of the
banknote! I should sink into the earth if the smallest hint of what
has really happened should reach Mr. Hardyman's ears. My child, I stand
towards you in the place of your lamented mother; I have the right to
command your silence on this horrible subject, and I do imperatively
command it."

In these words foolish Miss Pink sowed the seed for the harvest of
trouble that was soon to come.

CHAPTER XVI.

PAYING his court to the ex-schoolmistress on the next day, Hardyman made
such excellent use of his opportunities that the visit to the stud-farm
took place on the day after. His own carriage was placed at the disposal
of Isabel and her aunt; and his own sister was present to confer special
distinction on the reception of Miss Pink.

In a country like England, which annually suspends the sitting of its
Legislature in honor of a horse-race, it is only natural and proper that
the comfort of the horses should be the first object of consideration at
a stud-farm. Nine-tenths of the land at Hardyman's farm was devoted, in
one way or another, to the noble quadruped with the low forehead and the
long nose. Poor humanity was satisfied with second-rate and third-rate
accommodation. The ornamental grounds, very poorly laid out, were also
very limited in extent--and, as for the dwelling-house, it was literally
a cottage. A parlor and a kitchen, a smoking-room, a bed-room, and a
spare chamber for a friend, all scantily furnished, sufficed for the
modest wants of the owner of the property. If you wished to feast your
eyes on luxury you went to the stables.

The stud-farm being described, the introduction to Hardyman's sister
follows in due course.

The Honorable Lavinia Hardyman was, as all persons in society know,
married rather late in life to General Drumblade. It is saying a great
deal, but it is not saying too much, to describe Mrs. Drumblade as the
most mischievous woman of her age in all England. Scandal was the breath
of her life; to place people in false positions, to divulge secrets
and destroy characters, to undermine friendships, and aggravate
enmities--these were the sources of enjoyment from which this dangerous
woman drew the inexhaustible fund of good spirits that made her a
brilliant light in the social sphere. She was one of the privileged
sinners of modern society. The worst mischief that she could work was
ascribed to her "exuberant vitality." She had that ready familiarity of
manner which is (in