ke his arm. So he led the way, and stood at the door while she got
into the carriage with her maid. "I'd better show the man where you are
now." This he did, and afterward shook hands with her through the
carriage window. This was all he saw of her, and the words which have
been repeated were all that were spoken. Of her face he had not caught a
glimpse.

As he went home to his lodgings he was conscious that the interview had
not been satisfactory. He could not say what more he wanted, but he felt
that there was something amiss. He consoled himself, however, by
reminding himself that Florence Burton was the girl whom he had really
loved, and not Julia Brabazon. Lady Ongar had given him no invitation to
come and see her, and therefore he determined that he would return home
on the following day without going near Bolton street. He had pictured
to himself beforehand the sort of description he would give to Lady
Clavering of her sister; but, seeing how things had turned out, he made
up his mind that he would say nothing of the meeting. Indeed, he would
not go up to the great house at all. He had done Lady Clavering's
commission, at some little trouble and expense to himself, and there
should be an end of it. Lady Ongar would not mention that she had seen
him. He doubted, indeed, whether she would remember whom she had seen.
For any good that he had done, or for any sentiment that there had been,
his cousin Hugh's butler might as well have gone to the train. In this
mood he returned home, consoling himself with the fitness of things
which had given him Florence Burton instead of Julia Brabazon for a
wife.

Chapter VI

The Rev. Samuel Saul

During Harry's absence in London, a circumstance had occurred at the
rectory which had surprised some of them and annoyed others a good deal.
Mr. Saul, the curate, had made an offer to Fanny. The Rector and Fanny
declared themselves to be both surprised and annoyed. That the Rector
was in truth troubled by the thing was very evident. Mrs. Clavering said
that she had almost suspected it--that she was at any rate not
surprised; as to the offer itself of course she was sorry that it should
have been made, as it could not suit Fanny to accept it. Mary was
surprised, as she had thought Mr. Saul to be wholly intent on other
things; but she could not see any reason why the offer should be
regarded as being on his part unreasonable.

"How can you say so, mamma?" Such had been Fann