re indeed
wonderfully like your brother," she said, giving him her hand. "And from
what he says, cousin George, I think you are as good as he is."

At the sight of her swollen eyes and tearful face George felt a pang
of remorse. "Poor thing!" he thought. "Harry has been vaunting my
generosity and virtue to her, and I have beer, playing the selfish elder
brother downstairs! How old she looks! How could he ever have a passion
for such a woman as that?" How? Because he did not see with your eyes,
Mr. George. He saw rightly too now with his own, perhaps. I never know
whether to pity or congratulate a man on coming to his senses.

After the introduction a little talk took place, which for a while Lady
Maria managed to carry on in an easy manner: but though ladies in this
matter of social hypocrisy are, I think, far more consummate performers
than men, after a sentence or two the poor lady broke out into a sob,
and, motioning Harry away with her hand, fairly fled from the room.

Harry was rushing forward, but stopped--checked by that sign. My lord
said his poor sister was subject to these fits of nerves, and had
already been ill that morning. After this event our young gentlemen
thought it was needless to prolong their visit. Lord Castlewood followed
them downstairs, accompanied them to the door, admired their nags in the
phaeton, and waved them a friendly farewell.

"And so we have been coaxing and cuddling in the window, and we part
good friends, Harry? Is it not so?" says George to his charioteer.

"Oh, she is a good woman!" cries Harry, lashing the horses. "I know
you'll think so when you come to know her."

"When you take her home to Virginia? A pretty welcome our mother will
give her. She will never forgive me for not breaking the match off, nor
you for making it."

"I can't help it, George! Don't you be popping your ugly head so close
to my ears, Gumbo! After what has passed between us, I am bound in
honour to stand by her. If she sees no objection, I must find none. I
told her all. I told her that Madam would be very rusty at first; but
that she was very fond of me, and must end by relenting. And when you
come to the property, I told her that I knew my dearest George so well,
that I might count upon sharing with him."

"The deuce you did! Let me tell you, my dear, that I have been telling
my Lord Castlewood quite a different story. That as an elder brother I
intend to have all my rights--there, don't flog that