A London Life; The Patagonia; The Liar; Mrs. Temperly

rfect truth when you say that

eracity's being impugned) for a look of gentle amusement; she smiled patiently, as if she remembered that of course Laura couldn't understand of what an impertinence she had been guilty. There was a quickness of perception and lightness of hand which, to her sense, her American sister had never acquired: the girl's earnest, almost barbarous probity blinded her to the importance of certain pleasant little forms. 'My poor child, the things you do say! One doesn't put a question about the perfect truth in a manner that implies that a person is telling a perfect lie. However, as it's only you, I don't mind satisfying your clumsy curiosity. I haven't the least id

ly now to see her alone-she had something so serious to say to her. Selina hugged her children repeatedly, encouraging their sallies; she laughed extravagantly at the artlessness of their remarks, so that at table Miss Steet was quite abashed by her unusual high spirits. Laura was unable to question her about Captain Crispin and Lady Ringrose while Geordie and Ferdy were there: they would not understand, of course, but names were always reflected in their limpid little minds and they gave forth the image later-often in the most extraordinary connections. It was as if Selina knew what she was waiting for and were determined to make her wait. The girl wished her to go to her room, that she might follow her there. But Selina showed no disposition to retire, and one could never entertain the idea for her, on any occasion, that it would be suitable that she should change her dress. The dress she wore-whatever it was-was too becoming to her, and to the moment, for that. Laura noticed how the very folds of her garment told that she had been to Paris; she had spent only a week there but the mark of her couturière was all over her: it was simply to confer with this great artist that, from her own account, she had crossed the Channel. The signs of the conference were so conspicuous that it was as if she had said, 'Don't you see

the carriage was announced, and the servant, leaving the door of the room open, hovered within earshot. Laura then, losing patience, turned out the maid and closed the door; she stood before her sister, who was prepared for her drive. Then she asked her abruptly, fiercely, but colouring with her question, whether Captain Crispin had been in Paris. We have heard Mrs. Berrington's answer, with which her strenuous sister was imperfectly satisfied; a fact the perception of which it doubtless was that led Selina to break out, with a greater show o

nse gravity, still looking at her-looking all the mo

ton exclaimed, with an angry laugh. 'You have ideas that when I was a girl--' She paused, and

; that's too cheap a defence. You have said things to me-if you choose to talk of freedom! What is the talk of your house and what does one hear if one lives with you? I don't care what I hear now (it's all odious and there's little choic

iful powers, to be insulted, to be covered with out

tched-who cares enough for you to care about the truth in what conce

with a singular laugh.

but she had not, in her mind, settled that point. However, it was settled now in an instant. 'I don't mean your friends-those of them that I h

rington, holding up her head with a

and that you were with him. He be

d this

don't know why I shoul

ht-to pour forth his vileness upon me; but when he is so lost to every feeling as to begin to

was his believing it,' the girl replied. '

y obliged to you! You are a t

-till I'm blind and sick!' Laura replied. 'I hope you are prepare

nd reminding her of Wedgewood pottery, consisted of slim festoons, urns and trophies and knotted ribbons, so many symbols of domestic affection and irrevocable union. Selina herself had flashed it at her with light superiority, as if it were some precious jewel kept in reserve, which she could convert at any moment into specie, so that it would constitute a happy provision for her future. The idea-associated with he

ng about that

tight. Should you like to know a few of the reasons-heaven forbid I shoul

n the

me would be sickening if it weren't grotesque?' Selina went on, with increasing emotion. 'Should you like

rt,' Laura interrupted. 'Especially as you were jus

-but it suits your purp

' the girl almost sh

er enough when it suits you!' Mrs. Berrington continued, throwing off another ripple of de

rm as she passed toward the door. 'Will you swear

And now she thought S

ay eyes on Captain

e really too odious, but as you are pinching me to death I

had never helped any one to find out anything about their possessor except that she was one of the beauties of London. Even while Selina spoke Laura had a cold, horrible sense of not believing her, and at the same time a desire, colder still, to extract a reiteration of t

let her go; she had not been pinching her, as Selina described the pressure, but had clung to her with insistent hands.

I don't care-I s

, that your friend La

k she is st

Selina exclaimed,