he last yields to fate and _soubrettes_, says 'Bless you, my children!'
and hands out untold gold. There is no more appeal from his decisions
than from Major A----'s. He dislikes Bruce, of course; but he would just
as soon think of objecting to a partner at whist as to a son-in-law
because he happened to be unprepossessing. When the poor little
Iphigenia is sacrificed on the shrine of expediency, you will see him,
not veiling his face but taking snuff with the calm grace that is
peculiar to him. Arguing with such a man is a simple absurdity."

"I can not advise you," I answered, sadly; "but it seems hard on Miss
Raymond, too."

"Of course it is," Livingstone broke in; "and the worst of it is, the
poor child looks to me to help her. I can't bear to think of what her
life would be if she married Bruce. He would be constantly retaliating
on her for what he is suffering now--for he does suffer. A pleasant idea
that she, who is only meant to be petted, should be set up as a target
for his jealousy and ill-humor! She would never be able to stand it, and
Charley wouldn't if she could; and then there would be a _denouement_
like that which ruined Ralph Mohun. If there _is_ to be a row, it had
better come before than after marriage. It's more moral, and saves an
infinity of trouble. I think Charley is better away, too, just now.
Parndon wants us both to stay with him. We'll go; and so my conscience
will stand at ease for the present. When we are on neutral ground I can
help them, or, at all events, 'let the justice of the king pass by.'"

"Have you spoken to Forrester yet?"

"No; but he will do as I advise, and temporize, I am sure, though he
would hardly give up Bella, even if I asked him. He means business for
once, evidently. They will have plenty of time to concert their plans
before the summer. Charley wants no help in that. As to carrying them
out--we shall see. Well, you will go to-morrow. I am very sorry, for all
reasons. I hope you have not been much bored here. Kerton counts on you
for next winter."

I need not give my answer. I felt really loth to go; but, fortunately
for my peace of mind, I could not guess at the changes that would be
wrought in the hopes, the intentions, the destinies of all of us before
I should stand in the fine old manor-house again.

If adieus are painful in reality, they ate intensely stupid on paper--a
landscape without a foreground--so I spare you next morning's
leave-takings.

Guy ha