ilent and thoughtful awhile,
and at last said to Rosa, "I'll show you I don't look on you as a child;
I'll consult you in a delicate matter."

Rosa's eyes sparkled.

"It is about my Uncle Philip. He has been very cruel; he has wounded
me deeply; he has wounded me through my wife. I never thought he would
refuse to come to our marriage."

"And did he? You never showed me his letter."

"You were not my wife then. I kept an affront from you; but now, you
see, I keep nothing."

"Dear Christie!"

"I am so happy, I have got over that sting--almost; and the memory of
many kind acts comes back to me; and I don't know what to do. It seems
ungrateful not to visit him--it seems almost mean to call."

"I'll tell you; take me to see him directly. He won't hate us forever,
if he sees us often. We may as well begin at once. Nobody hates me
long."

Christopher was proud of his wife's courage and wisdom. He kissed
her, begged her to put on the plainest dress she could, and they went
together to call on Uncle Philip.

When they got to his house in Gloucester Place, Portman Square, Rosa's
heart began to quake, and she was right glad when the servant said "Not
at home."

They left their cards and address; and she persuaded Christopher to take
her to the sale-room to see the things.

A lot of brokers were there, like vultures; and one after another
stepped forward and pestered them to employ him in the morning. Dr.
Staines declined their services civilly but firmly, and he and Rosa
looked over a quantity of furniture, and settled what sort of things to
buy.

Another broker came up, and whenever the couple stopped before an
article, proceeded to praise it as something most extraordinary. Staines
listened in cold, satirical silence, and told his wife, in French, to do
the same. Notwithstanding their marked disgust, the impudent, intrusive
fellow stuck to them, and forced his venal criticism on them, and made
them uncomfortable, and shortened their tour of observation.

"I think I shall come with you to-morrow," said Christopher, "or I shall
have these blackguards pestering you."

"Oh, Florry will send them to the right-about. She is as brave as a
lion."

Next day Dr. Staines was sent for into the City at twelve to pay the
money and receive the lease of the Bijou, and this and the taking
possession occupied him till four o'clock, when he came to his hotel.

Meantime, his wife and Mrs. Cole had gone to the auction-room.