for you are
horribly transparent. But why?"

"Because you have been thoroughly expressing my wishes. Do not think me
foolish, but I do, indeed, think it would be better that there should be
no intimacy between the families."

"Foolish!" he laughed. "Why, that would be like blaming myself. But
there, I don't think we need trouble ourselves; for I suppose they will
be very grand, and take up only with the county families and grandees
from London; they will not want our society. And do you know, dear, we
shall have to pinch and save no end, for I have been investing heaps of
money in a speculation--one, though, that is certain to pay. Iron
mines, you know, that were found last year at Blankesley. Capital thing
it is to be, so they tell me."

"But was it not foolish?" said Mrs Norton. "Had we not enough, dear?"

"Well, yes," he said, rather impatiently; "enough for ourselves, but we
have the child to think of. You do not suppose he will be content to
lead his fathers dreary life."

"Dreary, Philip?"

"Well, no--not dreary. I don't mean that; but quiet, retired existence;
and besides, a little to do with this iron affair--a little occupation--
will be the making of me. I've grown so rusty," he said, laughing,
"that I have run to iron to polish it off."

That same night a similar conversation took place at the Castle, where,
in quiet, well-chosen words, Sir Murray expressed a wish that there
might be no communication held with the inmates of the Hall.

"Do you doubt me, Murray?" said Lady Gernon, rising, and standing
looking down upon her husband, as he leaned back in his chair.

"Doubt you!" he said, almost angrily. "My dear Lady Gernon, what a
question!"

"Then why should you ask me, now that at your wish we have returned to
the Castle, to give up the love, sympathy, and companionship of my
cousin? Why did we not stay abroad, if such coldness is to be
preserved. I ceased corresponding with her at her marriage, but with
what pain and cost you only know. Do not ask more of me."

"There--there," he said, "what a trouble you are making of this trifle.
It is my wish that the old acquaintanceship should not be renewed. No
good can result from it; but, perhaps, for all parties a great deal of
heartburning and pain. Be guided by me, Marion."

"Not in this," she said, firmly. "Murray, I never yet in anything
opposed your wishes, but in this I do. It is my intention to drive over
and call upon Ada t