money that George had." As the reader is aware, Alice had heard
nothing special about this money. She only knew, or supposed she
knew, that she had given three thousand pounds to her cousin. But now
her father explained to her the whole transaction. "We couldn't have
realized your money for months, perhaps," said he; "but Grey knew
that some men must have rope enough before they can hang themselves."

Alice was unable to say anything on this subject to her father, but
to herself she did declare that not in that way or with that hope
had John Grey produced his money. "He must be paid, papa," she said.
"Paid!" he answered; "he can pay himself now. It may make some
difference in the settlements, perhaps, but he and the lawyers may
arrange that. I shan't think of interfering with such a man as Grey.
If you could only know, my dear, what I've suffered!" Alice in a
penitential tone expressed her sorrow, and then he too assured her
that he had forgiven her. "Bless you, my child!" he said, "and make
you happy, and good, and--and--and very comfortable." After that he
went back to his club.

Alice made her journey down to Cheltenham without any adventure, and
was received by Lady Macleod with open arms. "Dearest Alice, it is so
good of you." "Good!" said Alice, "would I not have gone a thousand
miles to you?"

Lady Macleod was very eager to know all about the coming marriage.
"I can tell you now, my dear, though I couldn't do it before, that I
knew he'd persist for ever. He told me so himself in confidence."

"He has persisted, aunt; that is certain."

"And I hope you'll reward him. A beautiful woman without discretion
is like a pearl in a swine's snout; but a good wife is a crown of
glory to her husband. Remember that, my dear, and choose your part
for his sake."

"I won't be that unfortunate pearl, if I can help it, aunt."

"We can all help it, if we set about it in the right way. And Alice,
you must be careful to find out all his likes and his dislikes. Dear
me! I remember how hard I found it, but then I don't think I was so
clever as you are."

"Sometimes I think nobody has ever been so stupid as I have."

"Not stupid, my dear; if I must say the word, it is self-willed. But,
dear, all that is forgiven now. Is it not?"

"There is a forgiveness which it is rather hard to get," said Alice.

There was something said then as to the necessity of looking for
pardon beyond this world, which I need not here repeat. To all