It is natural that I should at present shrink from seeing Susan Mivers.

Hereafter, if permitted, I will visit Mrs.Mainwaring." Though all had chanced as Mr.Fielden had desired (if, as he once half meditated, he had spoken to Lucretia herself); though a marriage that could have brought happiness to none, and would have made the misery of two, was at an end,--he yet felt a bitter pang, almost of remorse, when he learned what had occurred.

And Lucretia, before secretly disliked (if any one he could dislike), became dear to him at once, by sorrow and compassion.

Forgetting every other person, he hurried to the hotel Lucretia had chosen; but her coldness deceived and her pride repelled him.

She listened dryly to all he said, and merely replied: "I feel only gratitude at my escape.