It was not long, however, before both repented of the step.

That her father should disown her was not of much consequence in any point of view, but that nobody in Edinburgh would admit her claims to distinction--which arose from the fact that they were so unpleasantly asserted that no one could endure herself--did disgust her considerably; and her annoyance found vent in abuse of her husband for having failed to place her in the sphere to which she had a just claim.

The consequence was, that he neglected her; and she sat at home brooding over her wrongs, despising and at length hating her husband, and meditating plans of revenge as soon as her child should be born.

At length, within three months after the birth of Patrick, she found that he was unfaithful to her, and immediately demanded a separate maintenance.

To this her husband made no further objection than policy required.