"Whatever may have been Lady Midlothian's misfortunes no one can say they have resulted from her own fault." "Yes they can, aunt, if she married a man whom she knew to be a scapegrace because he was very rich and an earl." "She was the daughter of a nobleman herself, and only married in her own degree.

But I don't want to discuss that.

She meant to be good-natured when she mentioned your marriage, and you should take it as it was meant.

After all she was only your mother's second cousin--" "Dear aunt, I make no claim on her cousinship." "But she admits the claim, and is quite anxious that you should know her.

She has been at the trouble to find out everything about Mr Grey, and told me that nothing could be more satisfactory." "Upon my word I am very much obliged to her." Lady Macleod was a woman of much patience, and possessed also of considerable perseverance.