Why should they propose such a condition ?" "I am sure I don't know, James; for of course, we should never give our sanction to her marriage unless we approved of her choice, and surely the Miss Penfolds would not disapprove of a choice that we approved of ?" "Well, they might, my dear.

You know how bitterly they disliked Ralph Conway, and how they resented his being at the Hall.

It is quite possible they may have had some idea of Herbert's views about him and Mabel, and are determined that he shall not benefit through Mabel by one penny of their brother's property; and this clause is specially designed so that in case the two young people ever should come together they may be able if not to stop it--at any rate to stop the annuity.

That is the only interpretation I can give to this condition." "Very likely that is so James.

Really these women seem to get more detestable every day." Mr.Withers smiled at his wife's vehemence.