rose and embraced this gentleman with stately affection.

"My son Theobald--Mr. Fenton," she said. "My son is a medical
practitioner, residing at Maida-hill; and it is a pleasure to him to
spend an occasional evening with his cousin Adela and myself."

"Whenever the exigencies of professional life leave me free to enjoy that
happiness," Mr. Pallinson added in a brisk semi-professional manner.
"Adela has been giving you some music, I see. I heard one of Handel's
choruses as I came upstairs."

He went into the front drawing-room, shook hands with Mrs. Branston, and
established himself with a permanent air beside the piano. Adela did not
seem particularly glad to see him; and John Saltram, who had met him
before in Cavendish-square, received him with supreme indifference.

"I am blessed, as I daresay you perceive, Mr. Fenton, in my only son,"
Mrs. Pallinson said, when the young man had withdrawn to the adjoining
apartment. "It was my misfortune to lose an admirable husband very early
in life; and I have been ever since that loss wholly devoted to my son
Theobald. My care has been amply rewarded by his goodness. He is a most
estimable and talented young man, and has already attained an excellent
position in the medical profession."

"You have reason to be proud of him," Gilbert answered kindly.

"I _am_ proud of him, Mr. Fenton. He is the sole delight and chief object
of my life. His career up to this hour has been all that the fondest
mother could desire. If I can only see him happily and advantageously
married, I shall have nothing left to wish for."