from the
phle-_back_-omy which had been administered,--"why should you be shocked
at stabbing me in the back? Have I not wherewithal in my hand to stab
me a thousand times in the heart? Look at these letters, all of which I
have read! You had, indeed, reason to leave me in Galway; but I will
submit to it no longer. Mr Rainscourt, I insist upon an immediate
separation."

"Why should we quarrel, then, my dear, when we are both of one mind?
Now do me the favour to sit down, and talk the matter over quietly.
What is it that you require?"

"First, then, Mr Rainscourt, an acknowledgment on your part, that I am
a most injured, and most ill-treated woman."

"Granted, my dear, if that will add to your happiness; I certainly have
never known your value."

"Don't sneer, sir, if you please. Secondly, a handsome allowance,
commensurate with your fortune."

"Granted, with pleasure, Mrs Rainscourt."

"Thirdly, Mr Rainscourt, an extra allowance for the education and
expenses of my daughter, who will remain under my care."

"Granted, also."

"Further, Mr Rainscourt, to keep up appearances, I wish one of the
mansions on your different estates in England to be appropriated for our
use. Your daughter ought to be known, and reside on the property of
which she is the future heiress."

"A reasonable demand, which I accede to. Is there anything further?"

"Nothing of moment; but, for Emily's sake, I should wish that you should
pay us an occasional visit, and, generally speaking, keep up appearances
before the world."

"That I shall be most happy to do, my dear, and shall always speak of
you, as I feel, with respect and esteem. Is there anything more, Mrs
Rainscourt?"

"There is not; but I believe that if I had been ten times more
exorbitant in my demands," replied the lady, with pique, "that you would
have granted them--for the pleasure of getting rid of me."

"I would, indeed, my dear," replied Rainscourt; "you may command me in
anything, except my own person."

"I require no _other_ partition, sir, than that of your fortune."

"And of that, my dear, you shall, as I have declared, have a liberal
share. So now, Mrs Rainscourt, I think we can have no further occasion
for disagreement. The property in Norfolk, where Admiral De Courcy
resided, is a beautiful spot, and I request you will consider it as your
head-quarters. Of course you will be your own mistress when you feel
inclined to change the scene. And now, as