And in this way the engagement became a thing settled before the banker had realised the facts of the position.

Though he could not be cordial he endeavoured to be gracious to his old friend.

But Mrs.Bolton spoke words which made all friendship impossible.

She asked old Mr.Caldigate after his soul, and when he replied to her less seriously than she thought becoming, she told him that he was in the bad way.

And then she said things about the marriage which implied that she would sooner see her daughter in her grave than married to a man who was no more than a professing Christian.