ead. He attempted to take her
hand, but she withdrew it. Then he stood for perhaps a minute looking
at her, but she did not move. "Good bye, Guss," he said again, and then
he left the room.

When he got into the street he congratulated himself. He had undergone
many such scenes before, but none which seemed so likely to bring the
matter to an end. He was rather proud of his own conduct, thinking that
he had been at the same time both tender and wise. He had not given way
in the least, and had yet been explicit in assuring her of his
affection. He felt now that he would go and hunt on the morrow without
any desire to break his neck over the baron's fences. Surely the thing
was done now for ever and ever! Then he thought how it would have been
with him at this moment had he in any transient weakness told her that
he would marry her. But he had been firm, and could now walk along with
a light heart.

She, as soon as he had left her, got up, and taking the cushion off the
sofa, threw it to the further end of the room. Having so relieved
herself, she walked up to her own chamber.

CHAPTER XVI.

ALL IS FISH THAT COMES TO HIS NET.

The Dean's week up in London during the absence of Lord George was gay
enough; but through it all and over it all there was that cloud of
seriousness which had been produced by the last news from Italy. He
rode with his daughter, dined out in great state at Mrs. Montacute
Jones's, talked to Mr. Houghton about Newmarket and the next Derby, had
a little flirtation of his own with Hetta Houghton,--into which he
contrived to introduce a few serious words about the Marquis,--and was
merry enough; but, to his daughter's surprise, he never for a moment
ceased to be impressed with the importance of the Italian woman and her
baby. "What does it signify, papa?" she said.

"Not signify!"

"Of course it was to be expected that the Marquis should marry. Why
should he not marry as well as his younger brother?"

"In the first place, he is very much older."

"As to that, men marry at any age. Look at Mr. Houghton." The Dean only
smiled. "Do you know, papa, I don't think one ought to trouble about
such things."

"That's nonsense, my dear. Men, and women too, ought to look after
their own interests. It is the only way in which progress can be made
in the world. Of course you are not to covet what belongs to others.
You will make yourself very unhappy if you do. If Lord Brotherton's
marriage were