'Tis astonishing how little we see of him." Melbury's mind seemed to turn with much relief to the contemplation of Mr.Fitzpiers after the scenes of the evening.

"It is natural enough," he replied.

"What can a man of that sort find to interest him in Hintock?
I don't expect he'll stay here long." His mind reverted to Giles's party, and when they were nearly home he spoke again, his daughter being a few steps in advance: "It is hardly the line of life for a girl like Grace, after what she's been accustomed to.

I didn't foresee that in sending her to boarding-school and letting her travel, and what not, to make her a good bargain for Giles, I should be really spoiling her for him.

Ah, 'tis a thousand pities! But he ought to have her--he ought!" At this moment the two exclusive, chalk-mark men, having at last really finished their play, could be heard coming along in the rear, vociferously singing a song to march-time, and keeping vigorous step to the same in far-reaching strides-- "She may go, oh! She may go, oh! She may go to the d---- for me!" The timber-merchant turned indignantly to Mrs.Melbury.