"You hurt me so, dear Margaret," she says plaintively, "but I'm _sure_ you do not mean it." "No, no, of course," says Miss Knollys, as civilly as she can.

She is feeling a little disgusted.
"And as for this affair--objectionable as the girl is, still one must give and take a little when one's fortunes are at the ebb.

And I will save my dearest Maurice at all risks if I can, no matter what grief it costs _me_.

Who am I"-- with a picturesque sigh--"that I should interfere with the prospects of my child?
And this girl! If Maurice can be persuaded to have her----" "My dear Tessie, what a word!" says Margaret, rising, with a distinct frown.

"Has he _only_ to ask, then, and have ?" "Beyond doubt," says Lady Rylton insolently, waving her fan to and fro, "if he does it in the right way.