Had he been truly honest--had that woman's suspicion really done him injustice--he would have received his wife's tidings with grave displeasure, and have simply resolved to acquit himself as soon as possible of the disagreeable trust which had been reposed in him.

But such was not now his conduct.

He contented himself by calling Mrs.Val names, and pretended to laugh at her displeasure.
'But you will give up this trust, won't you ?' said Gertrude.
'I will think about it,' said he.

'Before I do anything I must consult old Figgs.

Things of that kind can't be put out of their course by the spleen of an old woman like Mrs.Val.' 'Oh, Alaric, I do so wish you had had nothing to do with these Scotts!' 'So do I,' said he, bitterly; 'I hate them--but, Gertrude, don't talk about them now; my head aches, and I am tired.' He sat at home the whole evening; and though he was by no means gay, and hardly affectionate in his demeanour to her, yet she could not but feel that some good effect had sprung from his recent dislike to the Scotts, since it kept him at home with her.
Lately he had generally spent his evenings at his club.