How very hard the world is! I came here thinking to find peace and sunshine, and there has come a storm at once.' 'You asked me about the Melmottes, and I was obliged to speak.

You cannot think that I meant to offend you.' They walked on in silence till they had reached the door leading from the garden into the house, and here he stopped her.

'If I have been over hot with you, let me beg your pardon,' She smiled and bowed; but her smile was not one of forgiveness; and then she essayed to pass on into the house.

'Pray do not speak of going, Lady Carbury.' 'I think I will go to my room now.

My head aches so that I can hardly stand.' It was late in the afternoon,--about six,--and according to his daily custom he should have gone round to the offices to see his men as they came from their work, but he stood still for a few moments on the spot where Lady Carbury had left him and went slowly across the lawn to the bridge and there seated himself on the parapet.