was his god, but I
have never asked him for a shilling, and should not have done so now.
Oh, Harry, how wicked you were about that check? Do you remember?"

"Yes; I remember."

"So shall I; always, always. If I had taken that money how often should
I have heard of it since?"

"Heard of it?" he asked. "Do you mean from me?"

"Yes; how often from you? Would you have dunned me, and told me of it
once a week? Upon my word, Harry, I was told of it more nearly every
day. Is it not wonderful that men should be so mean?"

It was clear to him now that she was talking of her husband who was
dead, and on that subject he felt himself at present unable to speak a
word. He little dreamed at that moment how openly she would soon speak
to him of Lord Ongar and of Lord Ongar's faults?

"Oh, how I have wished that I had taken your money! But never mind about
that now, Harry. Wretched as such taunts were, they soon became a small
thing. But it has been cowardly in your cousin, Hugh; has it not? If I
had not lived with him as one of his family, it would not have mattered.
People would not have expected it. It was as though my own brother had
cast me forth."

"Lady Clavering has been with you; has she not?"

"Once, for half an hour. She came up for one day, and came here by
herself; cowering as though she were afraid of me. Poor Hermy! She has
not a good time of it either. You lords of creation lead your slaves sad
lives when it pleases you to change your billing and cooing for
matter-of-fact masterdom and rule. I don't blame Hermy. I suppose she
did all she could, and I did not utter one word of reproach of her. Nor
should I to him. Indeed, if he came now the servant would deny me to
him. He has insulted me, and I shall remember the insult."

Harry Clavering did not clearly understand what it was that Lady Ongar
had desired of her brother-in-law--what aid she had required; nor did he
know whether it would be fitting for him to offer to act in Sir Hugh's
place. Anything that he could do, he felt himself at that moment willing
to do, even though the necessary service should demand some sacrifice
greater than prudence could approve. "If I had thought that anything was
wanted, I should have come to you sooner," said he.

"Everything is wanted, Harry. Everything is wanted--except that check
for six hundred pounds which you sent me so treacherously. Did you ever
think what might have happened if a certain person had heard of that?
A