Such a marriage, indeed, would, one may say, be but a poor triumph.

When the countess, during the last season in town, had observed how matters were going with Alexandrina, she had cautioned her child, taking her to task for her imprudence.

But the child had been at this work for fourteen years, and was weary of it.

Her sisters had been at the work longer, and had almost given it up in despair.

Alexandrina did not tell her parent that her heart was now beyond her control, and that she had devoted herself to Crosbie for ever; but she pouted, saying that she knew very well what she was about, scolding her mother in return, and making Lady de Courcy perceive that the struggle was becoming very weary.