added bitterly. "There's the connection, forsooth. As if Lady
Aresfield were fit to bring up an honest man's wife; and there's the
fortune to fill up the void she has made in the Delavie estates."

"Can no one hinder it, sir? Cannot you?"

"As a last resource the poor youth came hither to see whether the
guardian whose wardship has hitherto been a dead letter, were indeed
so utterly obdurate and helpless as had been represented."

"And you have the power?"

"So far as his father's will and the injunctions of his final letter
to me can give it, I have full power. My consent is necessary to his
marriage while still a minor, and I have told my Lady I will never
give it to his wedding a Mar."

"I was sure of it; and it is not true that they will be able to do
without it?

"Without it! Have you heard any more? You pause. I see--she wishes
to declare me of unsound mind. Is that what you mean?"

"So Nurse Dove said, sir," faltered Aurelia; "but it seemed too wicked,
too monstrous, to be possible."

"I understand," he said. "I thought there was an implied threat in
my sweet sister-in-law's soft voice when she spoke of my determined
misanthropy. Well, I think we can guard against that expedient. After
all, it is only till my nephew comes of age, or till his stepfather