all we go? We'll go to Munster Court,--shan't we?"

"As soon as the house is ready in St. James' Square, we must go there."

"Oh! George,--I do so hate that house in St. James' Square. I shall
never be happy there. It's like a prison."

Then he gave her his lecture. "My love, you should not talk of hating
things that are necessary."

"But why is St. James' Square necessary?"

"Because it is the town residence belonging to the family. Munster
Court was very well for us as we were before. Indeed, it was much too
good, as I felt every hour that I was there. It was more than we could
afford without drawing upon your father for assistance."

"But he likes being drawn upon," said Mary. "I don't think there is
anything papa likes so much as to be drawn upon."

"That could make no difference to me, my dear. I don't think that as
yet you understand money matters."

"I hope I never shall, then."

"I hope you will. It will be your duty to do so. But, as I was saying,
the house at Munster Court will be unsuitable to you as Lady
Brotherton." On hearing this Mary pouted and made a grimace. "There is
a dignity to be borne which, though it may be onerous, must be
supported."

"I hate dignity."

"You would not say that if you knew how it vexed me. Could I have
chosen for myself personally, perhaps, neither would I have taken this
position. I do not think that I am by nature ambitious. But a man is
bound to do his duty in that position in which he finds himself
placed,--and so is a woman."

"And it will be my duty to live in an ugly house?"

"Perhaps the house may be made less ugly; but to live in it will
certainly be a part of your duty. And if you love me, Mary----"

"Do you want me to tell you whether I love you?"

"But, loving me as I know you do, I am sure you will not neglect your
duty. Do not say again that you hate your dignity. You must never
forget now that you are Marchioness of Brotherton."

"I never shall, George."

"That is right, my dear," he said, omitting to understand the little
satire conveyed in her words. "It will come easy to you before long.
But I would have all the world feel that you are the mistress of the
rank to which you have been raised. Of course, it has been different
hitherto," he said, endeavouring in his own mind to excuse the
indiscretion of that Kappa-kappa. This lecture also she turned to
wholesome food and digested, obtaining from it some strength and
throwing off the bombast b