d Sydney down the corridor with disagreeable distinctness.

"Selina," she was saying--Selina was Lady Pynsent's name--"I thought you
said that Mr. Campion was a _gentleman_!"

"Well, dear----" Lady Pynsent was beginning; but Sydney, quickening his
steps, heard no more. He was now in a rage, and disposed to vote Miss
Pynsent the most unpleasant, conceited young person of his acquaintance.
That anybody should doubt his "gentilhood" was an offence not to be
lightly borne. He was glad to remember that he was leaving Culverley
next day, and he determined that he would rather avoid the female
Pynsents than otherwise when they came to town. He could not yet do
without Sir John, and he was vexed to think that these women should have
any handle--however trifling--against him. He thanked his stars that he
had not actually made love to Miss Anna Pynsent; and he hurried back to
town next morning by the earliest train, without setting eyes on her
again. In town, amidst the bustle of political and social duties, he
soon forgot the unpleasant impression that this little episode of his
visit to Culverly had left upon his mind.

He went to Maple Cottage on the very day of his return to London, to
hear what his mother and sister had to say about his success. And he
took an opportunity also of telling Milly Harrington something of the
glories which he had achieved, and the privilege which he enjoyed in
being able to absent himself from his native country for two or three
months at a stretch.

About the end of August, Lettice had to look out for a new maid. Milly
went away, saying that she had heard of a better place. She had obtained
it without applying to her mistress for a character. She had not been so
attentive to her duties of late as to make Lettice greatly regret her
departure; but remembering old Mrs. Harrington's fears for her
grand-daughter, Lettice made many inquiries of Milly as to her new
place. She received, as she thought, very satisfactory replies, although
she noticed that the girl changed color strangely, and looked confused
and anxious when she was questioned. And when the time came for her to
go, Milly wept bitterly, and was heard to express a wish that she had
resolved to stay with Miss Lettice after all.

CHAPTER XV.

SOME UNEXPECTED MEETINGS.

Two or three months had passed since Alan's wife came back to him.

He had arranged, with the aid of a lawyer, to allow her a certain
regular income--with the