, in some weak moments,
have compromised with his millions, he did no more than saunter with
them on the terrace and oppress them with his lisping egotism. Every one
hinted that he seemed an estimable, but trying, young man; and, as Sir
Duke said to his wife, the men would not have him at any price.

As for Mr. Vandewaters and Gracia Raglan, Lady Lawless was not very sure
that her delicate sympathy was certain of reward. The two were naturally
thrown together a good deal; but Miss Raglan was a girl of singular
individuality and high-mindedness, and she was keen enough to see from
the start what Lady Lawless suspected might happen. She did not resent
this,--she was a woman; but it roused in her a spirit of criticism, and
she threw up a barrier of fine reserve, which puzzled Mr. Vandewaters.
He did not see that Lady Lawless was making a possible courtship easy
for him. If he had, it would have made no difference: he would have
looked at it as at most things, broadly. He was not blind to the fact
that his money might be a "factor", but, as he said to himself, his
millions were a part of him--they represented, like whist-counters, so
much pluck and mother-wit. He liked the general appreciation of them: he
knew very well that people saw him in them and them in him. Miss Raglan
attracted him from the moment of meeting. She was the first woman of her
class that he had ever met closely; and the possibility of having as his
own so adorable a comrade was inspiring. He sat down sometimes as the
days went on--it was generally when he was shaving--and thought upon his
intention regarding Miss Raglan, in relation to his humble past; for
he had fully made up his mind to marry her, if she would have him.
He wondered what she would think when he told her of his life; and he
laughed at the humour of the situation. He had been into Debrett, and he
knew that she could trace her family back to the Crusades.

He determined to make a clean breast of it. One day he was obliged to
remain at the house in expectation of receiving important telegrams, and
the only people who appeared at lunch were Lady Lawless, Mrs. Gregory
Thorne (who was expecting her husband), Miss Raglan; Pride, and himself.
While at luncheon he made up his mind to have a talk with Miss Raglan.
In the library after luncheon the opportunity was given. It was a warm,
pleasant day, and delightful in the grounds.

After one or two vain efforts to escape, Mrs. Gregory Thorne and L