She was herself aggrieved at being left with nothing more than a life interest in her husband's property; she sided resolutely with Michael; and she stigmatized Andrew's proposal as an attempt to bribe her eldest son into withdrawing a charge against his brother which that brother knew to be true.

After this last repulse, nothing more could be done.

Michael withdrew to the Continent; and his mother followed him there.

She lived long enough, and saved money enough out of her income, to add considerably, at her death, to her elder son's five thousand pounds.
He had previously still further improved his pecuniary position by an advantageous marriage; and he is now passing the close of his days either in France or Switzerland--a widower, with one son.

We shall return to him shortly.