I am convinced of it." "Do you think so ?" said Mrs.Dangerfield in a tone in which disappointment and relief were very nicely blended.
"Think?
I'm sure of it," said Sir Maurice in a tone of complete conviction.
"But the children; he could do so much for the children," pleaded Mrs.
Dangerfield.
"He could, but he wouldn't.

That kind of bounder never does any one any good but himself.

No, no; the children are right in calling him the Cruncher.

He would just crunch you up; and it is a thousand times better for them to have an uncrunched mother than all the money that ever came out of pickles." "Well, you know best.

You do understand these things," said Mrs.
Dangerfield; and she sighed.
"I do understand Basters," said Sir Maurice in a confident tone.
Mrs.Dangerfield ran up-stairs to dress, on the light feet of a girl; a weight oppressive, indeed, had been lifted from her spirit.
Dinner was a very bright and lively meal, though now and again a grave thoughtfulness clouded the spirits of Erebus.