pon application for it, of course. How was he to
imagine that she wanted money! Smilingly as she welcomed him and his
friends, entertaining them royally, he was bound to think she had means.
A decent propriety bound him not to think of the matter at all.
He naturally supposed she was capable of conducting her affairs.
And--money! It soiled his memory: though the hour at Rovio was rather
pretty, and the scene at Copsley touching: other times also, short
glimpses of the woman, were taking. The flood of her treachery effaced
them. And why reflect? Constance called to him to look her way.

Diana's letter died hard. The corners were burnt to black tissue, with
an edge or two of discoloured paper. A small frayed central heap still
resisted, and in kindness to the necessity for privacy, he impressed the
fire-tongs to complete the execution. After which he went to his desk
and worked, under the presidency of Constance.

CHAPTER XXXVI. IS CONCLUSIVE AS TO THE HEARTLESSNESS OF WOMEN WITH
BRAINS

Hymenaeal rumours are those which might be backed to run a victorious
race with the tale of evil fortune; and clearly for the reason that
man's livelier half is ever alert to speed them. They travel with
an astonishing celerity over the land, like flames of the dry
beacon-faggots of old time in announcement of the invader or a conquest,
gathering as they go: wherein, to say nothing of their vastly wider
range, they surpass the electric wires. Man's nuptial half is kindlingly
concerned in the launch of a new couple; it is the business of the fair
sex: and man himself (very strangely, but nature quickens him still)
lends a not unfavouring eye to the preparations of the matrimonial
vessel for its oily descent into the tides, where billows will soon be
rising, captain and mate soon discussing the fateful question of who is
commander. We consent, it appears, to hope again for mankind; here is
another chance! Or else, assuming the happiness of the pair, that pomp
of ceremonial, contrasted with the little wind-blown candle they carry
between them, catches at our weaker fibres.

After so many ships have foundered, some keel up, like poisoned fish,
at the first drink of water, it is a gallant spectacle, let us avow; and
either the world perpetuating it is heroical or nature incorrigible in
the species. Marriages are unceasing. Friends do it, and enemies;
the unknown contractors of this engagement, or armistice, inspire an
interest. It ce