thinking her something of a fool, and more of a pest; but now he could
not say a word to her without being baffled in an elderly-sisterly tone
exasperating him so far that he positively wished to marry her, and
coming to the point, offered himself with downright sincerity, and was
rejected. Harry left in a passion. Juliana confided the secret to
Caroline, who suggested interested motives, which Juliana would not hear
of.

'Ah,' said the Countess, when Caroline mentioned the case to her,
'of course the poor thing cherishes her first offer. She would believe a
curate to be disinterested! But mind that Evan has due warning when she
is to meet him. Mind that he is dressed becomingly.'

Caroline asked why.

'Because, my dear, she is enamoured of his person. These little
unhealthy creatures are always attracted by the person. She thinks it to
be Evan's qualities. I know better: it is his person. Beckley Court may
be lost by a shabby coat!'

The Countess had recovered from certain spiritual languors into which she
had fallen after her retreat. Ultimate victory hung still in the
balance. Oh! if Evan would only marry this little sufferer, who was so
sure to die within a year! or, if she lived (for marriage has often been
as a resurrection to some poor female invalids), there was Beckley Court,
a splendid basis for future achievements. Reflecting in this fashion,
the Countess pardoned her brother. Glowing hopes hung fresh lamps in her
charitable breast. She stepped across the threshold of Tailordom, won
Mr. Goren's heart by her condescension, and worked Evan into a sorrowful
mood concerning the invalid. Was not Juliana his only active friend? In