never writes now."

"I'm sorry that it is so bad as that," said Harry, not well knowing what
else to say.

"As regards Julia, I do not know whether it may not be for the best. It
seems to be a cruel thing to say, but of course I cannot but think most
of her. You have heard, perhaps, that they have not been happy?"

"Yes; I had heard that."

"Of course; and what is the use of pretending anything with you? You
know what people have said of her."

"I have never believed it."

"You always loved her, Harry. Oh, dear, I remember how unhappy that made
me once, and I was so afraid that Hugh would suspect it. She would never
have done for you; would she, Harry?"

"She did a great deal better for herself." said Harry.

"If you mean that ironically, you shouldn't say it now. If he dies, she
will be well off, of course, and people will in time forget what has
been said--that is, if she will live quietly. The worst of it is that
she fears nothing."

"But you speak as though you thought she had been--been--"

"I think she was probably imprudent, but I believe nothing worse than