d not stood in one of them, looking down upon the
father of waters? Here, on this very spot, in one of these balconies,
was brought to her a letter from her cousin Kate, which was filled
with tidings respecting her cousin George. Mr Palliser brought it to
her with his own hands, and she had no other alternative but to read
it in his presence. "George has lost his election," the letter began.
For one moment Alice thought of her money, and the vain struggle
in which it had been wasted. For one moment, something like regret
for the futility of the effort she had made came upon her. But it
passed away at once. "It was worth our while to try it," she said to
herself, and then went on with her letter. "I and Aunt Greenow are up
in London," the letter went on to say, "and have just heard the news.
Though I have been here for three days, and have twice sent word to
him to say so, he has not been near me. Perhaps it is best that he
should stay away, as I do not know how any words could pass between
us that would be pleasant. The poll was finished this afternoon, and
he lost his election by a large majority. There were five candidates
altogether for the two seats--three Liberals, and two Conservatives.
The other two Liberals were seated, and he was the last of the five.
I continue to hear tidings about him from day to day,--or rather, my
aunt hears them and tells them to me, which fill me full of fears as
to his future career. I believe that he has abandoned his business,
and that he has now no source of income. I would willingly share what
I have with him; or I would do more than that. After keeping back
enough to repay you gradually what he owes you, I would give him all
my share of the income out of the estate. But I cannot do this while
we are presumed to be enemies. I am up here to see a lawyer as to
some steps which he is taking to upset grandpapa's will. The lawyer
says that it is all nonsense, and that George's lawyer is not really
in earnest; but I cannot do anything till the matter is settled. Dear
Alice, though so much of your money is for a time gone, I am bound to
congratulate you on your safety,--on what I may more truly call your
escape. You will understand what my own feelings must be in writing
this, after all that I did to bring you and him together,--after all
my hopes and ambition respecting him. As for the money, it shall be
repaid. I do not think I shall ever dare to indulge in any strong
desire again. I thin