country gentry, and the Lord only knows how many more of stout yeomen
before them, is a good enough descent for us; but I like your pride,
and I am glad that you spring from an ancient race. You have been
shamefully treated, Hilda--is not your name Hilda?--but there are
others, more free from blame than you are, who have been treated
worse."

"Ah, Maria! then she knows nothing?"

"Yes, there is Maria and myself. But never mind that. Philip will, I
suppose, be back in a few hours--oh, yes! he will be back," and his
eyes glinted unpleasantly, "and what shall you do then? what course do
you intend to take?"

"I intend to claim my rights, to force him to acknowledge me here
where he suffered his engagement to another woman to be proclaimed,
and then I intend to leave him. He has killed my respect; I will not
live with him again. I can earn my living in Germany. I have done with
him; but, sir, do not you be hard upon him. It is a matter between me
and him. Let him not suffer on my account."

"My dear, pray confine yourself to your own affairs, and leave me to
settle mine. There shall be no harshness; nobody shall suffer more
than they deserve. There, don't break down, go and rest, for there are
painful scenes before you."

He rang the bell, and sent for the housekeeper. She came presently, a
pleasant-looking woman of about thirty years of age, with a comely
face and honest eyes.