before, and another followed me a couple of days after to Matlock, so
I could not have that going on for ever, and wrote off to put a stop to
it. But what does his lordship say?'

'Do you wish him to forgive or not?' said his brother, nearly out of
patience.

'Of course--I knew he would, he can't leave us with nothing to live on.
There's nothing to be done but to go through the forms, and I am quite
ready. Come, what's the use of looking intensely disgusted? Now you
have seen her, you don't expect me to profess that I am very sorry, and
"will never do so no more."'

'I say nothing against her, but the way of doing it.'

'So much trouble saved. Besides, I tell you I am ready to make
whatever apology my father likes for a preliminary.'

His brother looked vexed, and dropped the conversation, waiting to see
more of the bride before he should form an opinion.

It was seeing rather than hearing, for she was in much awe of him,
blushed more than she spoke, and seemed taken up by the fear of doing
something inappropriate, constantly turning wistful inquiring looks
towards her husband, to seek encouragement or direction, but it was a
becoming confusion, and by no means lessened the favourable impression.

'The next morning Arthur was engaged, and left her to be the guide to
the cathedral, whereat she looked shy and frightened, but Mr.
Martindale set himself to re-assure her, and the polished gentleness of