house, or
something.'

'Let the house? Oh, Mervyn! I thought you meant to be a county man.'

'Let those look to that who have hindered me,' said Mervyn, fiercely
swallowing one glassful, and pouring out another.

'Should you live in London?'

'At Jericho, for aught I care, or any one else.'

Her attempt to controvert this remark brought on a tirade against the
whole family, which she would not keep up by reply, and which ended in
moody silence. Again she tried to rise, but he asked why she could not
stay with him five minutes, and went on absently pouring out wine and
drinking it, till, as the clock struck nine, the bottom of the decanter
was reached, when he let her lead the way to the drawing-room, and there
taking up the paper, soon fell asleep, then awoke at ten at the sound of
her moving to go to bed, and kept her playing piquet for an hour and a
half.

An evening or two of this kind convinced Phoebe that even with Mervyn
alone it was not a desirable life. She was less shocked than a girl used
to a higher standard at home might have been, but that daily bottle and
perpetual cards weighed