take the odds that the
sun did not rise on the morrow, and would either win the bet or wrangle
in the losing of it. He would wrangle, but would do so noiselessly,
never on such occasions damaging his cause by a loud voice. He was now
about thirty-three years of age, and was two years younger than the
baronet. Sir Hugh was not a gambler like his brother, but I do not know
that he was therefore a more estimable man. He was greedy and anxious to
increase his store, never willing to lose that which he possessed, fond
of pleasure, but very careful of himself in the enjoyment of it,
handsome, every inch an English gentleman in appearance, and therefore
popular with men and women of his own class who were not near enough to
him to know him well, given to but few words, proud of his name, and
rank, and place, well versed in the business of the world, a match for
most men in money matters, not ignorant, though he rarely opened a book,
selfish, and utterly regardless of the feelings of all those with whom
he came in contact. Such were Sir Hugh Clavering and his brother the
captain.

Sir Hugh took Florence in to dinner, and when the soup had been eaten
made an attempt to talk to her. "How long have you been here, Miss
Burton?"

"Nearly a week," said Florence.

"Ah; you came to the wedding; I was sorry I couldn't be here. It went
off very well, I suppose?"

"Very well indeed, I think."

"They're tiresome things in general--weddings. Don't you think so?"

"Oh, dear, no--except that some person one loves is always being taken
away."

"You'll be the next person to be taken away yourself; I suppose?"

"I must be the next person at home, because I am the last that is left.
All my sisters are married."

"And how many are there?"

"There are five married."

"Good heavens--five!"

"And they are all married to men in the same profession as Harry."

"Quite a family affair," said Sir Hugh. Harry, who was sitting on the
other side of Florence, heard this, and would have preferred that
Florence should have said nothing about her sisters. "Why, Harry," said
the baronet, "if you will go into partnership with your father-in-law
and all your brothers-in-law you could stand against the world."

"You might add my four brothers," said Florence, who saw no shame in the
fact that they were all engaged in the same business.

"Good heaven!" exclaimed Sir Hugh, and after that he did not say much
more to Florence.

The rector had take