"What! to be turned out of it again by the advent of a young wife?
No, never, Lionel." Lionel laughed--constrainedly this time.
"I may not be bringing home a young wife for this many and many a year to come." "If you never brought one, I would not make my home at Verner's Pride," she resumed, in the same impulsive voice.

"Live in the house by favour, that ought to have been mine by right?
You would not be my true son to ask me, Lionel.

Catherine, is that you ?" she called out, as the movements of some one were heard in the ante-room.
A woman-servant put in her head.
"My lady ?" "Tell Miss Verner that Mr.Lionel is here ?" "Miss Verner knows it, my lady," was the woman's reply.

"She bade me ask you, sir," addressing Lionel, "if you'd please to step out to her." "Is she getting ready, Catherine ?" asked Lady Verner.
"I think not, my lady." "Go to her, Lionel, and ask her if she knows the time.

A pretty thing if you arrive at the station after the train is in!" Lionel quitted the room.