"You still think that you will marry him yourself, that perhaps his uncle will die and leave him once more a rich man--the master of The Place, as the old Place's master should be; but that is a distant prospect, Marian." Mrs.Bethune has swung around, her beautiful figure is drawn up to its most stately height.
"Not another word!" says she imperiously.

"What have I to do with your son?
Let him marry--let him marry----" She pauses as if choking, but goes on again: "I tell you I have no influence--_none!_ Appeal to Margaret, she may help you!" "She--no!" "Hush! here she is.

Yes; ask her," says Mrs.Bethune, as if desirous of letting Lady Rylton hear the opinion of the new-comer on this extraordinary subject..