Lady Eustace There were circumstances in her position which made it impossible that Lizzie Greystock,--or Lady Eustace, as we must now call her,--should be left altogether to herself in the modest widow's retreat which she had found at Brighton.

It was then April, and it was known that if all things went well with her, she would be a mother before the summer was over.

On what the Fates might ordain in this matter immense interests were dependent.

If a son should be born he would inherit everything, subject, of course, to his mother's settlement.

If a daughter, to her would belong the great personal wealth which Sir Florian had owned at the time of his death.