nerves. In fact, the unfortunate child inherited the weaknesses and
faults of both parents, without any of their redeeming virtues.

The passion which had sprung to life in her breast for the young
rector, was as strong and unreasoning as the infatuation which her
father had once experienced for Berene Dumont; but instead of
struggling against the feeling as her father had at least attempted
to do, she dwelt upon it with all the mulish persistency which her
mother exhibited in small matters, and luxuriated in romantic dreams
of the future.

Mabel was wholly unable to comprehend the depth or violence of her
daughter's feelings, but she realised the fact that Alice had set her
mind on winning Arthur Stuart for a husband, and she quite approved
of the idea, and saw no reason why it should not succeed. She
herself had won Preston Cheney away from all rivals for his favour,
and Alice ought to be able to do the same with Arthur, after all the
money which had been expended upon her wardrobe. Senator Cheney's
daughter and Judge Lawrence's granddaughter, surely was a prize for
any man to win as a wife.

The Baroness, however, reviewed the situation with more concern of
mind. She realised that Alice was destitute of beauty and charm, and
that Arthur Emerson Stuart (it would have been considered a case of
high treason to speak of the rector of St Blank's without using his
three names) was independent in the matter of fortune, and so dowered
with nature's best gifts that he could have almost any woman for the
asking whom he should desire. But the Baroness believed much in
propinquity; and she brought the rector and Alice together as often
as possible, and coached the girl in coquettish arts when alone with