which she shall sing. I, myself,--I
am a poor singer in the great choir." In saying which Mr. Emilius no
doubt intended to allude to his eloquence as a preacher.

He was a man who could listen as well as sing, and he was very
careful to hear well that which was being said in public about Lady
Eustace and her diamonds. He had learned thoroughly what was her
condition in reference to the Portray estate, and was rejoiced rather
than otherwise to find that she enjoyed only a life-interest in the
property. Had the thing been better than it was, it would have been
the further removed from his reach. And in the same way, when rumours
reached him prejudicial to Lizzie in respect of the diamonds, he
perceived that such prejudice might work weal for him. A gentleman
once, on ordering a mackerel for dinner, was told that a fresh
mackerel would come to a shilling. He could have a stale mackerel for
sixpence. "Then bring me a stale mackerel," said the gentleman. Mr.
Emilius coveted fish, but was aware that his position did not justify
him in expecting the best fish on the market. The Lord Fawns and the
Frank Greystocks of the world would be less likely to covet Lizzie,
should she, by any little indiscretion, have placed herself under a
temporary cloud. Mr. Emilius had carefully observed the heavens, and
knew how quickly such clouds will disperse themselves when they are
tinged with gold. There was nothing which Lizzie had done, or would
be likely to do, which could materially affect her income. It might
indeed be possible that the Eustaces should make her pay for the
necklace; but even in that case, there would be quite enough left for
that modest, unambitious comfort which Mr. Emilius desired. It was by
preaching, and not by wealth, that he must make himself known in the
world!--but for a preacher to have a pretty wife with a title and a
good income,--and a castle in Scotland,--what an Elysium it would be!
In such a condition he would envy no dean, no bishop,--no archbishop!
He thought a great deal about it, and saw no positive bar to his
success.

She told him that she was going to Scotland. "Not immediately!" he
exclaimed.

"My little boy is there," she said.

"But why should not your little boy be here? Surely, for people who
can choose, the great centre of the world offers attractions which
cannot be found in secluded spots."

"I love seclusion," said Lizzie, with rapture.

"Ah, yes; I can believe that." Mr. Emilius ha