Basil

the Hall, my father and Clara r

t much of what has been already related. It is better to proceed at once to the closing period of my probation; to a period which it taxes

*

as arrived; and that on the morrow, Margaret, for whose sake I ha

the relative positions in which I, and the different persons with wh

m uttering a word before him, which bore the smallest reference to my real situation. Although when we met, we o

ister was not far off. She grew almost as much agitated as I was, though by very different expectations-she could think of nothing else but the explanation and the surprise in store for her. Sometimes, I

ess I had shown in meeting his wishes on all remaining points. My life was insured in Margaret's favour; and I had arranged to be called to the bar immediately, so as to qualify myself in good time for every possible place within place-hunting range. My assiduity in making these preparations for securing Margaret's prospects and mine against any evil chances that might happen, failed in producing the

stance, on one occasion, when Margaret had left the room for a minute or two, she suddenly hurried up to me, whispering with eager looks and anxious tones:-"Watch over your wife-mind you watch over her, and keep all bad people from her! I've tried to do it-mind you

ratitude for the slightest attentions I paid her. These unaccountable alterations of manner vexed and irritated me indescribably. I loved Margaret too well to be able to look philosophically on the imperfections of her character; I knew of no cause given by me for the frequent changes in her conduct, and, if they only proceeded from coquetry, then coquetry, as I once told her, was the last female accomplishment that could charm me in any woman whom I really loved. However,

e would suddenly stop before we had exchanged more than three or four words, murmur something, in a voice unlike his usual voice, about an attack of spasm and giddiness, and leave the room. These fits of illness had something in their nature of the same secrecy which distinguished everything else connected with him: they produced no external signs of distortion, no unusual paleness in his face-you could not guess what pain he was suffering, or where he was suffering it. Latterly, I abstained from ever asking him to join us;

n I went to see Margaret for the last time in my old character, on

e to be realized! All my arrangements at the cottage were completed in time to allow me to return home, just before our usual late dinner hour. During the meal, I provided for my month's absence from London, by informing my father that I proposed visiting one of my country friends. He heard me as coldly and indifferently as usual; and, as I anticipated, did not even ask to what friend's house I was going. After dinn

e out to an evening party, given by a maiden aunt of hers, who was known to be v

towards both of us, which revolted me. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin were in the room when I entered; and to him I spoke my opinion on the subject, in no

m the old lady, saying she should be affronted if Margaret wasn't one of her guests. I couldn't go and talk her over, because of this infernal headache of mine-Hang it! it's your interest that Margaret should keep in with her aunt; she'll have all the old girl's money, if she only plays her cards decently well. That's why I sent her to the part

ch fitter for such a trust than her own father. Of all the good services he had done for me, I thought th

ng need make a fuss about. I've been doing everything for Margaret's interests and yours-and she'll be back by twelve-and Mr. Mannion takes c

tentions, or the advantage of Mr. Mannion's protection for Margaret; but

go at all, whatever her

usband's presence-such an outburst from her, was perfectly inexplicable. She pronounced the words with desper

'll tell you what it is, Mr. Basil," he continued, turning snappishly round upon me, "you had better stop that fidgetty temper of yours, by going to the party yourself. The old lady told me she wanted gentlemen; and would be glad to see any friends of mine I liked to send her. You have only to mention my name:

mour by ringing the bell violently for "his arrow-

ortunity, when her husband's eye was off her, of nodding her head at me significantly. Sh

her father and mother at North Villa, was an infliction not to be endured. I determined to go to the party. No one there would know anything about me. They would be all people who lived in a different world from mine; and whose manners and habits I might find som

illiantly on my arrival there, now appeared but at rare intervals; for the clouds were