dare say he's as good as most
other clergymen--"

"Oh, yes; he is, my lord."

"But I don't care a straw who lives in the house."

"Don't you, my lord?" said Mrs. Wilkinson, very despondently.

"Not one straw. I never heard such a proposition from a woman in my
life--never. And now, if you'll allow me, I'll wish you good-morning,
ma'am. Good-morning to you." And the marquis made a slight feint, as
though to raise himself from his chair.

Mrs. Wilkinson got up, and stood upright before him, with her
handkerchief to her eyes. It was very grievous to her to have failed
so utterly. She still felt sure that if Lord Stapledean would only
be made to understand the facts of the case, he would even yet take
her part. She had come so far to fight her battle, that she could
not bring herself to leave the ground as long as a chance of victory
remained to her. How could she put the matter in the fewest words, so
as to make the marquis understand the very--very truth?

"If your lordship would only allow me to recall to your memory the
circumstances of the case,--how you, yourself, allocated--"

Lord Stapledean turned suddenly at the bell-rope, and gave it a
tremendous pull--then another--and then a third, harder than the
others. Down came the rope about his ears, and the peal was heard
ringing through the house.

"Thompson," he said to the man, as he entered, "show that lady the
door."

"Yes, my lord."

"Show her the door immediately."

"Yes, my lord," said Thompson, standing irresolute. "Now, ma'am; the
post-chaise is waiting."

Mrs. Wilkinson had still strength enough to prevent collapse, and to
gather herself together with some little feminine dignity. "I think I
have been very badly treated," she said, as she prepared to move.

"Thompson," shrieked the marquis, in his passion; "show that lady the
door."

"Yes, my lord;" and Thompson gracefully waved his hand, pointing down
the passage. It was the only way in which he could show Mrs.
Wilkinson the way out.

And then, obedient to necessity, she walked forth. Never had she held
her head so high, or tossed her bonnet with so proud a shake, as she
did in getting into that post-chaise. Thompson held the handle of the
carriage-door: he also offered her his arm, but she despised any such
aid. She climbed in unassisted; the post-boy mounted his jade; and
so she was driven forth, not without titters from the woman at the
lodge-gate. With heavy heart she reached the inn