have "bah'd" and "pish'd" at the thought of any punctilious regard for
engagements so easily broken having power either to check passion for
beauty, or to restrain self-interest in the chase of an heiress. He had
known Maltravers ambitious; and with him, ambition and self-interest
meant the same. Thus, by the very _finesse_ of his character--while
Vargrave ever with the worldly was a keen and almost infallible
observer--with natures of a more refined, or a higher order, he always
missed the mark by overshooting. Besides, had a suspicion of Maltravers
ever crossed him, Caroline's communications would have dispelled it.
It was more strange that Caroline should have been blind; nor would
she have been so had she been less absorbed in her own schemes and
destinies. All her usual penetration had of late settled in self; and
an uneasy feeling--half arising from conscientious reluctance to aid
Vargrave's objects, half from jealous irritation at the thought of
Vargrave's marrying another--had prevented her from seeking any very
intimate or confidential communication with Evelyn herself.

The dreaded conference was over; Evelyn parted from Vargrave with the
very feelings he had calculated on exciting,--the moment he ceased to be
her lover, her old childish regard for him recommenced. She pitied his
dejection, she respected his generosity, she was deeply grateful for his
forbearance. But still--still she was free; and her heart bounded within
her at the thought.

Meanwhile, Vargrave, after his solemn farewell to Evelyn, retreated
again to his own room, where he remained till his post-horses arrived.
Then, descending into the drawing-room, he was pleased to find neither
Aubrey nor Evelyn there. He knew that much affectation would be thrown
away upon Mr. and Mrs. Merton; he thanked them for their hospitality,
with grave and brief cordiality, and then turned to Caroline, who stood
apart by the window.

"All is up with me at present," he whispered. "I leave you, Caroline, in
anticipation of fortune, rank, and prosperity; that is some comfort.
For myself, I see only difficulties, embarrassment, and poverty in the
future; but I despond of nothing. Hereafter you may serve me, as I
have served you. Adieu!--I have been advising Caroline not to spoil
Doltimore, Mrs. Merton; he is conceited enough already. Good-by! God
bless you all! love to your little girls. Let me know if I can serve
you in any way, Merton,--good-by again!" And thus, s