That is not the point, Mrs. Gainsborough ; a qualified promise which would be sufficient a he offer free me from any fear that Helen WedWouldn't I? I'm not so sure. I've heard strange tales of him." From Witham?" " Well, they're likely not all true, but Idaresay some of them are." I am afraid, Grant, you wish to think Mr. Mainwaring unworthy. No, I don't. I wish him to behave well now, whatever he may have been. I'd give my right hand, and I know what it is to miss it, to insure Helen's happiness. Yes, even if I were bgenuals" about have you ever never to look on her again; only I'd like to hear any ill-rumours are current I know, scandalized you to Grant, so do not about you. so foolish as to attach importance to anything le may Have asserted. In his heart I bave little doubt he acquits you.' 1 'do not care p particularly about his good opinion, but I should not l to suffer in yours." And thien quitting the subject for another very interesting for me, I heard with pleasure it was decided that Valentine Merrivale was to have the management of farming affairs at Darliston. her say she forgave what's past. I hope he'll make her a good husband I'm sure; but just see, Mrs. Gainsborough-he did'nt love her when he took her. I don't say he does not now, and he means well no doubt. But there's his cousin who was his first love, and there's his fine lady mother; both like to fling money habout, and neither is over particular how it is comes into her hands. See if the two together don't wheedle him out of thinking any more of Helen than that she is a right sort to look after the servants at home, while they are the right sort to help him to spend her money. You may look shocked, Mrs. Gainsborough, but you'll see that it is so and Helen's not to stand by tunely, for she's got spirit and commod sense. And when they find they can't make her * ́I could perceive Grant was not in a temper eat humble pie, they will turn to and worry the to be reasoned with, so, uching on the life out of her with their fine aristocratic airs subject till e that came he had and pretensions. I say if he don't stand up for had one of his heavy avy depression, and I her then, I don't see why I should be bound to had to exert myself to him out of it. let her be trampled upon." rouse When he had a little recovered, I asked: "What did you think of Mr. Mainwaring this morning sail nam & visdi yoy and J ᏍᏊ Think of him ?1 quite so much as he thinks of himself, I daresay. I see nothing particular about him to make women men fall in love with him. He has an aristocratic sort fnose, and a way of looking at your eyes as if he meant to read you through he didn't read me though." "No, hope not: 30b know it was no bright page yous presented Was it not very wicked of your Grant, storhwart your friends with your perversity What could you mean by refusing to concede what was so reasonable sa request? You do not, I know, dream of playing the same bad game over again, and you know that, come what may, Helen will be a loyal wife," 1/ "Oh, I am not such a fool as to doubt that. There never was woman of our stock that was otherwise le is safe enough, but it was, à pleasure to make him feel a little wholesome doubted on Efron I Lazovete us any Oh, Grant, was that all? It was very paltry of you.uoda nov da bude pot gluf Well, I don't see that. And don't you perceive, Mrs. Gainsborough, there could be no harm in his knowing that if he did not use Helen well there was one would be after him." "How trying you are, Grant. Why should he not use her well? You don't know Mr. Mainwaring, or you would not talk so." Although I believed that stubborn pride and prejudice were much more concerned in these opinions than Grant himself was aware of, there was a degree of rightful interest in Helen's welfare, and a glimmering of probability in his surmises, which made me answer him with greater patience.. You could do nothing, Grant, even if the case were so. This unfortunate affair is enough to prevent your ever being useful to Helen in any way of championship If you desire to be friends with her, give the pledge Mr. Mainwaring requires of you." Tool 1 110 min Ni od sml CHAP. LVII." PH CHANGE While I was at 'church on Sunday Mr. George Wainwright called at Fairclough, and had a long interview with his son. He had been during the previous week at the Rood Farm, and had written me a letter stating his wish to talk with Grant seriously concerning his condition. He apologized for having been carried away on a previous occasion by the force of his feelings; and thanking me for the trouble I had taken in nursing his son, promised nothing should occur likely to retard his recovery. 107 "No, Grant; what is it?" JB BBW I slid W. "That my poor old uncle is in the state he is in. He was really good to me: kinder by far I was so provoked I could not help saying, than any of them at home, except Georgie I Really, Grant, considering all things, it is a think he really was fond of me, and when I little too absurd that you should set yourself up think I-oh, Mrs. Gainsborough, I have been a as superior in morality to Mr. Mainwaring." fool! There's nothing bad enough to say for myself. I never thought what I owed him till now, when I feel I dare not face him. I would not have him know I had proved such an ungrateful scoundrel for the world. I hope he never will know it." So a day's madness is to level me with the lowest profligates, I suppose," he said with bitterness, I might have been ten times the sinner I have been without offending against the laws of the land or being looked down upon by respectable people." I believe the fact is that there are times when his mind fails to entertain the truth in respect to his recent deeds; when he reverts, as it were, to his former opinion of himself. But when these truths come sweeping back upon his mind, showing him, as I think they do, that the blackened likeness of himself now before the world is a portrait undeniable, then he is overwhelmed. My hope is that better perceptions are beginning to dawn upon him, that he begins to see that the acts which tell so fearfully against him were the natural results of the state of heathenish forgetfulness in which he was before living; all the real difference between his present and former self being that before this opportunity for overt wickedness, temptation of the kind had not come in his way. Other temptations, other opportunities for evil, the strength derived from education and rightly-formed habit, may have enabled him to withstand. But he did not look beyond such strength, and who is safe in that alone? Most men when they fall under temptation seek consolation in thinking others only need to be tempted to fall as low as themselves; and this may be one reason why Grant is always harping on and cherishing the supposition that Mr. Mainwaring is partaker of all the misdeeds that people are wont to stigmatize his class with. It is exceedingly unfair towards him, and not what Grant would approve of in his own case. I was at Daliston early next morning, and met Mr. Mainwaring in the hall. In answer to my inquiry after Helen, he told me she was getting quite saucy, and almost able to walk over and see me; "though, of course," he added, "she cannot do so while that black petlamb of yours is at Fairclough. How is he progressing?" "But slowly," I answered; and then I stated that Grant had admitted his obstinacy had not proceeded from any latent hope of winning Helen's affection from him; but that, taking for premises that she was likely to be slighted by his high-born relatives, he had also assumed that he might from too great partiality to them, refrain from supporting her rightful claims. "It is a view of the case," I said in conclusion, "which many who do not know you well would be likely to take." "Mr. Grant Wainwright has no right to question either my intentions now, or my conduct hereafter," Mr. Mainwaring replied; "the matter to be considered is what his own has been. But what think you, Mrs. Gainsborough, have you any such fears?" "I am quite content with Helen's choice: I think you know that, Mr. Mainwaring, at the same time-" I hesitated. "Pray go on. I know you are a friend to me as well as to Helen, and I wish you to speak freely." "I do fear, then, that Helen may find some serious difficulties before her in regard to your mother, because she is so much attached to her niece, and it is certain Lady Althea is no friend of Helen's. I cannot think it would be well she should make long visits in any house where that lady resides. Mr. Mainwaring looked thoughtful. "There are indeed," he said, some special difficulties before us, but I trust they are not insurmountable. You may trust me that Helen's happiness will be my dearest care; but nothing less than the necessity of defending that happiness, could induce me to give up the place beside my mother, which her only son, her only child, should occupy. You may not be aware that seven years ago my mother, in order to save Lord Cardington from something like bankruptcy, gave up her life-rent of seven hundred a-year on the Shuttleworth property in Westmoreland, only stipulating with her brother that she should henceforth share his home. Lord Cardington is attached to her, and not ungrateful for what was indeed an act of much self-sacrifice on her part, though she was not the only sufferer. As my mother is satisfied to continue this arrangement, and from habit could not, it is probable, be happy in a small establishment, it would be very undesirable that I should interfere. While I am Lord St. George's secretary, I can count on residence with him, in such sort as will, I am sure, suffice all dear Helen's modest requirements, but I can entertain no visitors-at least as residents. I shall, doubtless, enjoy occasional leave of absence; and of course, while Mr. Wainwright lives, we shall be as often as possible at Darliston; still, wherever my mother is, whether at Cardington Castle or elsewhere, there must be, while Lady Althea remains unmarried, frequent occasions for contact between her and my Helen; so I can only say, Mrs. Gainsborough, trust me to defend my wife against all assailants-this fair foe included!" "There, then, I promise to be happy on the subject till further notice." "I shall tell Helen to write to you as freely as if you were her mother: I think you have a right to know how all goes with her; you have taken so kindly an interest in her welfare: but I must caution you not to judge hastily even from what you may hear of my conduct. In taking up the position which alone will guarantee future peace in my family, I have no easy task before me." I fancy I see him sitting in the old window recess, with the line of thought much more strongly defined on his handsome brow than is usual at two-and-twenty. Then the raised head, the smile, and passing away of all clouds when, through the half-open door, voices were heard on the staircase. "There are the girls. Helen, darling, Mrs. Gainsborough is here." I sat with them in the orchard for nearly an hour, discussing contemplated alterations and improvements in Darliston Hall. Mr. Mainwaring hoped they might be at liberty to spend Christmas there, and though at the present pleasant season a summer house in the orchard sufficed to content them, it was manifestly desirable there should be other accommodation for the winter. At the last Arden filled my pockets with choice pears, which he had mounted a tall tree to gather, and as I cried "enough," good-humouredly reminded me I should want some for my pet-lamb. th i Happiness ought to make men merciful, and ht was very plain that Mr. Mainwaring was appy; but it pleased me as well on Grant's ac count as his own. I was the more desirous at the best possible feeling should subsist between the two, in that I heard it was probable that day's post might bring my friends marching orders. Mr. Mainwaring promised if those orders brooked no delay, he would drive over in the evening and bring me to spend another hour with Helen. It was so: when I met him at the door he told me they were to start for London early next morning, and on the following day proceed to Paris. "Helen is not afraid of the journey," he said. "Miss Ainslie and Alice have been very kind in assisting her this afternoon in packing her apology for a trousseau. If, as is likely, I am required to be very busy while I am in Paris, I hope she will be able to find some amusement in shopping and sight-seeing in company with a lady now residing there, who was one of my earliest friends; I have written already requesting she will seek a suitable fille de chambre to attend my wife. And now, Mrs. Gainsborough, I have this affair to settle. In what humour shall I find your patient this evening?" "He has suffered much from pain in the side; I fear you may find him irritable. However, he is certainly more anxious for favour at your hands. His sister in London has written to him again." "I have a Lancaster newspaper you must see; the horse-dealer Benson's confession is in it. He says a good deal on the subject of Witham's attempts upon the heiress-that was one on the marsh!" "I thought so; and does he mention Grant Wainwright?" "Yes-in a manner that will not at all flatter him-but it shows the part he played was rather that of a fool than rogue. It may be as well I should not take him by surprise; will you let him know I wish to speak with him! And, Mrs. Gainsborough, stay with us; your presence may influence him for good!" I went into the drawing-room and said. Grant, I am sure it depends on yourself to have that which hangs over you removed. You have proved that there are some who are truly concerned for your welfare: for their sakes, if not for your own, curb your unruly spirit. Mr. Mainwaring wishes to see you, and he leaves early to-morrow." "I'll not vex him if I can help it," he said; "shall I go to him, or is he coming here?" "He knows you are very unwell: keep to your sofa, and, if you will take my advice, be as silent as you can. Hear him, and think twice before you speak.” "Ah, he's what you women think a very fascinating person; but his appearance is anything but charming to me, I can tell you. However, I know which way my interest lies-I mean to keep a quiet tongue in my head if he don't try me too much." 1 I ushered Mr. Mainwaring in, and sat down with my work at the table. No salutations passed, only Grant made a change in his position on the sofa so as to face the visitor. "You have considered my proposal, I hope, Mr. Wainwright ?" "Yes," was the answer, "I do not think you quite understood me." He paused, as if he expected Mr. Mainwaring to speak; but, as he continued silent, proceeded: "Helen has made her choice, and will abide by it, I know. I threw away my chance when I had it, and am not such a fool as to suppose now that I have any against you. I never had any skill in winning women's affections; you have, and I daresay can keep what you gain if you please." I wished he had minded my counsel better. The last sentence sounded either like flattery sarcasm, and I could tell it would not or please. "Mr. Wainwright," Arden said, "I am not here to discuss questions of feeling with you, and will have no word said on the subject of affection between my wife and myself; it is our own affair. I have heard from Mrs. Gainsborough that you ground your opposition to what I believed a reasonable demand, on the idea that, as a relative, it is still your duty to stand prepared to defend your cousin. Granting full force to the adverse circumstances leading to my marriage, what right or reason have you for supposing I shall fail in supporting my wife in the position towards myself or others which is her due, or cause her to regret she has trusted to my protection in life?" "It is not my interest to offend you, Mr. Mainwaring; but, can you say that no woman hitherto has trusted to your protection, and not found cause to rue it? What of Mary Granger?" "Mary Granger? Who is she?" Do you mean to deny her very name ?" "I do deny recollection of it, Mr. Wainwright: you have suffered yourself to be deluded into believing some fable !" "No such thing, Mr. Mainwaring. If only Witham had told me of it, I should have classed it with the rest of his lies, but I have seen Mary Granger in London and heard from her own lips quite enough coupled with what I already knew. I can mention the names of at least three gentlemen whose respectability you cannot deny they all saw you kiss her and give her money!" que “dt by daydd be. rd, 1 Mary Granger? I was sure I had heard the "You would have done better if you had boxed her ears." "Perhaps it would have been a wiser charity; but courtesy comes most readily." You wrote to her and sent her presents. watch." name before, and that it was down somewhere You gave her you Wainwright, and altogether in my diary. z saloq ratera le incong "Some old affair, ir, it must be," Mr. Mainwaring said.When a boy I was rather profuse with money and possibly with kisses alsothough I think I can say they rarely went together. I can recal no such matter in connection am at a loss "Surmise, Mr. wrong. I have worn the same watch these ten years; it was my father's." "She told me so. At least, Mr. Mainwaring, it is fair that I should say she did not mention your name; but all she told us concerning the man who misled her made it seem as plain as could be no other. to imagine pary Grange that can bear on possible it was you the the matter between us. Unless I your horses to him," 3 you can show it Besides, you had dealings with Kirby; you sold may, it would be better to return to that matter. I rose, exceedingly annoyed. Mr. Mainwaring rose too and arrested my leaving. His colour was somewhat higher than usual, but bis glance reassured me. Mrs. Gainsborough,” he said, "entreat you to stay.There is no truth that can be said of me in connection with any woman in the world which is unfit for you to listen to. If you leave now I cannot accord Mr. Wainwright that grace I came prepared to grant; it will bear the appearance of a compromise.' T I did sell two horses to a person of that name; he bought them out of the stables at Cardington. What had he to do with the He married her last March; but she says he has a wife living," The missing link in my memory was now supplied, and others brought into connection with it. I spoke Grant, will you state precisely what words of Mrs. Kirby's led to your supposing Mr. Mainwaring was the person she was speaking about ?” | Mrs. Gainsborough," he said; “I did not hear her speak it all myself, she was more reserved with me. I was young. It was a gentleman whose name I ought not perhaps to mention, but whose veracity cannot be questioned, who first saw her in London. She was in great distress, and asked money from him to pay her lodging, as the man she had married spare Mrs. Gainsborough the recital of a scanda- had taken all from her and abandoned her. lous tale, I will allow our positions to be reIt was known it was all wrong with her before versed, and give you leave to question me respecting my past conduct. Only, leave out surmise, and keep to what you have heard on respectable authority.' Proceed, sir, The quiet fearlessness of Mr. Mainwaring's tone and mien was not without effect on Grant. I believe he did think twice before he next spoke. 66 Squire Boradaile, of the Leas, Mr. Thorpe, of Branxton, and James Prendergast, the younger, were the three gentlemen I referred to. I shall not say which of the three was my informant." "Very good witnesses; and I remember what they witnessed. But I thought the girl was old Martin the gardener's daughter?" "No; he married her mother, and she's dead. Worse shame to the villain, whoever he was that led her astray." pipis 94] I T "So be it. I never saw her from that hour to this." "You admit that you kissed her ?" "I admit it. We were bound for the hunt and all brought flowers from her. I had to ask her for change. While putting the flower in my coat she asked me how I would have it. Her pretty face said kiss me' as plain as if she had spoken the words. I kissed her." | she fled from her stepfather's, and he, the gentleman, asked how she could have been such a fool as to be led away by such a man as Kirby, a drunkard and in years. Then she confessed it was another; that he was young and good-looking. A grand gentleman who might be a lord some day, and whom all the fine ladies were in love with. He had given her handsome presents and she was sure he would have married her, only he was in difficulties, and his friends insisted on his marrying some one with a fortune. He took me to her lodgings and I questioned her myself on the last point: she did not deny that it was my cousin she meant by the lady with money." Grant, might not an ignorant country girl, taking all his professions for granted, say all this-of Witham?". "Witham ?". Grant repeated; his face underwent a succession of varied changes of expression, and muttering something between his teeth, te sunk back on the sofa. I was afraid he was fainting; but presently be appeared to recover, and looked to me for further information. I told that Mrs. Merrivale had informed me that a girl she knew, who had been beguiled by the flatteries of this pretended gentleman, and |