d. "It's true he might be rude to
Archibald, and he couldn't be rude to a lady. And what's more, I shall
go at once."

Mrs. Jackson kept her hat on a peg in the hall, and was quickly ready.
She put on her black kid gloves; determination sat upon her mouth, and
Christian virtue rested between her brows. Setting out with a brisk
step, the conviction was obvious in every movement that duty called, and
to that clarion note Maria Jackson would never turn a deaf ear. She went
like a Hebrew prophet, conscious that the voice of the Lord was in her.

XII

James was wandering in the garden of Primpton House while Mrs. Jackson
thither went her way. Since the termination of his engagement with Mary
three days back, the subject had not been broached between him and his
parents; but he divined their thoughts. He knew that they awaited the
arrival of his uncle, Major Forsyth, to set the matter right. They did
not seek to reconcile themselves with the idea that the break was final;
it seemed too monstrous a thing to be true. James smiled, with bitter
amusement, at their simple trust in the man of the world who was due
that day.

Major Forsyth was fifty-three, a haunter of military clubs, a busy
sluggard, who set his pride in appearing dissipated, and yet led the
blameless life of a clergyman's daughter; preserving a spotless virtue,
nothing pleased him more than to be thought a rake. He had been on
half-pay for many years, and blamed the War Office on that account
rather than his own incompetence. Ever since retiring he had told people
that advancement, in these degenerate days, was impossible without
influence: he was, indeed, one of those men to whom powerful friends
offer the only chance of success; and possessing none, inveighed
constantly against the corrupt officialism of those in authority. But to
his Jeremiads upon the decay of the public services he added a keen
interest in the world of fashion; it is always well that a man should
have varied activities; it widens his horizon, and gives him a greater
usefulness. If his attention had been limited to red-tape, Major
Forsyth, even in his own circle, might have been thought a little
one-sided; but his knowledge of etiquette and tailors effectually
prevented the reproach. He was pleased to consider himself in society;
he read assiduously those papers which give detailed accounts of the
goings-on in the "hupper succles," and could give you with considerable
accuracy the