l Bertram. She had looked on him as the future father-in-law
of her own dear child; never as anything more: no idea of becoming
Lady Bertram had ever for an instant flashed upon her imagination.
But, nevertheless, by degrees the warrior's attentions became
pleasant to her.

She had had no youthful adorers, this poor, good Miss Baker; never,
at least, since she had been merry as other children are, "when her
little lovers came." She had advanced to her present nearly mature
age without perhaps feeling the want of them. But, nevertheless, even
in her bosom was living the usual feminine passion for admiration.
She was no "lusus naturae," but a woman with a heart, and blood in her
veins; and not as yet a very old woman either. And therefore, though
she had no idea that Sir Lionel was her lover, she had learned to be
fond of him.

Her little conversations with Caroline on this subject were
delightful. The younger lady was certainly the sharper of the two;
and though she had her own concerns to occupy her, she was able to
see that something might perhaps be intended. Her liking for Sir
Lionel was by no means a strong passion. Something probably had
passed between her and George; for George could keep no secret from
her. At any rate, she suspected the knight, but she could not say
anything to put her aunt on her guard beyond using cold expressions
in speaking of her future father. But Miss Baker, who suspected
nothing, who expected nothing, could not be too lavish in her
praises.

"Caroline," she would say, "I do think you are so happy in having
such a father-in-law."

"Oh, certainly," Caroline had answered. "But, for myself, I think
more of my father-in-law's son."

"Oh, of course you do; I know that. But Sir Lionel is such a perfect
gentleman. Did you ever know a gentleman of his age so attentive to
ladies as he is?"

"Well, perhaps not; except one or two old men whom I have seen making
love."

"That's a very different sort of thing, you know--that's absurd. But
I must say I think Sir Lionel's behaviour is perfect." What would she
have said of Sir Lionel's behaviour had she known all the secrets of
his establishments?

And thus, partly on Sir Lionel's account, Miss Baker began in these
days to have perhaps her hottest fit, her strongest wish with
reference to her niece's marriage. And then just at this hottest
moment came the blow which has been told of in the last chapter.

But Miss Baker, as she prepared hers