sband's character which she had probably
not discovered yet. But Hugh's gentle temper--ruffled for a moment
only--had recovered its serenity. Her friend was her true friend still;
he said no more on the subject of her marriage.

"Old habits are not easily set aside," he reminded her. "I have been so
long accustomed to advise you and help you, that I find myself hoping
there may be some need for my services still. Is there no way in which
I might relieve you of the hateful presence of Mr. Vimpany?"

"My dear Hugh, I wish you had not mentioned Mr. Vimpany."

Mountjoy concluded that the subject was disagreeable to her. "After the
opinion of him which you expressed in your letter to me," he said, "I
ought not to have spoken of the doctor. Pray forgive me."

Iris looked distressed. "Oh, you are quite mistaken! The poor doctor
has been sadly misjudged; and I"--she shook her head, and sighed
penitently--"and, I," she resumed, "am one among other people who have
ignorantly wronged him. Pray consult my husband. Hear what he can tell
you--and you will pity Mr. Vimpany. The newspaper makes such large
demands on our means that we can do little to help him. With your
recommendation he might find some employment."

"He has already asked me to assist him, Iris; and I have refused. I
can't agree with your change of opinion about Mr. Vimpany."

"Why not? Is it because he has separated from his wife?"

"That is one reason, among many others," Mountjoy replied.

"Indeed, indeed you are wrong! Lord Harry has known Mrs. Vimpany for
years, and he says--I am truly sorry to hear it--that the separation is
her fault."

Hugh changed the subject again. The purpose which had mainly induced
him to leave England had not been mentioned yet.

Alluding to the newspaper, and to the heavy pecuniary demands made by
the preliminary expenses of the new journal, he reminded Iris that
their long and intimate friendship permitted him to feel some interest
in her affairs. "I won't venture to express an opinion," he added; "let
me only ask if Lord Harry's investments in this speculation have
compelled him to make some use of your little fortune?"

"My husband refused to touch my fortune," Iris answered. "But"--She
paused, there. "Do you know how honourably, how nobly, he has behaved?"
she abruptly resumed. "He has insured his life: he has burdened himself
with the payment of a large sum of money every year. And all for me, if
I am so unfortunate (whi