words to herself, but with such intense
bitterness of contempt that the tones were quite loud enough to be
heard. Amelius looked furtively towards the door. Was there no hope that
Regina and her friend might return and interrupt them? After what he had
seen and heard, could _he_ hope to console Mrs. Farnaby? He could only
wonder what object she could possibly have in view in taking him into
her confidence. "Am I always to be in a mess with women?" he thought to
himself. "First poor Mellicent, and now this one. What next?" He lit his
cigar again. The brotherhood of smokers, and they alone, will understand
what a refuge it was to him at that moment.

"Give me a light," said Mrs. Farnaby, recalled to the remembrance of her
own cigar. "I want to know one thing before I go on. Amelius, I watched
those bright eyes of yours at luncheon-time. Did they tell me the truth?
You're not in love with my niece, are you?"

Amelius took his cigar out of his mouth, and looked at her.

"Out with it boldly!" she said.

Amelius let it out, to a certain extent. "I admire her very much," he
answered.

"Ah," Mrs. Farnaby remarked, "you don't know her as well as I do."

The disdainful indifference of her tone irritated Amelius. He was still
young enough to believe in the existence of gratitude; and Mrs. Farnaby
had spoken ungratefully. Besides, he was fond enough of Regina already
to feel offended when she was referred to slightingly.

"I am surprised to hear what you say of her," he burst out. "She is
quite devoted to you."

"Oh yes," said Mrs. Farnaby, carelessly. "She is devoted to me, of
course--she is the living consolation I told you of just now. That was
Mr. Farnaby's notion in adopting her. Mr. Farnaby thought to himself,
'Here's a ready-made daughter for my wife--that's all this tiresome
woman wants to comfort her: now we shall do.' Do you know what I call
that? I call it reasoning like an idiot. A man may be very clever at
his business--and may be a contemptible fool in other respects. Another
woman's child a consolation to _me!_ Pah! it makes me sick to think of
it. I have one merit, Amelius, I don't cant. It's my duty to take care
of my sister's child; and I do my duty willingly. Regina's a good sort
of creature--I don't dispute it. But she's like all those tall darkish
women: there's no backbone in her, no dash; a kind, feeble, goody-goody,
sugarish disposition; and a deal of quiet obstinacy at the bottom of
it, I can tell