he world for Harold; indeed, I
never met anybody so capable and so intelligent. And now you spoil all
my sport by going and refusing him! It's really most ill-timed of you.
And Harold has sent me here--he's trembling with anxiety--to see whether
I can't induce you to think better of your decision.'

I made up my mind at once. 'No, Lady Georgina,' I said, in my gentlest
voice--positively stooping down and kissing her. 'I like Mr. Tillington
very much. I dare not tell you how much I like him. He is a dear, good,
kind fellow. But I cannot rest under the cruel imputation of being moved
by his wealth and having tried to capture him. Even if _you_ didn't
think so, his family would. I am sorry to go; for in a way I like you.
But it is best to adhere to our original plan. If _I_ changed my mind,
_you_ might change yours again. Let us say no more. I will go
to-morrow.'

'But you will see Harold again?'

'Not alone. Only at dinner.' For I feared lest, if he spoke to me alone,
he might over-persuade me.

'Then at least you will tell him where you are going?'

'No, Lady Georgina; I do not know myself. And besides, it is best that
this should now be final.'

She flung herself upon me. 'But, my dear child, a lady can't go out into
the world with only two pounds in pocket. You _must_ let me lend you
something.'

I unwound her clasping hands. 'No, dear Lady Georgina,' I said, though I
was loth to say it. 'You are very sweet and good, but I must work out my
life in my own way. I have started to work it out, and I won't be turned
aside just here on the threshold.'

'And you won't stop with me?' she cried, opening her arms. 'You think me
too cantankerous?'

'I think you have a dear, kind old heart,' I said, 'under the quaintest
and crustiest outside such a heart ever wore; you're a truculent old
darling: so that's the plain truth of it.'

She kissed me. I kissed her in return with fervour, though I am but a
poor hand at kissing, for a woman. 'So now this episode is concluded,' I
murmured.

'I don't know about that,' she said, drying her eyes. 'I have set my
heart upon you now; and Harold has set his heart upon you; and
considering that your own heart goes much the same way, I daresay, my
dear, we shall find in the end some convenient road out of it.'

Nevertheless, next morning I set out by myself in the coach from
Schlangenbad. I went forth into the world to live my own life, partly
because it was just then so fashionable