ntances flocked about
him; and presently he awakened to the fact that his Indian wife had been
an interest of the season, was not the least admired person present.
It was altogether too good luck for him; but he had an uncomfortable
conviction that he had a long path of penance to walk before he could
hope to enjoy it.

All at once he met Lady Haldwell, who, in spite of all, still accepted
invitations to General Armour's house--the strange scene between Lali
and herself never having been disclosed to the family. He had nothing
but bitterness in his heart for her, but he spoke a few smooth words,
and she languidly congratulated him on his bronzed appearance. He asked
for a dance, but she had not one to give him. As she was leaving, she
suddenly turned as though she had forgotten something, and looking at
him, said: "I forgot to congratulate you on your marriage. I hope it is
not too late?"

He bowed. "Your congratulations are so sincere," he said, "that they
would be a propos late or early." When he stood with his wife whilst
the guests were leaving, and saw with what manner she carried it all
off,--as though she had been born in the good land of good breeding,--he
was moved alternately with wonder and shame--shame that he had intended
this noble creature as a sacrifice to his ugly temper and spite.

When all the guests were gone and the family stood alone in the
drawing-room, a silence suddenly fell amongst them. Presently Marion
said to her mother in a half-whisper, "I wish Richard were here."

They all felt the extreme awkwardness of the situation, especially when
Lali bade General Armour, Mrs. Armour, and Marion good-night, and then,
turning to her husband, said, "Good-night"--she did not even speak his
name. "Perhaps you would care to ride to-morrow morning? I always go to
the Park at ten, and this will be my last ride of the season."

Had she written out an elaborate proclamation of her intended attitude
towards her husband, it could not have more clearly conveyed her mind
than this little speech, delivered as to a most friendly acquaintance.
General Armour pulled his moustache fiercely, and, it is possible,
enjoyed the situation, despite its peril. Mrs. Armour turned to the
mantel and seemed tremulously engaged in arranging some bric-a-brac.
Marion, however, with a fine instinct, slid her arm through that of
Lali, and gently said: "Yes, of course Frank will be glad of a ride
in the Park. He used to ride with