‘For joy or grief, for hope or fear,

For all hereafter, as for here,

In peace or strife¹, in storm or shine.’

ANON.

Edith went about on tip-toe, and checked Sholto in all loud speaking that next morning, as if any sudden noise would interrupt the conference that was taking place in the drawing-room. Two o’clock came; and they still sate² there with closed doors. Then there was a man’s footstep running down stairs; and Edith peeped out of the drawing-room.

‘Well, Henry?’ said she, with a look of interrogation.

‘Well!’ said he, rather shortly.

‘Come in to lunch!’

‘No, thank you, I can’t. I’ve lost too much time here already.’

‘Then it’s not all settled,’ said Edith despondingly.

‘No! not at all. It never will be settled, if the “it” is what I conjecture³ you mean. That will never be, Edith, so give up thinking about it.’

‘But it would be so nice for us all,’ pleaded Edith. ‘I should always feel comfortable about the children, if I had Margaret settled down near me. As it is, I am always afraid of her going off to Cadiz.’

‘I will try, when I marry, to look out for a young lady who has a knowledge of the management of children. That is all I can do. Miss Hale would not have me. And I shall not ask her.’

‘Then, what have you been talking about?’

‘A thousand things you would not understand: investments, and leases, and value of land.’

‘Oh, go away if that’s all. You and she will be unbearably⁴ stupid, if you’ve been talking all this time about such weary things.’

‘Very well. I’m coming again tomorrow, and bringing Mr. Thornton with me, to have some more talk with Miss Hale.’

‘Mr. Thornton! What has he to do with it?’

‘He is Miss Hale’s tenant⁵,’ said Mr. Lennox, turning away. ‘And he wishes to give up his lease.’

‘Oh! very well. I can’t understand details, so don’t give them me.’

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