ld
not hinder that. A girl is not the worse because she can bring some
help. However, I'm sure I hope you'll be happy."

"What I meant was that I think it best when the money comes from the
husband."

"I'm sure I ought to agree with you, because we never had any." Then
there was a pause. "I suppose you've heard about Lord Ongar," she said.

"I have heard that he is very ill."

"Very ill. I believe there was no hope when we heard last; but Julia
never writes now."

"I'm sorry that it is so bad as that," said Harry, not well knowing what
else to say.

"As regards Julia, I do not know whether it may not be for the best. It
seems to be a cruel thing to say, but of course I cannot but think most
of her. You have heard, perhaps, that they have not been happy?"

"Yes; I had heard that."

"Of course; and what is the use of pretending anything with you? You
know what people have said of her."

"I have never believed it."

"You always loved her, Harry. Oh, dear, I remember how unhappy that made
me once, and I was so afraid that Hugh would suspect it. She would never
have done for you; would she, Harry?"

"She did a great deal better for herself." said Harry.

"If you mean that ironically, you shouldn't say it now. If he dies, she
will be well off, of course, and people will in time forget what has
been said--that is, if she will live quietly. The worst of it is that
she fears nothing."

"But you speak as though you thought she had been--been--"

"I think she was probably imprudent, but I believe nothing worse than
that. But who can say what is absolutely wrong, and what only imprudent?
I think she was too proud to go really astray. And then with such a man
as that, so difficult and so ill-tempered--! Sir Hugh thinks--" But at
that moment the door was opened and Sir Hugh came in.

"What does Sir Hugh think?" said he.

"We were speaking of Lord Ongar," said Harry, sitting up and shaking
hands with his cousin.

"Then, Harry, you were speaking on a subject that I would rather not
have discussed in this house. Do you understand that, Hermione? I will
have no talking about Lord Ongar or his wife. We know very little, and
what we hear is simply uncomfortable. Will you dine here to-day, Harry?"

"Thank you, no; I have only just come home."

"And I am just going away. That is, I go to-morrow. I cannot stand this
place. I think it the dullest neighborhood in all England, and the most
gloomy house I ever saw. Hermio