Angleby was anxious that it should be the occasion of bringing her
nephew's courtship to a climax, and she gave reasons for the expediency
of having the whole affair carried through to a conclusion without
unnecessary delays. Sir Edward Lucas had been intrusive this last week,
and Miss Fairfax too good-natured in listening to his tedious talk of
colliers, cottagers, and spade husbandry. Her ladyship scented a danger.
There was an evident suitability of age and temper between these two
young persons, and she had fancied that Bessie looked pleased when Sir
Edward's honest brown face appeared in her drawing-room. She had been
obliged to ask him to her ball, but she would have been thankful to
leave him out.

Mr. Fairfax heard all his old friend had to urge, and, though he made
light of Sir Edward, it was with a startling candor that he added, "But
woman's a riddle indeed if Elizabeth would give her shoe-tie for Cecil."
Lady Angleby was so amazed and shocked that she made no answer
whatever. The squire went on: "The farce had better pause--or end.
Elizabeth is sensitive and shrewd enough. Cecil has no heart to give
her, and she will never give hers unless in fair exchange. I have
observed her all along, and that is the conclusion I have come to. She
saw Miss Julia Gardiner at Ryde, and fathomed that old story: she
supposes them to be engaged, and is of much too loyal a disposition to
dream of love for another woman's lover. That is the explanation of her
friendliness towards Cecil."

"But Julia Gardiner is as good as married," cried Lady Angleby. "Cecil
will be cruelly disappointed if you forbid him to speak to Miss Fairfax.
Pray, say nothing, at least until to-night is over."

"I shall not interfere at the present point. Let him use his own