"Dear Frederic," she said, "you know that we have all got to look up to you." "Well, Clara,--what does that mean ?" "It means this,--that you must bear with me, if I am more anxious as to your future career than another sister might be." "Now I know you are going to say something unpleasant." "Yes, I am, Frederic.

I have heard so many bad things about Lady Eustace!" The Under-Secretary sat silent for awhile in his great arm-chair.
"What sort of evil things do you mean, Clara ?" he asked at last.
"Evil things are said of a great many people,--as you know.

I am sure you would not wish to repeat slanders." Mrs.Hittaway was not to be silenced after this fashion.

"Not slanders, certainly, Frederic.

But when I hear that you intend to raise this lady to the rank and position of your wife, then of course the truth or falsehood of these reports becomes a matter of great moment to us all.