Mrs.Val had her ideas of 'Excelsior,' her ambition to rule, and these ideas and this ambition did not at all suit Gertrude's temper.

Not even for her husband's sake could she bring herself to be patronized by Mrs.
Val.

They were still very dear friends, of course; but they did not live in each other's arms as Alaric had intended they should do.
He returned home after his interview with Sir Gregory, and found his wife in the drawing-room with her child.

He usually went down from his office to his club, and she was therefore the more ready to welcome him for having broken through his habit on the present occasion.
She left her infant sprawling on the floor, and came up to greet him with a kiss.
'Ger,'-- said he, putting his arm round her and embracing her--'I have come home to consult you on business;' and then he seated himself on the sofa, taking her with him, and still in his arms.
There was but little doubt that she would consent to anything which he could propose to her after such a fashion, in such a guise as this; that he knew full well.
'Well, love,' said she, 'and what is the business about?
You know that I always think that to be best which you think to be best.' 'Yes, Ger; but this is a very important matter;' and then he looked grave, but managed at the same time to look happy and contented.

'This is a matter of vital importance to you, and I will do nothing in it without your consent.' 'What is best for you must be best for me,' said Gertrude, kissing his forehead.
Then he explained to her what had passed between himself and Sir Gregory, and what his own ideas were as regarded the borough of Strathbogy.