why shouldn't Archie have her? It would make us all so much more
comfortable together. I told Archie that I should speak to you, because
I know that you have more weight with her than any of us; but Hugh
doesn't know that I mean it."

"Does Sir Hugh know of the--the plan?"

"It was he who proposed it. Archie will be very badly off when he has
settled with Hugh about all their money dealings. Of course Julia's
money would be left in her own hands; there would be no intention to
interfere with that. But the position would be so good for him; and it
would, you know, put him on his legs."

"Yes," said Harry, "it would put him on his legs, I dare say."

"And why shouldn't it be so? She can't live alone by herself always. Of
course she never could have really loved Lord Ongar."

"Never, I should think," said Harry.

"And Archie is good-natured, and good-tempered,
and--and--and--good-looking. Don't you think so? I think it would just
do for her. She'd have her own way, for he's not a bit like Hugh, you
know. He's not so clever as Hugh, but he is much more good-natured.
Don't you think it would be a good arrangement, Harry?" Then again she
looked up into his face anxiously.

Nothing in the whole matter surprised him more than her eagerness in
advocating the proposal. Why should she desire that her sister should be
sacrificed in this way? But in so thinking of it he forgot her own
position, and the need that there was to her for some friend to be near
to her--for some comfort and assistance. She had spoken truly in saying
that the plan had originated with her husband; but since it had been
suggested to her, she had not ceased to think of it, and to wish for it.

"Well, Harry, what do you say?" she asked.

"I don't see that I have anything to say."

"But I know you can help us. When I was with her the last time she
declared that you were the only one of us she ever wished to see again.
She meant to include me then especially, but of course she was not
thinking of Archie. I know you can help us if you will."

"Am I to ask her to marry him?"

"Not exactly that; I don't think that would do any good. But you might
persuade her to come here. I think she would come if you advised her;
and then, after a bit you might say a good word for Archie."

"Upon my word I could not."

"Why not, Harry?"

"Because I know he would not make her happy. What good would such a
marriage do her?"

"Think of her position. No one will vi