mplicated by his relations with Madeline
Denyer. It was a year since he had met Madeline at Naples, had promptly
fallen in love with her face and her advanced opinions, and had won her
affection in return. Clifford was then firm in the belief that, if he
actually married, Mr. Hibbert would not have the heart to stop his
allowance; Mrs. Denyer had reasons for thinking otherwise, and her
daughter saw the case in the same light. It must be added that he
presumed the Denyers to be better off than they really were; in fact,
he was to a great extent misled. His dignity, if the worst came about,
would not have shrunk from moderate assistance at the hands of his
parents-in-law. Madeline knew well enough that nothing of this kind was
possible, and in the end made her lover's mind clear on the point.
Since then the course of these young people's affections had been
anything but smooth. However, the fact remained that there _was_ mutual
affection--which, to be sure, made the matter worse.

Distinctly so since the estrangement which had followed Marsh's arrival
at the boarding-house. He did not take Madeline's advice to seek
another abode, and for two or three days Madeline knew not whether to
be glad or offended at his remaining. For two or three days only; then
she began to have a pronounced opinion on the subject. It was monstrous
that he should stay under this roof and sit at this table, after what
had happened. He had no delicacy; he was behaving as no gentleman
could. It was high time that her mother spoke to him.

Mrs. Denyer solemnly invited the young man to a private interview.

"Mr. Marsh," she began, with pained dignity, whilst Clifford stood
before her twiddling his watch-chain, "I really think the time has come
for me to ask an explanation of what is going on. My daughter
distresses me by saying that all is at an end between you. If that is
really the case, why do you continue to live here, when you must know
how disagreeable it is to Madeline?"

"Mrs. Denyer," replied Clifford, in a friendly tone, "there has been a
misunderstanding between us, but I am very far from reconciling myself
to the thought that everything is at an end. My remaining surely proves
that."

"I should have thought so. But in that case I am obliged to ask you
another question. What can you mean by paying undisguised attentions to
another young lady who is living here?"

"You astonish me. What foundation is there for such a charge?"

"At le