is not a girl
in London to whom Lord Silverbridge would not be the best match that
she could make. He has the choice of us all."

"Most girls would think twice before refusing him."

"Very few would think twice before accepting him. Perhaps he wishes
to add to his wealth by marrying richly,--as his father did."

"No thought on that subject will ever trouble him. That will be all
as it happens. As soon as he takes a sufficient fancy to a girl he
will ask her straight off. I do not say that he might not change
afterwards, but he would mean it at the time."

"If he had once said the word to me, he should not change. But then
what right have I to expect it? What has he ever said about me?"

"Very little. But had he said much I should not tell you."

"You are my friend,--but you are his too; and he, perhaps, is more to
you than I am. As his friend it may be your duty to tell him all that
I am saying. If so, I have been wrong."

"Do you think that I shall do that, Mabel?"

"I do not know. Men are so strong in their friendships."

"Mine with you is the older, and the sweeter. Though we may not be
more than friends, I will say that it is the more tender. In my heart
of hearts I do not think that Silverbridge could do better."

"Thanks for that, Frank."

"I shall tell him nothing of you that can set him against you."

"And you would be glad to see me his wife?" she said.

"As you must be somebody's wife, and not mine."

"I cannot be yours, Frank; can I?"

"And not mine," he repeated. "I will endeavour to be glad. Who can
explain his feelings in such a matter? Though I most truly love the
girl I hope to marry, yet my heart goes back to former things and
opens itself to past regrets."

"I know it all," she whispered.

"But you and I must be too wise to permit ourselves to be tormented
by such foolish melancholy." As he said this he took her hand, half
with the purpose of bidding her good-bye, but partly with the idea of
giving some expression to the tenderness of his feelings. But as he
did so, the door was opened, and the old Earl shambled into the room.

"What the deuce are you doing here?" he said.

"I have been talking to Lady Mabel."

"For about an hour."

"Indeed I do not know for how long."

"Papa, he is going to be married." When she said this Frank Tregear
turned round and looked at her almost in anger.

"Going to be married, is he? Who is the fortunate woman?"

"I don't think he will let me