med Theodora. 'Well, her expectations must
be high, if she is not satisfied; one comfort is, the Brogden scheme is
only John's and papa's. My aunt can't bear it, because it seems quite to
give up the chance of John's marrying.'

'Well, Georgina and I will do the best we can for her. I suppose you
wish it to be understood that you approve.'

'Of course: you can say everything with truth that the world cares for.
She is pleasing, and amiable, and all that.'

'She will be extremely admired.'

'And her head so much turned as to ruin all the sense there may be in
it! I hate the thought of it, and of what is to become of Arthur when he
wakes from his trance.'

'He will find that he has a sister,' said Jane, who had learnt that this
was the secret of consolation; and, accordingly, a softer 'Poor Arthur!'
followed.

'And will you write, dear Theodora?'

'I don't promise. I hardly ever write letters.'

'And you will not send your love to poor Georgina?'

'I forgive her for having pained and disappointed me. I hope she will
be happy, but I am very much afraid she has not gone the right way to be
so.'

'Am I to tell her so?'

'I dare say you will, but don't call it my message. If she makes a good
use of her means, I shall try to forget the way she obtained them.'

'I only hope, with your notions, that you will not get into a scrape
yourself. I'm a little afraid of that curate.'

'We both know better,' said Theodora.

Jane departed, and Violet felt as if she had a friend and protector the
less. She was sitting forlorn in the great drawing-room, waiting for
Arthur, who was trying horses; presently Theodora came in, and with
something of compassion, said, 'I hope you have an entertaining book
there.'

Oh yes, thank you, "La Vie de Philippe Auguste". I like it very much; it
is as amusing as "Philip Augustus" itself.'

'James's novel, you mean?'

'Have you read it?'

'His novels are exactly alike,' said Theodora, leaving the room, but
checked by the thought that it would be merciful to take her into her
room. 'No, nonsense,' said second thoughts; 'I shall have nothing but
chatter ever after, if I establish her coming to me when Arthur is
out; and if this cottage scheme comes to pass, she will be marching up
whenever she has nothing better to do. Give an inch, and she will take
an ell.'

She was interrupted by a diffident, hesitating call, and, looking
back, as she was mounting the stairs, beheld Violet, who ch