she said slowly. "At least, Frank writes that some neighbors of theirs
whom he met in the Engadine told him they had sold the site of that
absurd cottage where he was ill for some extravagant sum."

"My dear Geraldine," said the old man, affectionately, taking his wife's
hand in his own, that now for the first time trembled, "if you have any
hope based upon what you are thinking of now, let it be the last and
least. You forget that Paget told us that with the best care he could
scarcely ensure Frank's return to perfect health. Even if God in his
mercy spared him long enough to take my place, what girl would be
willing to tie herself to a man doomed to sickness and poverty? Hardly
the one you speak of, my dear."

Lady Canterbridge proved a true prophet. Mrs. Bradley and Miss Macy
did not come, regretfully alleging a previous engagement made on the
continent with the Duke of Northforeland and the Marquis of Dungeness;
but the unexpected and apocryphal husband DID arrive. "I myself have not
seen my wife and cousin since I returned from my visit to your son
in Switzerland. I am glad they were able to amuse themselves without
waiting for me at a London hotel, though I should have preferred to
have met them here." Sir Robert and Lady Mainwaring were courteous but
slightly embarrassed. Lady Canterbridge, who had come to the station in
bored curiosity, raised her clear blue eyes to his. He did not look like
a fool, a complaisant or fashionably-cynical husband--this well-dressed,
well-mannered, but quietly and sympathetically observant man. Did he
really care for his selfish wife? was it perfect trust or some absurd
Transatlantic custom? She did not understand him. It wearied her and she
turned her eyes indifferently away. Bradley, a little irritated, he knew
not why, at the scrutiny of this tall, handsome, gentlemanly-looking
woman, who, however, in spite of her broad shoulders and narrow hips