ause of
offence. And she did feel,--she was always feeling,--that her husband
ought to remember that she had never brought counter-charges against
him. She had told no one of Mrs. Houghton's letter. She was far too
proud to give the slightest hint that she too had her grievance. But
surely he should remember it. "I should like to go," she said.

"Then come back with me to-morrow." Lady Sarah had come only on this
business, and if the business were completed there would be no
legitimate reason for her prolonged sojourn at Brotherton.

"Would George come here for one night."

"Surely, Mary, you would not drive a bargain with your husband."

"But papa!"

"Your father can only be anxious for your happiness."

"Therefore I must be anxious for his. I can't say that I'll go without
asking him."

"Then ask him and come in and see me at Alice's house this afternoon.
And tell your father that I say you shall be received with all
affection."

Mary made no promise that she would do even this as Lady Sarah took her
leave; but she did at once consult her father. "Of course you can go if
you like it, dearest."

"But you!"

"Never mind me. I am thinking only of you. They will be different to
you now that they think you will be the mother of the heir."

"Would you take me, and stay there, for one night?"

"I don't think I could do that, dear. I do not consider that I have
been exactly asked."

"But if they will ask you?"

"I cannot ask to be asked. To tell the truth I am not at all anxious to
be entertained at Manor Cross. They would always be thinking of that
fireplace into which the Marquis fell."

The difficulty was very great and Mary could not see her way through
it. She did not go to Dr. Holdenough's house that afternoon, but wrote
a very short note to Lady Sarah begging that George might come over and
talk to her.

CHAPTER XLVII.

"THAT YOUNG FELLOW IN THERE."

A day or two after this Lord George did call at the deanery, but stayed
there only for a minute or two, and on that occasion did not even speak
of Mary's return to Manor Cross. He was considerably flurried, and
showed his wife the letter which had caused his excitement. It was from
his brother, and like most of the Marquis's letters was very short.

"I think you had better come up and see me. I'm not very well. B." That
was the entire letter, and he was now on his way to London.

"Do you think it is much, George?"

"He would not write l