stering sin and misery
around, when I saw the evil nourished at my own door by my neglect,
and perceived that those dependent on me were doomed to degradation and
oppression that I might gratify my craving for art,--then, indeed, I was
appalled! Those paintings and statues seemed to cry out to me that human
souls had been sacrificed to them! The toil and devotion of a life would
be too little to atone! Oh! that it were more able and effective. Means
and judgment go but a little way!'

'Your heart and happiness are in the work,' said Theodora, seeing how he
was carried away by his feelings.

'Yes. There is a sense like the labourer's at his daily task, and though
there is the mountain of things undone, there is the hope that all are
not wilfully neglected. It is for this that I longed to thank you. When
I was in danger, I knew what it would have been to wait for death before
I thought of--of the way of peace. I blessed you in my heart then--I
thank you now.'

'Thank Him who has brought good out of evil, was all Theodora could say.

He bowed his head gravely, and continued: 'Now, thank you again for
having listened. It has been a great satisfaction to me to acknowledge
my obligations. Do not suppose I came to London intending to distress
you with my pertinacity, or with any idea of having earned your favour.
I was obliged to come; and when once near you, I could not bear to
separate without, at least, entreating to know whether the former
obstacle exists.'

'It does,' said Theodora, looking down; 'I believe it always will. I
lament more than I can express, my conduct towards you; and what you
have told me grieves me more in one way, though in another it is most
consoling. You have the true secret of peace, and I know all must be
well with you. If you had done otherwise, it would have been far worse
for me. Tell Lucy I have not forgotten her. I am sure she has the true
light-hearted sort of happiness.'

'She has, indeed,' said Lord St. Erme; and he entered into a description
of his sister's doings; her perfect content with their seclusion, and
her influence over the dependants. So eager did he grow in his favourite
subject, the welfare of his people, that he seemed to have forgotten
what had brought him to Cadogan-place, and Theodora was convinced that
though the being brought into contact with her had for the time renewed
the former attachment, it was in reality by no means the prominent
thought of his life. His du