Arthur writhed. 'I suppose it must come to that,' he said; 'but tell
me first the state of things.'

'You could not expect that there would not be a good deal of
indignation.'

'Ay, ay! How did you get the news? Did Theodora tell you?'

'No; there was a letter from Colonel Harrington; and at home they knew
the circumstances pretty correctly through a cousin of Wingfield's, who
has a curacy in that neighbourhood.'

'Oh! that was the way Theodora came by the news. I wish he had let
alone telling her,--I could have managed her alone;--but there! it was
not in human nature not to tell such a story, and it did not much
matter how it was done. Well, and my aunt is furious, I suppose, but
I'll take care of her and of my lady. I only want to know how my
father takes it.'

'He cannot endure the notion of a family feud; but the first step must
come from you.'

'Very well:--and so you came to set it going. It is very good-natured
of you, John. I depended on you or Theodora for helping me through,
but I did not think you would have come in this way. I am glad you
have, for now you have seen her you can't say a word against it.'

'Against her, certainly not. I have made acquaintance with her this
morning, and--and there is everything to interest one in her:' and