moment he saw nothing but the scene at the Hall with Miranda.
Fortunately for him, somebody claimed Cecilia, and he slunk back into
the greenhouse.

One of Mr Palmer's favourite ballads was The Three Ravens. Its
pathos unfits it for an ordinary drawing-room, but as the music at Mr
Palmer's was not of the common kind, The Three Ravens was put on the
list for that night.


'She was dead herself ere evensong time. With a down, hey down, hey
down,
God send every gentleman
Such hawks, such hounds, and such a leman. With down, hey down, hey
down.'


Frank knew well the prayer of that melody, and, as he listened, he
painted to himself, in the vividest colours, Madge in a mean room, in
a mean lodging, and perhaps dying. The song ceased, and one for him
stood next. He heard voices calling him, but he passed out into the
garden and went down to the further end, hiding himself behind the
shrubs. Presently the inquiry for him ceased, and he was relieved by
hearing an instrumental piece begin.

Following on that presentation of Madge came self-torture for his
unfaithfulness. He scourged himself into what he considered to be
his duty. He recalled with an effort all Madge's charms, mental and
bodily, and he tried to break his heart for her. He was in anguish
because he found that in order to feel as he ought to feel some