slave, and not keep a servant, and live in a small lodging, or
anything, than see you so altered.'

Here Netta began to cry.

'If I get this money from mother, and what I expect from other sources,
we shall be all right again, and then--'

'And then, Howel, you will give up horse-racing and betting and gambling
and bad company, and think more of Minette and me--your poor unhappy
Netta--your wife--your little cousin that you used to say you
loved!--oh, Howel! Howel! that you hate so now, and treat so unkindly.'

Netta had been standing by the fire-place hitherto, but at this juncture
she went towards Howel timidly, and kneeling down by his side as he sat
at the table, put her hands on his arm, and fixed her tearful eyes on
his face.

Howel was touched. We know that there are moments in the lives of the
worst of men when better feelings overcome the evil ones; and Howel was
not utterly bad; and now his guardian angel seemed to be making a great
effort to reclaim him from his sins. He really loved Netta as much as he
could love anything. Was she not the only creature in the world who had
really loved him?

'Then you do not quite hate me, Netta?' he said, putting his arm round
her neck, 'I thought all the old love was gone.'

'No, no, Howel! Dear, dear Howel! I love you in my heart! but you are so
changed--so--so--you don't care for my company now. You never come home
and play and sing as you used to do. You never speak to Minette; you
never speak to me except--'

Here Netta leant her head on Howel's knees, and began to sob. He put his
hand on her head, smoothed her hair, and finally raised her from the
ground, and took her in his arms to his weak, wicked heart--a heart not
wholly depraved, because there was still in it love for his wife.

For a long time she clung to him; her arms round his neck, her cheek to
his cheek, her beating heart to his bosom, as if she was afraid that the
spell would be broken if once she let go. Howel kissed her pale cheek,
wiped those large black eyes, and comforted her as she had never hoped
to be comforted again. Vague thoughts entered his mind of the
possibility of beginning life afresh--of being a better husband and
father--of giving up his wild, sinful courses. 'Shall the Ethiopian
change his skin, or the leopard his spots.'

'I will do anything, Howel, darling--anything you wish,' suddenly
murmured Netta, returning his caresses, 'only you will promise never to
be unkind again.