m to throw up
everything and seek forgetfulness in travel. Inclination had pointed
toward such countries as Africa, or the northern parts of America, as,
being a keen sportsman, he believed there he might find an occupation
that would distract his mind from the thoughts that now jarred upon him
incessantly.

His asking Lady Swansdown to accompany him therefore had been a sudden
determination. To go on a lengthened shooting expedition by one's self
is one thing, to go with a woman delicately nurtured is another. Of
course, had she agreed to his proposal, all his plans must necessarily
have been altered, and perhaps his second feeling, after her refusal to
go with him, was one of unmistakable relief. His proposal to her at
least had been born of pique!

The next morning found him, however, still strong in his desire for
change. The desire was even so far stronger that he now burned to put it
into execution; to get away to some fresh sphere of action, and
deliberately set himself to obliterate from his memory all past ties and
recollections.

There was, too, perhaps a touch of revenge that bordered upon pleasure
as he thought of what his wife would say when she heard of his decision.
She who shrank so delicately from gossip of all kinds could not fail to
be distressed by news that must inevitably leave her and her private
affairs open to public criticism. Though everybody was perpetually
guessing about her domestic relations with her husband, no one as a
matter of fact knew (except, indeed, two) quite the real truth about
them. This would effectually open the eyes of society, and proclaim to
everybody that, though she had refused to demand a separation, still she
had been obliged to accept it. This would touch her. If in no other way
could he get at her proud spirit, here now he would triumph. She had
been anxious to get rid of him in a respectable way, of course, but
death as usual had declined to step in when most wanted, and now, well!
She must accept her release, in however disreputable a guise it comes.

It is just at the moment when Mrs. Blake is holding forth on Lady
Baltimore's affairs to Mrs. Monkton that Baltimore enters the smaller
drawing-room, where he knows he will be sure to meet his wife at this
hour.

It is far in the afternoon, still the spring sunshine is streaming
through the windows. Lady Baltimore, in a heavy tea gown of pale green
plush, is sitting by the fire reading a book, her little son upo