ly formed, were never abandoned for trifles.

So when Aunt Becky and Miss Gertrude at length agreed on an
armistice--the conditions being that the question of Mr. Dangerfield's
bliss or misery was to stand over for judgment until the general's
return, which could not now be deferred more than two or three
weeks--the amorous swain, on being apprised of the terms by Aunt
Rebecca, acquiesced with alacrity, in a handsome, neat, and gallant
little speech, and kissed Aunt Rebecca's slender and jewelled hand, with
a low bow and a grim smile, all which she received very graciously.

Of course, Dangerfield knew pretty well how matters stood; he was not a
man to live in a dream; facts were his daily bread. He knew to a month
how old he was, and pretty exactly how time had dealt with his personal
charms. He had a very exact and cynical appreciation of the terms on
which Miss Chattesworth would--if at all--become and continue to be his
wife. But he wanted her--she suited him exactly, and all he needed to
make his kingdom sure, when he had obtained her, was his legal rights.
He was no Petruchio; neither was it his theory to rule by love. He had a
different way. Without bluster, and without wheedling, he had the art of
making those who were under his rule perfectly submissive; sooner or
later they all came to fear him as a child does a spectre. He had no
misgivings about the peace of his household.

In the meantime Gertrude grew happier and more like herself, and Aunt
Rebecca had her own theories about the real state of that young lady's
affections, and her generally unsuspected relations with others.

Aunt Rebecca called at the Elms to see Lilias Walsingham, and sat down
beside her on the sofa.

'Lily, child, you're not looking yourself. I'll send you some drops. You
must positively nurse yourself. I'm almost sorry I did not bring Dr.
Toole.'

'Indeed I'm glad you did not, Aunt Becky; I take excellent care of
myself. I have not been out for three whole days.'

'And you must not budge, darling, while this east wind continues. D'ye
mind? And what do you think, my dear, I do believe I've discovered the
secret reason of Gertrude's repugnance to Mr. Dangerfield's most
advantageous offer.'

'Oh, indeed!' said Lily, becoming interested.

'Well, I suppose you suspected she _had_ a secret?' said Aunt Rebecca.

'I can only say, dear Aunt Becky, she has not told it to _me_.'

'Now, listen to me, my dear,' said Aunt Becky, laying he