Marian"-- Miss Knollys turns suddenly to Marian, who has withdrawn behind the curtains, as if determined to have nothing to say further to the discussion-- "Marian, come here.

Say you think Maurice should not marry this silly child--this baby." "Oh! as for me," says Mrs.Bethune, coming out from behind the curtains, her face a little pale, "what is my weight in this matter?
Nothing! nothing! Let Maurice marry as he will." _"As he will!"_ Lady Rylton repeats her words, and, rising, comes towards her.

"Why don't you answer ?" says she.

"We want your answer.
Give it!" "I have no answer," says Mrs.Bethune slowly.

"Why should he not marry Miss Bolton ?--and again, why should he?
Marriage, as we have been told all our lives, is but a lottery--they should have said a mockery," with a little bitter smile.