, and there--starve. Such were now his
future outlooks into the world; and yet, as regards health and all
physical capacities, he knew that he was still in the prime of his
life. Yes; in the prime of his life! But what could he do with what
remained to him of such prime? How could he turn either his mind or
his strength to such account as might now be serviceable? How could
he, in his sore need, earn for himself even the barest bread? Would
it not be better for him that he should die? Let not any one covet
the lot of a spendthrift, even though the days of his early pease and
champagne seem to be unnumbered; for that lame Nemesis will surely be
up before the game has been all played out. When Mr. Sowerby reached
his house he found that a message by telegraph had arrived for him
in his absence. It was from his sister, and it informed him that she
would be with him that night. She was coming down by the mail train,
had telegraphed to Barchester for post-horses, and would be at
Chaldicotes about two hours after midnight. It was therefore manifest
enough that her business was of importance. Exactly at two the
Barchester post-chaise did arrive, and Mrs. Harold Smith, before she
retired to her bed, was closeted for about an hour with her brother.
"Well," she said, the following morning, as they sat together at the
breakfast table, "what do you say to it now? If you accept her offer
you should be with her lawyer this afternoon."

"I suppose I must accept it," said he.

"Certainly, I think so. No doubt it will take the property out of
your own hands as completely as though the duke had it, but it will
leave you the house, at any rate, for your life."

"What good will the house be, when I can't keep it up?"

"But I am not so sure of that. She will not want more than her fair
interest; and as it will be thoroughly well managed, I should think
that there would be something over--something enough to keep up the
house. And then, you know, we must have some place in the country."

"I tell you fairly, Harriet, that I will have nothing further to do
with Harold in the way of money."

"Ah! that was because you would go to him. Why did you not come to
me? And then, Nathaniel, it is the only way in which you can have a
chance of keeping the seat. She is the queerest woman I ever met, but
she seems resolved on beating the duke."

"I do not quite understand it, but I have not the slightest
objection."

"She thinks that he is interf