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PR 4779.H37C5 1894
V. 1-2
A choice of evils, a novel, by Mrs. Alexan
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VOL. 3013.
A CHOICE OF EVILS BY MRS. ALEXANDER.
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A CHOICE OF EVILS.
A NOV CL.
BY
MRS. ALEXANDER, BL.
'A WARD IN CHANCERY," “A WOMAN'S HEART,"
AUTHOR OF
ETC. ETC.
نسا
COPYRIGHT EDITION.
IN TWO VOLUMES.-VOL. I.
LEIPZIG
BERNHARD TAUCHNITZ
1894.


aet
+8-58-33-
A. 131835


CONTENTS
OF VOLUME I.
CHAPTER I.
Page
Parting
7
CHAPTER II.
Randal Palliser of Mervyn Hall.
.
.
27
CHAPTER III.
In the Library
44
CHAPTER IV.
Morning Visits
64
CHAPTER V.
At the Hall
.
85
CHAPTER VI.
An important Decision .
113
CHAPTER VII,
Wedding Bells
134
.


6
CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.
CHAPTER VIII.
The daily Round
Page
154
CHAPTER IX.
Dappled Skies
176
CHAPTER X.
Crumpled Rose Leaves
198
CHAPTER XI.
“The Day is cold and dark and dreary”
222
CHAPTER XII.
A wintry Sun
247
CHAPTER XIII.
Life's fitful Fever


8
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
to make money in a way that would once have been
considered derogatory by such personages.
Rents were low in Langford, so was the death rate,
and a fair amount of sport was to be found in its
neighbourhood. It was little more than four hours
from London, and added to these advantages it pos-
sessed an excellent preparatory school for boys. Pretty
villas, of various dimensions, from the handsome Eliza-
bethan house, surrounded by pretentious grounds, to
small “Queen Anne" structures, with neat gardens
back and front, grew up in and about it, besides some
older cottage - orné abodes — covered with roses and
clematis, and furnished with grass plots, and a flower
border behind.
Of these latter, none were more neatly kept than
Navarino Cottage, the residence of Commander, or—as
he was usually called-Captain Josiah Rowley, R.N.
It was his own property. He had purchased it on
his retirement from active service some fifteen or six-
teen years before, when prices at Langford were con-
siderably lower than at the date of this true tale. Here
he established himself, a widower with a little fair-
haired girl, and a lanky boy of twelve or thirteen.
One of his chief attractions to Langford was the
society of the vicar and his wife, friends of early days,
with whose children his daughter grew up, sharing their
play and their lessons, taking her turn in driving their


IO
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
with golden grain ready for the sickle, interspersed
with spaces of rich green pasture land. Overhead, a
few fleecy white clouds moved slowly across the bright
blue sky, while the sleepy hum of insects was occasion-
ally broken by the tinkle of a sheep-bell from a flock
browsing on a piece of common, which stretched down-
hill at the other side of the lane.
One of the oak trees from which the lane was
named, grew at the north end of the cottage, shelter-
ing with its wide-spread branches the narrow strip of
pleasure ground which intervened between a low wooden
paling and the house, and which the owner kept in a
high state of neatness and greenness.
It was very warm and had been a breathless day.
Captain Rowley paused on reaching his own little
domain, lifted his straw hat and wiped his brows, look-
ing all the time keenly at the shrubs and flowers within
the paling as if seeking for some tokens of neglect;
then he opened the gate, and walked up a side path
which led past the end of the house to a second wicket,
so passing through a small yard into which the kitchen
opened and where some fowls scratched and clucked
behind a wire netting, he entered the house by the
back door. Passing the kitchen, into which he looked
with a frown, he entered the drawing-room.
Though low, it was of fair size, with two windows
commanding a view over the country below. The


PARTING.
II
furniture was old-fashioned and plain, but a couple of
dwarf book-cases well filled, and plenty of ordinary
flowers gave it a home-like aspect.
The room was not untenanted-on a sofa near the
fireplace, now masked by ferns, a young lady half-sat,
half-lay, resting on her right elbow. She was reading
a rather ponderous book which was propped up against
the sofa cushion, while one foot hung a little below the
seat :-a very neat foot and ankle showing beneath her
fresh blue and white cotton frock; a large shady brown
hat lay on the floor near her, with a pair of wash-
leather gloves tossed into the crown.
She was so intent on her book that, the door being
open, she did not hear her father's approach until he
said in a rather indignant tone:
“Janet!”
She started from her semi-recumbent position to
her feet and stood upright, a tall, slight, but rounded
figure, surmounted by a well set-on head, amply sup-
plied with light brown gently-waved hair, gazing at
him with a slightly puzzled expression in her almond-
shaped grey eyes from under lashes and brows a shade
or two darker than her hair.
"What are you wasting your time lounging there
for?” he demanded; "have you nothing to do but to
read novels all day?"
"It's not a novel, but almost as fascinating, at least,


I 2
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
all the parts I don't skip are," she returned, a very
sunny smile parting her lips. “Have you ever read it,
dear Dad? It is by Gardiner Wilkinson, all about
ancient Egypt, with lots of pictures. You can't think
how wonderful--
“I should like to know what good these out-of-the-
way useless books can do you?” interrupted Captain
Rowley. “It would be a great deal better and more
improving if you went into the kitchen and saw to the
preparation of dinner. Pray do you know that the
kitchen door is wide open, and not a sign of Barbara
to be seen?”
"Oh, yes!” stooping to pick up her hat and gloves,
"she asked leave to go and see her mother, who has a
sore throat. That is the reason I stayed in to take
care of the house, but she ought not to have left the
door open."
“Great care, indeed! When you were so lost in that
nonsensical book that you never heard me come in!”
“Yes, that was rather stupid of me, but then, you
know, there are no thieves or burglars in Langford,”
she returned, watching his face, half-smiling, half-
concerned.
“The fact is you can never manage that girl nor
any girl.”
"Perhaps! but what I can manage is to kiss you!”
and she suddenly threw her arms round his neck. In


PARTING.
13
truth, she was very nearly as tall as the old sailor, who
was neither dignified nor good-looking, having a breadth
of shoulder disproportioned to his height, a large, bony,
weather-beaten face and thin red hair now toning down
to grey, not to omit somewhat fiery steely-blue eyes,
into which a kindly expression stole as he yielded to
his daughter's embrace with affected reluctance.
"Oh, yes, that's all very well, but duty before
laziness and self-indulgence.”
“Of course, Dad! I assure you I have done heaps
of things this morning, and you are to have a nice roast
chicken-and-and peas.”
“You don't know what I an to have! I ordered
dinner at half-past eight this morning myself, and I
should not be surprised if the peas are lying still
unshelled in the basket, though I gathered them myself
this morning at--"
“At six ?---or was it half-past five?" put in Janet.
“Early enough, anyhow! They ought to be ready
now."
“I will go and see to them at once!” cried Janet,
shutting up her book with an air of decision, and be-
taking herself, hat and all, to the cheery little kitchen.
Here she soon found the peas still unshelled in
their basket, and placing it on the kitchen table, sat
down with another basket at her feet, and a nice white
basin in her lap, quite in a business-like manner, as


PARTING.
15
daughter as he went out, his footsteps soon ceasing to
sound when he left the crisp gravel of garden for the
road.
Janet shelled her peas diligently, earnestly hoping
that Barbara would soon return, as she did not feel
herself competent even to boil peas undirected.
"I really must learn how to cook," she thought; "it
cannot be so difficult, or else Barbara would not get
on as well as she does with only a cookery-book and
her mother coming to teach her every now and then.
I am terribly weak and self-indulgent-how often I
have determined to stay in the kitchen and see how
things are done, and then I go off to something else.
Of course I cannot give up these lovely days to such
tiresome work--but in the winter I shall get Mrs. Hop-
kins to give me some lessons."
Here her reflections were disturbed by the sound of
a step in the hall, a quick, firm step-it paused, and
then a man's voice called:
“Janet!”
“I am here—in the kitchen!” she replied, the colour
deepening in her cheek, and an amused look coming to
her eyes.
In another moment a young man entered with an
air of being quite at home, taking off his hat as he
crossed the threshold. He was a good-looking youngster,
about Janet's own age, of middle height, with aquiline


16
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
features, dark auburn hair, a remarkably fine pair of
brown eyes, and incipient moustaches—that did not as
yet hide his pleasant smile.
“Is this the important business your father told me
prevented your coming out?” he exclaimed, putting
down his hat and drawing a chair opposite to her.
“Yes."
"And it is such a lovely day, Janet!”
“I know it is, and it is a horrid nuisance being
obliged to stay in, but I must not go out till Barbara
returns. My father wants his dinner at six, you know,
Maurice. Do you know if peas ought to be put down
to boil in hot water or cold?”
“No, haven't an idea! I should fancy in hot water
—they'll be done all the quicker.”
Janet shook her head.
“There must be some first principles even in boiling
peas, which neither you nor I know!”
“Well, look here, Janet, can't you come for a stroll
later, when the moon is up?—it will be just heavenly
in Ravensbrook Woods to-night. Come up to the
Vicarage to supper, and we can take a turn on the way
back.”
“I might manage that, for Dad wants to write to
Tom this evening.”
“Thank you."
There was a pause, during which Janet looked


PAR TING.
17
thoughtfully at the peas and Maurice Winyard gazed
at her.
“I suppose I shall be on the high seas this day
week,” he said at length.
"I suppose so, you lucky boy!”
“Yes, I am glad in some ways; but, Janet, it is an
awful wrench saying good-bye to-to you!” and he
bent forward nearer to her.
“You will be sorry to leave us, Maurice, but you
will be all right in a few weeks, and as gay as a lark!”
“Do you think me a heartless fellow, then?”
“No, you have quite as much heart as is good for
you! The world would come to a standstill if men
were always hankering after their homes.”
“Do you know, Janet, I sometimes doubt if you
have any heart yourself,” he returned with a touch of
pain in his voice.”
“Ah, so do I!” exclaimed Janet, seriously. "I am
awfully puzzled about myself. Sometimes I am afraid
I am only good-natured on the surface, but hard and
selfish in the depths below."
“Puzzling! Yes, you are puzzling with a vengeance,
yet the sweetest, dearest girl I ever knew.”
“Thank you,” looking up with a smile that justified
the term "sweet,” “but you haven't seen many."
“How do you know? I have been very little at
home for the last two years," in an offended tone.
A Choice of Evils. 1.
2


18
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“You are so used to me, Maurice."
“That is the most trying thing of all, one can so
easily get too used to a person; but-Janet! do you
remember the Christmas before last, when I kissed you
under the mistletoe at Mervyn Hall?
“I do!” she returned, taking up another pod, and
keeping her eyes on it, “it was a delightful evening.”
“Ah, Janet, I have never felt the same towards you
since. Do you know I have wanted to kiss you—ever
since?”
“Oh, nonsense, Maurice! It is not polite to talk in
that--that childish way!”
"It is anything but childish !” he exclaimed. "Listen
to me, Janet, I am awfully fond of you! I never can
love any woman as I love you; and now that I really
have made a start in life, don't you think”—a short,
embarrassed pause, during which he picked up one of
the shells and began nervously to extract the peas
"don't
you
could care enough for me to wait
till I came back?—if you would only promise to be my
wife!”
“Now, Maurice, it would be the very unkindest
thing I could do.
You are ever so much too young to
think of a long engagement! I should just be a mill-
stone round your neck. You have your own career to
make-oh, how delightful it would be to be a man,
and have a career—and then there is your mother and
think you


20
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“You are horribly worldly, Janet!” exclaimed Mau-
rice, trying to pull his growing moustaches.
"Perhaps I am, Maurice,” thoughtfully. “At all
events I never will marry a poor man,
never! I don't
mind being poor with my father-dear old Dad. He
can't help being hard up, and though he storms at me
now and then, he'd give me his life if it could do me
any good. I don't care for finery, but I do like ease,
and pretty things, and to travel; and oh! I should like
to ride. Then to feel oneself a burden on a poor man.
Oh, it would be intolerable. Dear, dear Maurice, don't
trouble about me, put me out of your head and enjoy
yourself. It is a grand thing to feel that the world is
before you, and that you have a good start.”
"I can't understand you, Janet, but I see you do
not care for me now. I don't believe I shall ever love
any girl as I love you."
“Oh, yes! you will love a dozen. You are ever so
much too young to think of marrying or engaging your-
self. If I were a man I would not marry till I was
ever so old.”
“But I suppose you don't think yourself too young
to marry now?”
“No, I am really older than you."
“Nonsense. Why, Janet, I am six months your
senior!”


PARTING.
21
6 Years don't count—a woman of nineteen is older
than a boy of twenty.”
"Let us discuss that by moonlight to-night. You
will walk with me all the same, eh, Janet?”
“I will,” putting the white bowl, now more than
half full, beside the basket on the table, "for oh, Mau-
rice, I am awfully sorry to lose you, so is your mother,"
she added hastily.
“The poor mother will not see much more of me,"
he returned with a sigh, “and she will feel it awfully.”
There was a silence. Then Maurice, putting his
elbow on the table, leaning forward towards his com-
panion till he almost touched her, when his elbow
slipped and knocked over the bowl, which stood
perilously near the edge of the table, and all the peas
were scattered over the kitchen floor.
“Oh, you awkward boy!” cried Janet. “What shall
I do? Dad will be furious if he has no peas, and I
hardly like to gather any more unknown to him.”
“I am awfully sorry,” exclaimed Maurice, profoundly
penitent, "can't we gather them up?"
“Yes," said Janet, with sudden determination, “we
must.” She jumped up, ran to a cupboard in the wall,
and returned with a dustpan and brush. "Just sweep
them up Maurice, then I will put them in the colander
and pour water over them, they will not be any the
worse.”


22
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
This had hardly been accomplished when the truant
Barbara returned; she was greeted effusively, and left
in possession of the kitchen.
“It is too late for a walk now, I am afraid, Janet,”
said Maurice. “Besides, I would rather have a moon-
light walk, wouldn't you?”
“Yes, but I am not sure whether I ought to go,"
returned Janet reflectively, “suppose we take Mary
too?"
“I did not think you would be so unkind, Janet!
Why, it will be our last walk together for many a year,
though I don't suppose you care about that.”
“I do, Maurice, more than—than you think,” she
returned with unexpected tenderness. “I will be sure
to come up to supper!”
Her young lover caught and kissed her hand.
“Ah, Janet! you do care about me a little?”
“Enough to make me long for your success, and
that you should become General Sir Maurice Winyard,
without losing either legs or arms on the way.”
“If I write—will you answer my letters?”
“Yes, Maurice, certainly! I love writing letters and
receiving letters.”
“No matter who writes to you?”
"It quite depends on who writes them," said she
with dignity.
“How I shall look forward to yours,” began Maurice,
.


PARTING.
23
when the click of the garden gate closing warned them
of approaching interruption, and in another minute or
two Captain Rowley came in.
“Hollo, Maurice! I have just met your mother and
sister; they were going to tea with Mrs. Hastings and
begged you would not be late—half the old women in
the place are assembled to bid you good-bye—and,
Janet! Mrs. Winyard wants you to go up to supper.
I am going to write this evening, so I shall not want
my hit at backgammon."
“Very well, Dad."
“I will see her home!” put in Maurice.
“All right, my boy! You'll soon be escorting the
belles of Bombay in their morning rides! Ah! it's a
grand thing to be at the starting point of the race; be
off now, don't keep your mother waiting.”
Maurice caught up his hat, and waving adieu to
father and daughter, walked quickly away down the
gravel path and disappeared through the gate.
Captain Rowley sat down and wiped his brow.
“Whew! It is an exhausting day, and I am growing
old! I find working in the garden knocks me up as it
used not! Fetch me my book from the dining-room,
my specs are shut up in it.”
Janet instantly obeyed.
“Dear Dad!” she exclaimed, kissing his brow, as
she gave him the book, “you are as young as ever.”


24
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“None of your nonsense, you deluding monkey.
Has that baggage Barbara come in?"
“Oh, yes, long ago.”
“That's right. Then I shall not send her off this
time.” A pause, while the old sailor adjusted his
glasses and opened his book. “I am not satisfied with
Tom!” he exclaimed abruptly, "not at all satisfied. I
told him to write his weekly letter every Sunday, and
he has missed twice lately.”
“But dear father, he never fails to write once a
week.”
“That's not it! Sometimes he writes on Saturday
and sometimes on Tuesday. It shows a want of method
a—I'll tell him what I think of it to-night!”
“Don't write crossly, Dad. It must be bad to
have disagreeable letters from home when one is far
away.”
“Well, women are contradictious creatures! Why,
you quarrelled like cat and dog, when you were to-
gether!" growled her father.
“Never mind, we are very good friends when we
are apart."
“Janet,” resumed Captain Rowley, laying down his
book after a few minutes' silence, during which Janet
knelt on one of the window seats, and resting her arms
on the ledge, gazed at the scene before her, without
seeing it, so lost was she in her own imaginings, “I


PARTING.
25
wish you would look at my dress suit. I haven't worn
it for months.”
“Why? where are you going?” coming to sit on the
arm of his chair.
“Well, you see, I met Palliser just now, as I was
going down to The Grange, and we had a talk. He
has just come back from Spain, I think, and intends
to stay at the old Hall till after Christmas. Gad, he
looks a new man! You remember what a white, weary,
worn sort of fellow he seemed at that Christmas kick-
up he gave a couple of years ago? He has hardly been
here since. Well, he looks as bright, and sunburnt,
and jolly as a sand-boy."
“I hope he will give another party next Christmas,"
quoth Janet.
“He is always very friendly to me,” returned her
father. “I have promised to go up to The Hall for a
couple of days' shooting next week, on Tuesday. He
has some fellows staying with him, so I must take my
best togs, and as I must run up to Town to see why
the deuce they don't pay me that legacy poor old
Timbertoes, Admiral Hearty, left me, to buy a mourn-
ing ring indeed—as if I would spend fifty pounds on a
ring—so I think I'll treat myself to a new pair of shoes
at ‘Thomas's.' It's about five years since I had a dress
pair, by George!"
“Yes, do, dear! I am so glad you are going to


26
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
The Hall, it will brighten you up. And the Squire
seems all right? It must have been an awful shock to
him, the cruel death of his wife.”
“It would have been better if she had died in her
bed, but the death was a great relief." So saying, the
Captain resumed his book, while Janet sat on thinking
till the book slid from the reader's grasp, and a low,
long-drawn snore proclaimed that warmth and weari-
ness had done their work.
Then she stole gently away to her own room,
and
changed her cotton frock for a dress more suited for
evening, arranging her fair locks as becomingly as she
could, and tying up a little posy of deep red carna-
tions and verbena, placed it ready to fasten at her
throat before going up to the Vicarage after dinner.
“One may as well leave a pleasant last impression,”
she said to herself as she looked in the glass, but the
tears were in her eyes while she thought it.


RANDAL PALLISER OF MERVYN HALL.
27
CHAPTER II.
RANDAL PALLISER OF MERVYN HALL,
TIME the inexorable ran on, and Maurice Winyard
was gone.
To the last Janet was kind, but immovable, and a
final flash of indignation helped Maurice to avoid a dis-
graceful break-down, when he finally said good-bye to
her. She was, however, wonderfully kind and thought-
ful to the tearful mother with whom Maurice was a
prime favourite, and with whom she passed most of her
time, as Captain Rowley was away for three or four
days at Mervyn Hall.
Yet she was truly grieved to say farewell to her
old playmate. Indeed, she was puzzled by her own
feelings, and felt vaguely, that had she been less ac-
customed to Maurice, she might have been in love with
him.
Mary Winyard, her chief friend, was rather offended
by Janet's indifference to the beloved brother whom
she considered irresistible. Indeed, the young ladies
had that mysterious passage of arms termed by the ex-
perienced in such matters “a few words,” the result of


28
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
which was a temporary coolness, inexpressibly painful
to both, so unpleasant in fact, that it did not last
long.
Three days after Maurice had said his last adieu,
Captain Rowley returned, highly pleased with his visit,
the sport, the host, the company, and bringing with
him sundry brace of grouse, half of which he im-
mediately despatched to his friend the Vicar.
“Eh! Janet, my dear, I've had a fine time, but I'm
afraid I have stayed a little too long. You are looking
dull and white, my girlie!” he exclaimed when they
had exchanged greetings.
“Oh! I am quite well, but we have all been rather
miserable about Maurice-I am sorry for Mrs. Winyard,
she is not at all strong, and she is so fond of Maurice.”
“But she can't expect to keep a young fellow like
him at her apron-string all his life!”
“I suppose not! Still, it is rather hard for her to
part with him.”
“It seems a great mistake to be too fond of any
one."
“Well, perhaps it is!”
“Look here, Janet! I have asked Palliser to lunch
here on Monday. He is coming in to the Bench, and
will come on here after."
“Oh! my dear father, why did you ask him? It
will be an awful nuisance getting a proper luncheon


RANDAL PALLISER OF MERVYN HALL.
29
ready for him. Just think of all he is accustomed to,
and then think of Barbara's cooking!”
“Pooh, nonsense,” returned her father. “Palliser
isn't a cad; what satisfies me, will satisfy him. We'll
give him some cold game and a curry. I'll make the
curry myself. He will not starve on that, eh?”
“No, I suppose not,” returned Janet, "you know
best, but I shall borrow Helen Verner's beautiful fruit
spoons-and-_"
“Gad! you'll do nothing of the kind. Palliser is
welcome to the best I have, but I'll have no sham
finery, by George!”
“Ah, yes, it was a shabby thought! I feel rather
ashamed of myself. Mr. Palliser impressed me as being
a very grand seigneur indeed, certainly not a man to
treat lightly."
“Oh, he seems much younger than he was two
years ago. He asked very kindly for you, and seemed
to remember you quite well.”
“That is wonderful, for I have not seen him half a
dozen times, though I remember him quite well.”
“He is a good-looking fellow, and a capital shot! I
suppose we'll have a grand new mistress of the Hall
one of these days. He talks of being down here a
good deal in future; poor fellow! his first marriage was
a terrible mistake.”


30
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“I should have imagined he was too sensible to
make a mistake in such a matter-
“Bless your little heart, you know nothing about it.
The wisest make fools of themselves in matrimonial
affairs. I had a very sensible letter from Tom yester-
day,” he plunged into a disquisition on his son's pros-
pects, and Palliser was forgotten.
The return of the Squire of Mervyn Hall was an
important event in the estimation of Longford generally.
For some seven or eight years he had been almost lost
to the county. On leaving college, he had been trapped
into marriage with a fascinating adventuress, and when
too late, he discovered details of her past career so
disgraceful that pardon and reparation were impossible.
To live with her, or to get rid of her, was equally out
of the question, for she was exceedingly careful not to
forfeit the allowance he was compelled to make her by
any imprudence, and even contrived, by eloquent and
judicious silence, to create a little coterie of sympathisers
who looked upon her as a victim. Palliser, a proud
and sensitive man, was even more keenly alive to the
ridicule than to the pain of his position, and when the
terrible accident, referred to by Maurice Winyard, freed
him from the chains that galled so cruelly, he was
ashamed of the joyous exultation which swelled his
heart, and seemed to pour fresh youth into his veins.
Highly conservative by nature and training, the idea


RANDAL PALLISER OF MERVYN HALL.
31
that the paternal acres should pass from the direct line
to a kinsman he disliked was intolerable. Therefore
the unexpected restoration of his freedom was inex-
pressibly delightful.
No wonder then that Southshire and Langford
opened their arms to receive Palliser, and no one could
have accepted the welcome so cordially offered, more
graciously than the liberated lord of Mervyn Hall.
He dined with all who asked him, and from luncheons
or even afternoon teas he turned not away. Moreover,
he was lavish of his own hospitalities, at first towards
his male acquaintances only, but rumour averred that
he meditated a series of dinner-parties to ladies as well
as to gentlemen.
It was therefore not to be wondered at that SO
young and inexperienced a hostess as Janet Rowley
considered Palliser rather a formidable guest.
In truth she did not give many thoughts to his
coming after the first discussion with her father. They
would just do their best, and leave the rest to Provi-
dence. She was sure of plenty of flowers, and not even
the Mervyn gardens could produce finer pears than the
solitary “Marie Louise” tree which was the glory of the
Navarino grounds.
“And you are going to have Mr. Palliser to luncheon,”
said Mary Winyard to Janet the day before that event


32
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
man.
was to take place, when the latter appeared in the after-
noon with an offering of fruit and flowers, as she often
did, for the Vicarage gardens were not so carefully
tended, nor was their aspect so favourable as that of
Navarino Cottage.
“Yes, that is, my father expects him, but he may
not come; luncheon is not like a dinner, you know.”
“Oh, he will not disappoint you," said Mrs. Winyard.
“He is very well bred, and, I am sure, a kind, generous
He called here the day after my dear boy left
us, and gave the Vicar a cheque for twenty-five pounds
towards the repair of the schoolhouse,” and Mrs. Winyard
sighed as if the gift was a fresh misfortune.
She was
a small, gentle woman, with soft grey hair, and pretty
though faded eyes. She was a noiseless creature, yet
marvellously enduring, and greatly beloved by her
numerous children to whom she was a kind of Provi-
dence, while the Vicar, a big, loud-voiced man of Low
Church and intensely Protestant views, was absolutely
ruled by her. Never had her quiet strength been so
tried as by the recent parting from Maurice, who was
her idol. It was no wonder that all subjects were more
or less tinged with a sombre hue, and few could be
mentioned without a sigh.
“That was very nice indeed,” cried Janet. “Now,
dear Mrs. Winyard, you must eat one of my pears.
They are my very own, from the tree Dad planted for


RANDAL PALLISER OF MERVYN HALL.
33
me the day I was twelve years old, and Mary says you
have scarcely eaten anything for the last week.”
“Thank you, my dear, my heart is still too full to
eat much, but time will reconcile me.”
“You must try to eat though; you know fasting will
do no good.”
“My mother is not so sensible as you are, Janet,”
said Mary reproachfully, “you are so wise and so strong,
you can see any one go with dry eyes.”
“If I am not naturally tearful, Mary, I cannot help
it! I am sure I miss Maurice as much as any of you,”
cried Janet quickly.
“Poor fellow! few have as much heart as he has,"
sighed Mary.
Janet looked at her half angrily, half imploringly.
“My dear child, you must not fancy we want you
to be unhappy,” said Mrs. Winyard with a smile. “You
must cheer us up. Mary and the rest have had a sad
time of it with me, I will not give way any longer. I
am thinking of going to my sister at Westerton; a little
change will set me up, I shall come back quite myself,
I hope. How did your father enjoy his visit to the
Hall?"
“Very much indeed. He shot I don't know how
many birds, and met some pleasant people."
“Poor Mr. Palliser,” sighed Mrs. Winyard. “I re-
member so well all the talk there was about his wedding.
A Choice of Evils. I.
3


34
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
He was a very impetuous, headstrong young man, and
has suffered accordingly.
He was an only son, you
know, and much spoiled. His two sisters were older
than he was—I hope he will make a nice suitable mar-
riage now. Are you going to have Hopkins to help to-
morrow, my dear?”
“Oh, no, it is not worth while for only one person
in addition to our noble selves," said Janet, “though
Barbara is a little awkward about waiting. However, if
my father will only talk and not get cross, we will do
very well,” and Janet rose to depart.
“I think we may have a few lines from Maurice to-
morrow or the day after,” said the mother.
"I hope so!”
“Janet does not care for such trifles,” said Mary.
“Why are you so disagreeable, Mary?” whispered
Janet as they left the room together.
“You know very well,” was the stern reply.
*
*
*
*
The expected Monday was a wild, wet morning,
and Janet found it difficult to get the flowers she wanted.
However, she managed to make the table look very
pretty, and to put on her best “go-to-meeting” dress of
thin, black, gauzy stuff—chosen with a view to economy
and durability, which suited her fair complexion and
bright locks—before the expected guest arrived.
He was lounging comfortably in an easy chair when


RANDAL PALLISER OF MERVYN HALL.
35
she came in, talking cheerily to Captain Rowley, and
he started up to greet her.
Janet looked at him more carefully than she had
ever done before, and at once decided that he was
much better-looking than she thought. Randal Palliser
was tall and well set up, moreover he had a decided
air of distinction; his hair was dark and curly, his eyes
still darker, rather small, exceedingly keen, with a fierce
light in them sometimes, a heavy moustache hid his
mouth—and so concealed one important indication of
character—but the chin was well shaped, though large
and strong, with a slight cleft.
“I am going to venture a personal observation," he
said when Rowley introduced him to his daughter,
who observed his voice was deep, almost harsh, though
his accent was refined. “Miss Rowley has grown con-
siderably since I had the pleasure of seeing her!—May
I say so without offending?”
"You certainly may,” replied Janet, turning from the
keen searching glance with which he eyed her from
head to foot. "I have passed the age of growing, so
do not disdain to be reminded of it, but I don't think
I am really taller, I only look older.”
“Well, perhaps so, I can only record the impression
I have received. It must be two years since we met.”
“Not till Christmas,” said Janet, flattered by his re-
3*


36
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
collection of her, "you remember the delightful ball you
gave.”
“Very glad it has left such a pleasant memory.
Shall I give another next Christmas?”
“Oh, yes! pray do!”
“Luncheon ready, Janet?" asked her father.
“Yes, quite,"
“Come, Mr. Palliser, take my daughter.”
The little dining-room looked pretty and comfortable,
for Janet, without asking the Captain, had lit a fire of
coal and wood, which was particularly welcome on this
first wet day after a long spell of sunshine.
“It is delightful to see a fire,” exclaimed Palliser,
“they let me breakfast without one this morning. I have
been so long away that I have forgotten how to manage
my servants.”
Then the conversation turned on Palliser's travels,
and he gave some brief graphic descriptions of what he
had seen.
A bull-fight, the Alhambra, the Escurial;
Janet was deeply interested, and put many questions
respecting the country and its people that showed she
knew more of the subject than the ordinary school-bred
young lady.
“I suspect you are a voracious reader, Miss Rowley?”
said Palliser, with another long penetrating look, a look
that, to her annoyance, brought the colour to her cheek.
It was so foolish-so uncalled for so like a mere


RANDAL PALLISER OF MER VYN HALL.
37
country-bred Miss, to blush when a mere new acquaint-
ance let his eyes rest upon her.
“I believe you,” her father was saying while she
scolded herself. “Give her a book, and she'll forget
everything and everyone, and read till all's blue.”
“Only when it is a book I like very much," mur-
mured Janet apologetically.
"It is an idling, useless habit," resumed Captain
Rowley, shaking his head. “Janet and I have a bit of
quarrelling over it sometimes. What good can poring
over books do a girl?-only unfit her for her natural
work, and—and spoil her complexion!”
“Thank Heaven! Her studies have not as yet pro-
duced that fatal effect on Miss Rowley,” said Palliser,
smiling pleasantly. “What good can reading do, Captain
Rowley?why, make a charming companion of the
reader. You must come up to the Hall, and range
through the library at your own sweet will, Miss Row-
ley!” •
“Oh, thank you!” cried Janet, her eyes sparkling
gratefully. “You must not fancy my father is the tyrant
he represents himself. He gives me an occasional scold-
ing, but really, I have all the reading I want.”
“Yes, I suspect you do very much what you like,"
returned Palliser significantly.
“Talking of Spain," resumed Captain Rowley, “I
remember when I was with the Mediterranean squadron,


38
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
making an expedition to Granada with three of my
messmates," and he plunged into an account of the
difficulties they had got into in consequence of their
ignorance of Spanish.
This lasted till luncheon was finished.
Palliser did not offer to go away at once, he accom-
panied his young hostess into the drawing-room, and, as
the rain clouds had cleared away, admired the view
from the windows, and said that an open prospect was
the one thing wanting at Mervyn Hall.
"It is rather too much shut in with trees. I shall
have them thinned in some directions. I expect my
sister to stay with me next week, then you must come
and have a look through my books—I see a piano! Do
you play, or sing?”
“Both, but after a very school-girl fashion,” said
Janet, “in short, I can do nothing in particular," she
added good humouredly.
“Except read, eh?” said Palliser, “and that atones
for everything."
“Not quite, I fear,” she replied.
“The Vicar's eldest boy has just gone out to India,
hasn't he?" said Palliser to Captain Rowley.
“Yes. His women-kind haven't done crying over
him yet, nor this girl of mine either.”
“Ah," said Palliser smiling, while his eyes sought
2


40
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“Not on Thursday,” said Captain Rowley. “I am
going to see my potatoes planted and I can't put it
off.”
"Well, Friday then?”
“Thank you; yes, if it is fine. It is rather too long
a tramp in wet weather.”
“It is rather too long for Miss Rowley in any
weather," exclaimed Palliser. "I will send the carriage
for
you
if
you
will allow me.”
“Oh, no, it is quite unnecessary,” said Janet, “I
walk a great deal with my father. I can manage ten
miles on end quite well. Mary Winyard and I often
walk over to the Hall and trespass on your grounds.
I fancy we know your woods better than you do your-
self.”
"I doubt that,” returned Palliser, with a sort of
wistful look softening his hard eyes. “I have spent
many happy boyish days tramping through them, Miss
Rowley, before you were born."
“Not very long before," she returned.
“By George, you look three or four years younger
than when you were here last,” exclaimed Rowley.
“Well, you must show me through them,” said
Palliser, rising to take leave, “and we shall see who
knows them best. I daresay poor young Winyard is
thinking of his last stroll there, for I suppose he too
was among the trespassers?"
>>
22


RANDAL PALLISER OF MERVYN HALL.
41
“Oh, yes, of course," returned Janet with a bright
smile and a little defiant nod.
Palliser shook his head as he said good-bye.
“Then on Friday I hope to see you, and if we have
bad weather I will send the brougham. We can amuse
ourselves indoors with books and pictures for once.
Good-bye, Captain Rowley, and many thanks for a
couple of delightful hours.”
And Palliser bowed himself out.
“Why did you not say how nice he is, Dad?” ex-
claimed Janet when he had driven off in the dog-cart
which had been waiting for him. “It will be great fun
going to luncheon and examining the library, only I
hope the books are not too handsomely bound, or I
shall not like to borrow them; and I have read nearly
everything at the Vicarage.”
“I think he liked the curry," said her father, dis-
regarding her observations, “and he didn't turn his nose
up at the bitter beer. Palliser is too much a gentle-
man to give himself airs. He'll be quite an acquisition
to the neighbourhood. Janet, my dear, get me the
Standard, I've not had time to look at it to-day. I
wish you would read a bit to me, for my eyes feel a
little tired. There's an article on the present condition
of the navy (which is a disgrace to the nation, by Jove!);
read it to me," and he settled himself in his favourite


42
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
arm-chair with a disgracefully obvious intention of taking
"forty winks."
Palliser drove homewards at a rapid pace; though
a rather spoiled man of the world, in spite of the
mistakes and misfortunes of his earlier manhood, he
had still a certain taste for simplicity and naturalness.
He had been sincere in his assertion that he had enjoyed
his visit to Navarino Cottage. He had a kind of liking
for the old sailor, partly a legacy from his early days,
those days "when the light that surrounds us is all from
within," and lends a charm to all connected with them.
But also he was greatly struck with his old acquaint-
ance's daughter. Janet seemed to him the embodiment
of health, mental and physical, without a tinge of the
coarseness or loudness that sometimes accompanies those
fortunate conditions. With all her simple straight-
forwardness she had “distinction,” and the promise of
a superb figure, thought Palliser, "not exactly a beauty,
but she'll develop into something quite out of the com-
mon; she seems like a woman one could trust, if
any
are to be trusted, and __” here a lady passed in a
pony phæton, and bowed graciously.
Palliser raised his hat, while a hard look came over
his face, changing it utterly.
“Ah, madam,” he muttered, "the chances for your
son succeeding to the family estates are considerably


RANDAL PALLISER OF MERVYN HALL.
43
diminished. How natural it is to hate one's successor,
unless he is indeed one's own flesh and blood. No,
Mrs. Richard Palliser, your husband shall not be long
heir apparent!”
:


44
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
CHAPTER III
IN THE LIBRARY.
The prosperous banker of Langford was second
cousin to Palliser, and of the same name. In his boy-
hood they had been friendly, and he was always wel-
come at the banker's table, but after his hasty and un-
fortunate marriage a strong dislike to his relative grew
up in Palliser's mind. His banker kinsman, or Richard,
his son, would inherit after him, if he died without a
legitimate male heir—and by his own folly he was cut
off from the chance of having one, so long as the ad-
venturess who had entrapped him lived and conducted
herself decently.
He had to buy freedom from her presence at a
high price, and the sense of relief consequent on her
removal from this mortal scene was almost intoxicating.
He was anxious to marry, yet half afraid to risk
making the all-important choice.
He must find some one whose past was known to
all amongst whom she lived.
She must be young, too,
and fair-fair with the beauty of health—and well-born.
Palliser was a passionate admirer of beauty, and
eager in the pursuit of whatever was the whim of the


IN THE LIBRARY.
45
moment—two weaknesses which had betrayed him into
the galling position he had endured for more than
seven years. But that was all over now, and he felt
once more lord of himself and able to think of the
future with hope. The sunshine of his mood was re-
flected on all, down to the humblest groom in his
hitherto neglected stables.
The days which intervened between this memorable
Monday and the promised visit to Mervyn Hall went
swiftly, for Janet was a busy creature, and rarely found
her day quite long enough. Indeed, she was apt to
get her time into a tangle, from undertaking rather
more than she was able to accomplish, and then, in-
stead of keeping steadily at work to clear it off, yield-
ing to the temptation to read “just a few pages more”
of some entrancing book; or “to try over” that new
waltz which some one had sent her, when she ought to
have been regulating the linen cupboard, or entering
items in the “daily expenditure book.” Thus she was
apt to fall behind-hand, which necessitated a rush and
scramble to get things into their proper order, and
generally entailed a scolding from her father, a con-
fession on her part, a tender reconciliation and a stern
determination in the culprit's own mind, to begin afresh
on the following Monday and to keep everything straight
for ever after.
Besides the “Home” office work, Janet was of


46
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
course as much a district visitor as the Vicar's daughters,
a Sunday-school teacher and a member of the Dorcas
club, in all of which she was more or less a failure.
She believed all the tales the mendacious old women
and overburdened mothers told her, and denuded her-
self of her pocket-money, which was as a drop in the
ocean of misery she tried to relieve, and called down
stern rebukes from the Captain, for this misappropria-
tion of her funds. But with the poor she was an im-
mense favourite. She never preached, she listened
sympathetically to their sad stories, and sometimes wept
with the narrators. She did not scold them because
their houses were not in apple-pie order, moreover she
always asked permission to come in as politely as she
would at Mervyn Hall itself, and for all her pains, the
Vicar declared that two or three visitors of her stamp
would suffice to pauperise every parish in the county.
He little knew how she hated the work, even more
than teaching in the Sunday-school. From this task,
however, she took courage to free herself when about
nineteen, as there were more volunteers for this work
than for other fields of labour.
She was at times cast down by the sense of her
own weakness and imperfections, and determined over
and over again to cultivate self-control and reason, and
above all, the habit of saying “No”—a word very im-
possible to Janet.


IN THE LIBRARY.
47
“Yet I ought to have a backbone,” she thought one
day, as she was returning from a very depressing round
in one of the poorest districts. “I sometimes fancy I
am ever so much cleverer than Mary, because I like to
read tough books. But she has far more sense and is
twice as useful! I wish I had not said I would try
and get poor old Grannie Brown eighteen pence more
out of the poor-box, for I am afraid the Vicar will not
give it.
He has so much to do with so little money,
and I haven't a penny left.
I know she will expect it,
and will never believe I asked for it! How tiresome
everything is! I wish I had a great deal of money-
money is such a help.”.
Here a noise of horse's hoofs on the pavement be-
hind made her draw to one side, but the horse paused
beside her, and, looking up, she recognised Palliser dis-
mounting
“Ha! Miss Rowley!” he exclaimed, and he drew the
bridle over his arm. “You are out late.”
“I have been out for a long time too,” returned
Janet, with a sigh.
“And not agreeably employed, I am afraid," re-
turned Palliser with a smile. “You do not look happy.”
“Happy-I am wretched! I have been visiting the
poor people in my district, and I hate it!”
“Then don't go.”
“Oh, I cannot refuse to go! It would be so cowardly


48
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
and selfish to hold back, and I suppose it does some
good,” dejectly.
“A great deal more harm than good, Miss Rowley!
It teaches these people to look to others for assistance,
and destroys the bracing sense of independence."
“I cannot believe it is not right to try and help the
poor souls, they are more helpless than you can imagine.
But I am not at all sure I am of any real use. The
Vicar says I am most injudicious.”
“I have no doubt you are!”
“But why?” she asked earnestly, anxious to get at
the reason of her own failure.
“Because you are much too charmingly sympathetic
not to be imposed upon," returned Palliser, gazing at
her with a look that confused her. “A woman-a
young woman, who can deal successfully with the poor
must be hard and unloveable."
“There must be something wrong somewhere,” said
Janet dejectedly.
“There is a great deal wrong everywhere! There
is nothing more puzzling than the question how to help
the poor without pauperising them. And now I am
going to set a splendid example of inconsistency," and
he took two or three sovereigns out of his pocket.
“Will you distribute this among your poor people?”
Janet's eyes sparkled.
“How kind and good you are," she cried. “You


IN THE LIBRARY.
49
make me quite happy, at any rate for the present. I
will go and get some change at once and give some of
it to the worst-off people before I go home! There is
a poor sick boy in Miller's Alley, and an old woman
who cannot help herself, but dear Mr. Palliser, don't
tell the Vicar! he would want to direct me what I am
to do with the money-and-you understand!”
“I understand you perfectly, and you may trust me,
but are you going to send me off as a reward for di-
vining your wishes?” For she had held out her hand
as if to bid him good-bye.
“You see I want to go to the grocer's to get change,
and I do not want to take you out of your way-
SO--"
I
"I understand! am dismissed," said Palliser
smiling
"I really do not want you to go away,” began Janet
and then stopped, colouring deeply, and greatly ashamed
of her own confusion.
“Ah! you are too kind to tell me the whole cruel
truth, so I shall leave you, but you must not forget your
engagement to lunch with me on Friday.”
“Oh, no! I am very pleased to go, and I don't want
to send you away, only I do want to go back to one or
two of my poor people.”
“Well, good-bye, and when you have any more secrets
to keep confide them to me!”
A Choice of Evils. 1.


52
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
while Captain Rowley, with a somewhat crestfallen aspect,
solaced himself with the one bumper of port which was
his allowance after dinner.
Meantime, Janet's colour gradually toned down.
She was pleased and touched by her letter. Maurice
expressed himself as sorry for showing the ill-temper of
which he had been guilty when they parted, and as-
sured her he was going to take her advice on many
points, but that he never would or could regard her as
anything other than the queen of his heart, and ended
by imploring for a letter to meet him on his arrival at
Umballah.
“I really think Maurice Winyard is nicer than Mr.
Palliser," thought Janet, as she folded up her letter.
“What fine honest eyes he has; now Mr. Palliser's make
me uncomfortable somehow, but I must not allow my-
self to be so fanciful. I shall look at him as straightly
as he does at me! Perhaps he thinks I am very badly
dressed!” and she sighed, for Janet had a strong taste
for pretty things. “I must write a nice long letter to .
Maurice and tell him all about Mr. Palliser. I shall
miss him frightfully if there is a dance at Mervyn Hall
this winter.”
“Well, Janet, what does the youngster say?” asked
Captain Rowley, who was anxious to “open communi-
cations” once more with his daughter.
“Oh! he seems to have recovered his spirits a little,"


IN THE LIBRARY.
53
she returned, putting the letter in her pocket, “he is
going to be desperately industrious, and get on at a
great pace."
“I'm sure I hope he will! Come, Janet, are you
going to give me my revenge? You gave me a tre-
mendous thrashing last night.”
“I don't think I will play with you, after your dis-
agreeable speeches. Yes! they were most disagreeable!”
“Well, I can't help it! I'll go up to the Vicar-
age-
“No, Dad! you mustn't! I hear the rain, the clouds
were gathering as I came back! You shall have your
game, you suspicious unkind old dear!” and she went
round to where he sat and kissed the top of his head
where there was "a bright and shining place."
By Friday, the weather had settled again into a fine,
grey, autumnal condition, with the wind west by north.
The air was fresh, but not cold, and to Janet's delight
admirably suited to exercise.
She greatly enjoyed her walk to the Hall with her
father. It was just long enough to make a short rest
pleasant, and the movement sent her in with a glowing
colour, and sparkling eyes.
Mervyn Hall was more a charming than a splendid
place, situated on the first rise of the swelling upland;
it was richly wooded, with a fine deer park stretching
over the steeper part of a slope. The house, of Queen


56
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“How does your district get on?” resumed Pal-
liser, “and have you any more secrets to entrust me
with?”
“No; but I have made some poor things very happy
- thanks to you."
“Well, you must let me employ you to distribute
my charity again!”
“Oh! my father says I am not to ask you
for
any
more money."
“He cannot quarrel with you if I offer it.”
“No, I suppose not; but I shall not want any more
for a while.”
“My sister hopes to act as mistress of the house
for some time," said Palliser abruptly. "Her husband,
Sir Frederic Saville, has gone to India to shoot big
game, and her boys are at school, so she is alone. I
think you will like her, she is bright and very adaptable.”
“She seems charming! and if she ever talks to me,
I am sure I shall be very pleased.”
“You puzzle me a good deal, Miss Rowley,” said
Palliser, leaning back against the window frame, and
looking at her at his ease. “I cannot make out whether
you have an abjectly low opinion of yourself, or are
perfectly assured!”
“Sometimes I am one and sometimes the other,"
returned Janet thoughtfully. “Maurice Winyard always
told me I was dreadfully inconsistent."


IN THE LIBRARY.
57
“What an audacious youngster! I should not dare
to make such a speech!”
“No, I daresay not, but I have known Maurice all
my life.”
“I see the advantages of his position, Miss Row-
ley--
The announcement of “Colonel and Miss Verner”
broke off their conversation, and this arrival was quickly
followed by that of a neighbouring squire and squiress,
and a man who was staying with them.
Then came luncheon, which was the most amusing
meal at which Janet had ever assisted.
The viands, the table decorations, the service, were
all superior to anything she had ever seen before, for
though some smart dinners were given at Langford,
Janet was not invited to them. It was the talk, how-
ever, that amused and interested her.
Lady Saville, without saying anything striking,
managed to keep the ball rolling, and to draw out
everyone. She sat between Captain Rowley and Colonel
Verner, the latter a rather grumpy veteran, whom she
soothed and flattered into a very benign condition. Of
course, Palliser had the squiress on his right, and Miss
Verner--who was a good deal older than Janet--on
his left, but the latter was quite happy between the
squire and his guest—a bright young barrister, well-
versed in theatres, concerts, balls, and all the routine of


58
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
London life-—to whom she was well pleased to listen-
though by no means in silence.
Luncheon over, the party set out to look at the
grounds and stables, and to discuss the improvements
Palliser proposed to make, and the sun had dis-
appeared behind the western woods before the Squire's
carriage and the Colonel's pony-chaise came round for
their owners. Captain Rowley and his daughter, having
no conveyance, were free to remain a little longer if
they chose.
“Do stay and have a cup of tea with me,” said
Lady Saville, in her soft, caressing way to Janet.
“Randal, make Captain Rowley stay; they can have
the phaeton to take them home.”
Or, better still, I'll drive them back myself in the
dog-cart,” cried Palliser. “You don't object to a dog-
cart, Miss Rowley?”
"Oh, no! I enjoy driving immensely."
“In the meantime, come and look at the library,”
he continued. “It was to look at it I lured you here."
“And you must come with me to my sanctum,” said
Lady Saville to Rowley. “I do not care for the so-
lemnities of a library-besides, I want to show you
some wonderful Indian weapons Sir Frederic sent home
to my brother.”
“Come then, this way," said Palliser, and Janet
followed him down a passage, softly carpeted, and


IN THE LIBRARY.
59
decorated with carved cabinets, huge china vases, and
stands full of flowering plants, to a wide door, which
admitted to a grand room,
with an arched ceiling,
lined on three sides with books. The fourth was
pierced by tall windows, furnished with window seats,
great marquetry tables, and comfortable chairs, sofas
and settees, covered with dull green leather, busts,
stands for holding heavy books of prints—all the usual
furniture and decorations of a luxurious library appeared
before the delighted eyes of Janet.
She paused when she had crossed the threshold
and looked round.
“What a paradise of books!” she said, almost in a
whisper.
“I don't know that I should apply such a term to
it,” said Palliser, smiling.
“I feel a sort of awe,” she went on. “After all, we
are in the presence of mighty spirits.”
“Say living influences rather,” and Palliser proceeded
to explain that the library at Mervyn was originally
small, but that his grandfather had greatly enlarged it.
He showed her the small space occupied by the original
collection. “My father was a great lover of books, and
bought a great quantity. Had he lived he would have
made this a fine library, but he died while I was a
child; since, I have added a few works of importance
from time to time."


60
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
2
“Then you are fond of reading, too?” said Janet.
"Well, yes, occasionally! There is so much to
be done, that one does not get time to do anything
well.”
“Even I find that,” she returned.
“I should not have thought so,” said Palliser with
a smile, “but I must not forget your poor old folk.”
“Yes,” with a sigh, “they take up a great deal of
time.”
“Why do you worry about them? At this side,
Miss Rowley, are all the novels, a gorgeous array; but
you must not read any, or all of them, mademoiselle!
you must ask my permission."
“Very well!” said Janet, "and these splendid-looking
big books?”
“They are volumes of history and biography, then
travels and geography. Those shelves contain philo-
sophical works, etc.”
“What wealth!” sighed Janet, as she began to walk
slowly round, looking at the titles.
“Ah!” she exclaimed, “here is one I have read
about in the Spectator, ‘Buckle's History of Civilisation.'
It must be a wonderful book.”
“It is, but I don't think you would get through it.”
“Why?”
“It is too heavy and indigestible for so young and
bright a creature as you are," he returned.


IN THE LIBRARY.
61
“Being young need not make me stupid,” said Janet,
disregarding the compliment.
Palliser took down the first volume and handed it
to her.
“Of course not, but there is a certain fitness of
things which you outrage by such studies. Nevertheless,
take the book if you fancy it."
“Thank you very much. I don't quite like to take
it, it is so beautifully bound.”
“Pooh! do not think about that! You will do it no
harm; take both volumes," and he laid them on one of
the tables. “Now sit down here and rest. You have
been walking about ever since luncheon.”
Janet complied.
Palliser exercised a sort of fascination over her,
though she mentally repeated that his evident interest
in herself was only the passing whim of a blasé man of
wealth and fashion. Yet he attracted her.
She had a curious longing to try her strength
against his, still she was a little afraid of him, a little
doubtful of him.
But to-day he was very gentle, and soon drew her
to talk of her past life and experiences.
He was much amused at the mixture of simplicity
and common sense in her talk, the utmost frankness
streaked with sudden eddies of piquante reserve.
Thus he heard of how she had paid two visits to


62
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
an uncle in London, the brother of her mother, who
went every day to Somerset House, had a daughter
about her own age, and also of the wild delight of go-
ing to theatres, and her general interest and joy at
being in London.
“I suppose you found Langford rather dull after the
strong excitement of Town life?” said Palliser, watching
her through his half-closed eyes.
“No, not exactly! I love Langford in spring and
summer and autumn, but I should like London in winter.”
“What, in spite of the fogs?”
“They were not very bad when I was there. I
used to enjoy looking at the shop windows when they
were lit up.”
“My dear Miss Rowley, that was not at all an in-
tellectual amusement.”
“No, of course not; but I am not intellectual!”
“I am not sure; you have asked for a very tough
book.”
“But it may be too much for me; still I should like
to try it,” opening the book with a loving touch, and
glancing at the contents.
There was something very charming in her self-
forgetfulness, for her candour had in it nothing rough
or abrupt. Her voice was soft and low, her manner so
resposeful that it took the edge off whatever was sharp
or trenchant in her utterance.


IN THE LIBRARY.
63
“Then pray take it with you! If it tires you, send
for something else, the books here are quite at your
service. Would you like another ?—some poetry. You
are fond of poetry, I suppose?-you look poetical!”
Janet laughed pleasantly as the butler entered, and
observed: “Her ladyship says tea is ready.”
“What a bore!” cried Palliser; "it is quite heavenly
to sit here and listen to the first volume of your re-
miniscences.”
“You remind me that I have talked too much," re-
turned Janet, colouring deeply.
“No, you must not say that!” exclaimed Palliser,
starting up and speaking very earnestly. “Do you think
me a humbug? Do you think me a soulless idiot, that
I am incapable of interesting myself in your conversa-
tion? When you know me better you will think differ-
ently."
“I think you are very kind, indeed. I do; but don't
let us keep Lady Saville waiting for tea.”
The drive back was very pleasant, and a fitting
finish to one of the brightest days Janet had ever spent.


64
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
CHAPTER IV.
MORNING VISITS.
But the exhilarating effect did not last.
Usually a day of pleasure supplied Janet with sub-
ject matter for animated talk and agreeable thought
during a week at least, while the pre-eminently delight-
ful afternoon did not inspire her with any vivid de-
scriptions when she spoke of it to Mary Winyard or her
mother. Its principal charm was the quiet talk with
the master of the house in his delightful library, and on
this, she was not inclined to dilate, preferring to describe
Lady Saville in glowing terms.
In truth she was much fascinated by that lady, and
flattered by the notice she had taken of a mere country
girl like herself. Nor did she get on very well with
“Buckle's History,” though it was the sort of book she
loved.
She found that Palliser's face, especially his eyes,
came between her own and the page. This troubled
her a good deal, she did not want to think of him,
though she admired him in a reluctant way, and was
decidedly gratified by the attention he paid her. It


MORNING VISITS.
65
was not unmixed gratification however. There was an
odd uneasiness in it, a formless kind of doubt which
was inseparably associated with her new friend, and
both haunted her to a distressing degree. Busy herself
as she would, she could not get rid of the image which
was for ever presenting itself. She was for ever on the
alert, and imagining she heard the sound of horses'
feet, or the wheels of the dog-cart.
She was infinitely annoyed with herself for this
extraordinary weakness. “I am bewitched! I must be
bewitched," she said to herself, "for I cannot get Mr.
Palliser out of my head. I am not sure that I really
like him, yet I hope he will come again; perhaps he
would do or say something that might break the spell.
I wonder if he could be revengeful. How useless it is
to speculate as to what he is! I shall never know, and
what is it to me?” Here her conjectures were suddenly
dispersed by faint sounds which came quickly nearer;
yes, it was the sound of wheels, and visitors in carriages
were not frequent at Navarino Cottage.
Another moment settled the matter, as a low phạton,
drawn by a pretty pair of ponies, stopped at the gate,
and she saw that Lady Saville held the reins. Janet
went forth to meet her with a frank welcome in her
smiling eyes.
“So glad to find you at home," said Lady Saville,
as she alighted and gave the reins to her groom. “I
A Choice of Evils. I.
ar


66
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
quite intended to come before, but I was obliged to run
up to London for a couple of days, and my brother
was engaged to a shooting party at the other side of
the county."
"I am very glad to see you,” returned Janet. “Come
into the dining-room, we have no fire anywhere else.”
“Ah," exclaimed Lady Saville, pausing and looking
round, “I remember this pretty little garden quite well;
what long years it is since I have seen it! The thought
of them makes me feel quite old. How is Captain
Rowley?"
“Quite well, but not at home, unfortunately for
him," and Janet led the way into the pretty, well-kept
house.
“It is not at all cold,” remarked Lady Saville as
they came to the dining-room door. “Let us come in
here if you do not mind. The view is charming."
“Oh, yes, certainly,” said Janet, and she drew for-
ward an easy chair, but Lady Saville preferred a win-
dow seat.
"The one thing wanting," she continued, “at Mervyn
is a view. The house is rather too much shut in with
trees, though the trees are very fine. It is such a long,
long time since I stayed there. I must say I find it a
little oppressive, but Randal will brighten it up. He
likes society, and he has had rather a bad time.”


68
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
presentable and absolutely happy! Lady Saville was
fairly good-natured and quite willing to do anyone a
good turn, provided it did not interfere with herself or
her plans, but had never known any material privation.
Before she had done wondering about Captain
Rowley's impecuniosity, Janet came in, carrying a
Japanese tray with a pretty little tea service, some
brown bread and butter and a small, old-fashioned
silver tea-pot with a spirit lamp of less precious metal,
also a pile of delicately-cut bread and butter.
"You must have had the genius of the lamp to
help you, you produced all these charming things so
swiftly!” exclaimed Lady Saville.
“My genius of the kitchen left everything ready,"
said Janet, smiling, as she brought over a small table
to hold the tea-tray, and lighted the lamp.
Then they fell into easy talk about Langford and
its inhabitants.
“There is one name here I do not seem to know-
Winyard, the Vicar of St. Olave's,” said Lady Saville.
“He has been here for nearly seventeen years; he
is an old friend of my father's. Indeed, they are the
most intimate friends we have!"
“Are there a great many of them? Parsons always
have piles of children.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Winyard have five daughters and
three sons -the eldest and youngest are boys.”


MORNING VISITS.
69
“How appalling!” ejaculated Lady Saville. “It is a
punishment too great for the worst criminal.”
“They are very happy, however, and Mrs. Winyard
is a dear.”
“Poor soul! I must go and see her," as if that
were a sufficient consolation.
“Yes; pray do! She will be pleased; she is rather
depressed because Maurice has just gone out to India;
she is so fond of him, and he is very good.”
“And a close ally of yours?”
“Well, yes," the unmanageable colour coming to
her cheek, “though we quarrelled sometimes."
“What did you quarrel about?” asked Lady Saville,
handing her cup to be refilled. “The usual thing I
suppose.
He wished to be more than a friend?"
"Is it the usual thing?"
“Yes, quite, Miss Rowley. People always go over
the border in these cases."
“What a pity!” exclaimed Janet. “Why is it so?-
and are you sure you are right?”
“Yes, quite sure; as to the reason-well, I do not
know, except that the Creator made them male and
female! Never be deluded about friendship with
a man, my dear Miss Rowley, the thing does not
exist."
“I should be sorry to believe that!”
“Now, tell the truth, did not the friend of your


yo
A CHOICE OF EVILS,
youth want you to swear eternal fidelity to him before
he went away?”
Janet could not help laughing.
“Yes, to be sure. That laugh was a confession,
but you must be an unusually sensible girl not to have
reciprocated. Why didn't you? Lovers must be scarce
here. What was the matter with him?—was he very
ugly, or very dull, or—_"
“No, Lady Saville,” said Janet, still laughing; "he
is good-looking and really a nice, good fellow, but he
was only my own age, and seemed a mere boy to me.
I never could imagine marrying any one who was not
older and wiser than myself.”
“Marry!” exclaimed Lady Saville. “Oh, that would
be a terribly serious ending of such an affair! But you
must miss him very much.”
“Yes, we do, immensely; especially his mother.”
“If it quite suits you, Miss Rowley, I think we might
set out. I want to meet my brother at the station; the
train gets in at six, and I must make six or seven
calls in the interval. You must give me a map of the
country, for I don't quite remember the localities, and
there has been so much building."
“Let us begin with the Winyards," said Janet,
putting the cups on the tray, “they are the nearest. “I
shall not keep you many minutes," and she left the
room.


MORNING VISITS.
71
“No," said Lady Saville to herself, "she does not
care about that boy; she is unworldly as yet, by and
by she will be like other people. I wonder how she
will turn out.”
She rose and walked round the room, looking at
the ornaments and knick-knacks, neither numerous.
“Some very good bits of old china,” she thought, “and
funny old miniatures. These people come of a good
stock; they are gentry, though reduced to one servant;
the girl looks like it—what a dull life she must have
had, yet she is as bright as if all the joys of existence
were at her feet. How long will that last?
“I think," she said aloud, as Janet reappeared, "I
should like to go to Mrs. Palliser's first; they will
probably be out, and though I do not want to pass
them
over, I don't want to meet them. Randal detests
Mr. Palliser, and I think his wife a horror! She had a
good fortune, you know, and does not conceal the fact.”
"I do not care for her much," returned Janet, “and
we scarcely know her; we are too small in every way
for so important a personage, but the eldest son, Dick
Palliser, is not bad; he dances very well, and I generally
waltz with him at the dances where we meet-there
are generally two or three in the winter.”
“Is he in the bank, too?”
“No. The second son is in the bank.”
“Come, then, let us be going.”


72
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
As Lady Saville anticipated, Mrs. Palliser was out,
and they proceeded through their list of visits very
successfully. Most of those they called upon were not
at home. Mrs. Verner, who was a professional invalid,
and Mrs. Winyard were, however, visible. The former
had two ruling passions—first, a craze for possessing
every malady under the sun; secondly, for knowing her
neighbours' affairs to the minutest particular.
They found her in a very comfortable, well-furnished
drawing-room, established with many cushions, in a large
arm-chair and wrapped in a knitted shawl.
She apologised at some length for not having called
on Lady Saville, giving many particulars of the sad
state of health which interfered so much with her social
duties.
Lady Saville begged her not to think such an
undertaking at all necessary.
"I will come to you instead," she said, sweetly.
“You are very good!” replied the invalid, then,
turning to Janet, she asked: “Did you walk up here or
come with Lady Saville?”
“Miss Rowley is kindly acting as my pilot,” said
her ladyship smiling. “Langford is so changed and
enlarged that I scarcely know my way about."
“Oh! indeed—very nice for you, Janet! All the
other young ladies will be envying you. What news
have
you
of
your brother Tom?"


MORNING VISITS.
73
“He is quite well.”
“I am glad to hear it.
There was
a report that
he had got into some sad scrape, when Captain Rowley
went up to Town so suddenly!”
“There was no truth in it, I assure you!” said Janet,
smiling “Tom never gets into scrapes.
He is the
steadiest boy in the world!”
"Oh! yes, you think so, I daresay! It did look a
little odd, you know, your father going off so unex-
pectedly, and he had been up in Town in May.
seldom goes to London more than once a year!”
“Poor Captain Rowley!” exclaimed Lady Saville
laughing. “Is it against the laws of Langford that he
should go to Town more than once a year?”
“And are you going to make a long stay at the
Hall, Lady Saville? You have not been here for many
years. I remember the Colonel and I had come to
look at the place just after he had left the service, and
see how it would suit us. You were at the Hall with
Sir Frederic then, and a gay party-I remember, a fête
-the Squire gave. The Rector and his wife (poor
Mrs. Courtown died about three years after) took us,
that is nearly twelve years ago, and I don't think you
look a day older-ah! the Hall has been shut up ever
since! I hope Mr. Palliser will soon bring home a bonny
bride and settle down for good and all!”
“I hope he will, Mrs. Verner,” returned Lady Saville.


74
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“And so young Winyard is fairly off, at last?” re-
sumed the inquisitor, addressing Janet, "and a good
thing, too! He had hung about here quite long
enough.”
“Not longer than he could help!” said Janet stoutly.
“No-I suppose not! Well, I was thankful he
scraped through at last, and it's just as well for you,
my dear, that he is gone. Young people are so silly,
and apt to fancy themselves in love. He was ever-
lastingly at the cottage, or rambling about with my little
friend here, Lady Saville—a good deal too much, in my
opinion, especially as the poor dear has no mother to
look after her! Now, we all know the Winyards haven't
a penny, and it would never do!”
“No, certainly not!” cried Janet, with some irrita-
bility. “You must not put us all down as imbeciles!”
"Ah, it is all very well to talk in that way, but
most young people are imbeciles," retorted Mrs. Verner.
“Oh, very well!” said Janet calmly.
“It must be curious to hear one's possible love
affairs discussed before your face," said Lady Saville,
smiling. “I must say, Miss Rowley seems to take it
with great equanimity."
"Oh, we are old friends," returned Mrs. Verner,
“and take a deep interest in each other's concerns.”
“Oh, very profound!” ejaculated Janet.
Tea was here brought in, but declined, and then
<<


MORNING VISITS.
75
with politely-expressed regrets that she could not wait
to see Miss Verner, who was expected in every moment,
Lady Saville and Janet escaped.
“Your next visit will be very different,” said Janet,
as her new friend whipped up her ponies, their heads
in the direction of the Vicarage.
Mrs. Winyard and her daughter received them with
kindly good breeding, and they spoke together sym-
pathetically, while Mary seemed a little more cordial to
Janet than she had been since Maurice had left, and
even promised to take over her work the following
morning, and spend it with her friend.
“Yes, she is a different stamp of woman,” remarked
Lady Saville, as they drove away. “But how careworn
she looks, and what a corvée her existence must have
been. Good Heavens! how can you all live here--
driven in upon each other, unable to go outside one's
own door without running against each other. You
must be saints and angels not to be the deadliest foes!
Is it possible you can be content with such mental
imprisonment?”
“I know nothing beyond it!” said Janet, a little
startled by her companion's earnestness.
“Even so! But”-looking at her watch—“it is ten
minutes to six-I must take you with me to the station,
or I shall be too late for Randal, we will drive you
home after."


76
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“No, thank you!” returned Janet firmly. “I must
stop here. I can walk home in twenty minutes, and I
cannot be late for dinner.”
"Oh, nonsense! Randal will be quite pleased to
see you.
Your father will not mind—I fancy you do
pretty much what you like with him!”
“No, indeed, and even if I could, it would hurt me
to vex him. I would rather say good-bye here. I would,
indeed, Lady Saville.”
And Lady Saville, rather to her surprise, saw she
was in earnest, so she brought her ponies to a stand,
and bid her young acquaintance a kindly good-bye.
“Rather a curious girl," she thought as she whipped
up her steeds, turning them towards the railway. “I
thought she would have jumped at the chance of meet-
ing Randal, for she seemed to find him rather fascinat-
ing last week. She is not quite as transparent as I ex-
pected. There is something very taking about her,
though."
Meantime Janet walked on rapidly, half surprised at
her own resolution, and almost regretting it. She cer-
tainly would have been sorry to vex her father by un-
punctuality, but that was not the real source of her
firmness. It was a sudden unaccountable fear of meet-
ing Palliser, though for more than a week she had
wondered why he did not come, and wished to see him
more than she cared to admit, even to herself. Now


78
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
know, sir, that there is no more reprehensible habit
than unpunctuality, and you are quite half an hour be-
hind time?”
“I am indeed,” he replied, laughing pleasantly. “I
cry peccavi! Tell Barbara to bring in dinner, I will
just sit down as I am. Where do you think I have
been?"
“Oh, I have not the least idea.”
“I'll tell you as soon as I have taken off the first
sharp edge of hunger. What's this we have for
dinner?”
“Some bechamel of cod and stewed steak.”
“Well, I hope to Heaven that girl hasn't hurried it
first, and let it simmer to rags after!"
Having accomplished the feat of dulling the pangs
of hunger, Captain Rowley pushed away his plate and
said:
“I was just coming out of the club when Lady
Saville drove by, and though it was quite dusk, she
knew me in a moment and pulled up sharp, right
under the lamp. She gave me a smile and said, “Ah!
you have come at the right time. I shall take you as
a hostage for your daughter who has just deserted me.
Come, Captain Rowley, I don't like driving to the station
in the dark, you must take care of me,' and she went
on to say how she had had tea with
you
had
guided her round the town. By George, she is one of
you, and


MORNING VISITS.
79
the sweetest women I ever met! Yet they say her
husband does not get on with her. He must be a
brute! So I got into the phaeton, and she drove away
to the station. The train was full ten minutes or a
quarter of an hour late, and I'm glad I went with her,
for there were a lot of roughs about the station yard.
Palliser is a deuced well-bred fellow. He thanked me
most politely for taking care of his sister, and insisted
on sending the groom back with the luggage and taking
his seat in order to give me a lift to the turn of the
lane."
“They are both very nice,” said Janet. "Lady
Saville came in about half-past three, and we had a
cup of tea together. It must be wonderful to be rich
as she is, to have only to wish for a thing and to get
it—but a little monotonous.”
“Rather a pleasant monotony," returned her father.
“I am not greedy of money myself, but the monotony
of always screwing and paring is more tiresome than
the monotony of riches! Not, by the way, that the
Savilles are rich! They were, but they have lived very
fast. They say Sir Frederic's wish to shoot big game
is to mask the necessity of shutting up his town and
country houses. I'm told that her ladyship knows how
to scatter the cash too. But what can you expect
from a woman brought up without the least idea of the
value of money?”


80
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“I cannot fancy anyone in the world not under-
standing its importance,” said Janet thoughtfully.
“Ah, my dear, that's because you have been pinched
all your life, I am sorry to say. But it can't be helped,
you see I must keep a few pounds together for Tom.
I must give him a chance-a boy's career is more im-
portant than a girl's.”
"Oh, yes, of course," cried Janet, laying her soft
hand on the old man's wrinkled fist as it lay loosely
doubled on the table. “You need not trouble about
me, dear Dad! I have everything I want, and Tom
deserves to be helped-he is very steady. At the same
ne, I should like to do something, I mean to earn a
little money, not to take everything from you, or to be
dependent on Tom by and bye.”
“Oh, don't think of these modern crotchets about
independence. Women have a right to be provided for
by the men. Some honest fellow will take a fancy to
you one of these days, and then your future will be
provided for in the most natural and satisfactory way.”
“I cannot see the satisfaction of it,” she returned
laughing. “A future that depends on some man's fancy
is woefully indefinite! But I hope the best man I know
will long be here to take care of me, and be taken
care of. I am not going to worry about the future too
soon.”
For all answer, the old sailor took and pressed the
22


MORNING VISITS.
81
hand that lay upon his own, saying in a low tone as if
to himself:
“Bless your dear heart!”
This was the strongest display of feeling he ever
permitted himself, and his daughter was perfectly
content.
*
*
*
*
When Palliser and his sister had deposited Captain
Rowley within a couple of hundred yards of his own
door, they drove on for some time in silence.
Then Lady Saville said sweetly:
“What sort of a time have you had at Morden
Grange, Randal?”
“The sport was pretty good, but the company a
choice collection of bores—our old member was there
looking better than ever. By Jove! a man ought to be
ashamed of 'stopping the way so long,' and the wild
Tory trash they all talked was amazing. I am as
strongly Conservative as any of them, but you can no
more resist the spirit of the age, than you can beat
back the rising tide. The only course is to lead, to
manipulate the movement, instead of letting it crush
you. If I ever get my innings I shall pose as a Con-
servative Liberal.”
“Why do you hang on, waiting to step into poor
old Digby's shoes? There are heaps of towns and
A Choice of Evils. I.
6


82
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
boroughs that would be ready enough to send you to
Parliament!”
“I don't want a town constituency! It knows too
much, and wants to drive, not to be led! Besides, I
want to identify myself with the old county, the old
place. You do not know how intense the feeling is,
and above all, the desire to bury the memory of my
contemptible accursed folly under a mausoleum of good
strong work! Old Digby's wonderful vitality will, at
any rate, give me time for sowing a fine crop of
popularity.”
Lady Saville listened to this and a good deal more,
only throwing in a tactful word here and there. She
was not quite as much at ease with her brother as with
others, especially when alone with him. Then, an in-
visible observer, had such a thing been possible, would
have perceived something in her words and manner
like "feeling her way” with the masterful master of
Mervyn Hall.
Palliser spoke more to himself than to her, and she
was pleased to let the current of the conversation drift
as far as possible from herself.
It was quite dark when they reached the Hall.
The wide open door let the bright lamp-light stream
out upon the gravel sweep before the entrance, and at-
tendant spirits in the shape of a clerical-looking butler
and two liveried satellites descended the steps to assist


84
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
Quaker-like though it is," he returned. “Yes, you are
a pretty woman, unfortunately for yourself, Gertrude!”
“I cannot see that it does me any harm," she said
demurely.
There was a short pause. Then Palliser took a few
nuts, cracked one, and said slowly:
“Yes, I did you a good turn, now is the time for
you to pay me back."
“I am quite willing to do so, Randal! Though you
do not want much help, you can get what you want
without much chatter or scandal!”
“I am not sure, Langford is like all other small
places, horribly given to gossip, and I especially want
to escape being talked about, so you must act screen
and carry out my directions.”


AT THE HALL.
85
CHAPTER V.
AT THE HALL.
THIS visit of Lady Saville's to Navarino Cottage,
was the prelude of closer intercourse. As the October
days grew shorter and touches of frost crisped the air,
deepening and heightening the rich autumnal tints on
the falling leaves, few of them passed without a visit
from the Squire of Mervyn Hall, or his sister, and Janet
began to surmount her uneasy admiration and vague
distrust of the former.
The Captain's territories were situated at the junc-
tion of Oak Tree Lane and the high road, before it
entered the town; the growing intimacy between the
Cottage and the Hall, did not therefore attract as much
attention as if the Rowleys had lived the other side of
Langford.
The Southshire hunting season had now begun, and
Palliser, who was a keen sportsman, was out of doors
as long as daylight lasted, and often longer.
“In fact, I am alone nearly all day!” said Lady
Saville one fine sharp morning; she had come in before
luncheon, as she occasionally did, and so found Captain


86
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
Rowley at home. “I wish you would be “real kind,
my dear sir, as the Americans say, and lend me your
daughter for a few days. In November there is to be
a big party at the Hall, a man's party, so I am going
to stay with my sister until it is over. Her husband,
General Dashwood, has a command at Aldershot.
Then I return and stay till after Christmas. In the
meantime, I am bored and dull—do have compassion
on me, Janet!” (she had grown familiar enough to call
her by her Christian name). “I have no greater temp-"
tation to offer than good fires, a large supply of novels
from Mudie's and complete freedom, for Randal starts
off to-morrow to a friend's house in Norfolk.”
“If my father does not mind, I should be very
pleased to stay with you,” said Janet, sparkling all over
with a happy smile. She had grown very fond of Lady
Saville, whose caressing manners and flattering speech
made her almost irresistible to a young imaginative girl.
“But you too will be lonely, dear Dad, if I am away?”
“I shan't mind for a little while,” he returned.
“I know it will be a treat for you, to stay with Lady
Saville."
“Thank you, my dear Captain Rowley! and when
my brother comes back (he will only be a few days
away) you will also come to us?”
“Thanks, yes. Just to take this child home again.
“Well, Janet, will you come to-morrow? Randal


AT THE HALL.
87
will be driving in to catch the 3.0 train, and the car-
riage can call for you after.”
“Thank you, Lady Saville, I shall be quite ready."
“Are you sure you don't mind being alone, dear?”
asked Janet, slipping her arm through her father's
when he returned from putting Lady Saville into her
carriage.
“Who-me? Not at all. I have a lot to do re-
gulating the garden and the conservatory, besides my
club work—I am on the committee now, and I am con-
vinced there has been no end of peculation and mis-
management for the last couple of years! Don't you
trouble about me, my pet, go and enjoy yourself. I am
right glad you have a chance of being with a high-bred
woman like Lady Saville. It's a sort of education—not
that I want you to imitate anyone, my dear—but she
is a capital model, and it will do you good to be with
her!”
“Very well, Dad, but I am afraid my manners will
never be like Lady Saville's.”
“They are not bad, anyway" —a pause, during
which Captain Rowley seemed lost in thought, then he
said, as if to himself: “He'll be away a fortnight at
least, I fancy."
“Who, father?-Mr. Palliser?"
“Yes.
I suppose he is going to Lord Dacre's. I
am told there's a couple of very handsome daughters
>>


88
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
there, and I daresay now he is a free man he will want
to give the hall a suitable mistress--of course he'll look
high for a wife.”
“No doubt,” said Janet, and turned away, leaving
the room to give some direction to Barbara.
She was distressed to find what a pang her father's
words struck to her heart. What he suggested was
probable enough, and yet, if his suggestion proved
prophetic, how would it be with herself? In spite of
all her efforts to be reasonable—to avoid construing
Palliser's constant seeking for her society into anything
beyond pleasant, cordial friendliness — she knew that
she would feel bitterly the sense of desertion and de-
ception of the worst kind-self-deception. Then words
and looks—which had made her eyes droop, her heart
beat wildly-came back, and roused agitating doubts
of the speaker's true meaning.
Even if Palliser ever dreamed of anything so
romantic as marrying her, should she ever feel at rest
and at home with him? She almost doubted it. How
ardently she wished to break the disturbing spell he
had thrown over her, and how profound would be her
self-contempt if she found she had given him the gold
of passionate affection, for the counters of pleasant
passing admiration. ... How weak — how miserably
weak she had been! Well, in future she would be
more worthy of her own respect. She wished the dear


90
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
into luncheon, full of the financial iniquities already
scented by the committee, and a little elated by his
sense of superior penetration and practicality as com-
pared to his committee mates.
“They have chosen old Dobson because he was a
lawyer before he came into money and retired from
business. By George! he is a regular timber head,
and in such a taking about the responsibility devolving
on him that he is no use at all. I wish Palliser
(Richard Palliser, I mean) had come on the committee.
He knows what he's about—but he's too big a man to
be troubled about such trifles as a paltry provincial
club. His private room in the bank is club enough
for him.”
“You must keep them right, Dad,” said Janet,
“and now tell me what you are going to do this after-
noon."
.
>>
“Well, I don't exactly know. I'm told they are to
sell off most of the garden and farming tools at poor
Bennett's on Monday, there's to be a division of the
property between the sons and the step-mother. I'd
like to pick up a grass-cutter if there's such a thing to
be had cheap. I could do the grass myself then, and
it runs away with a deuced lot of money hiring a mower
every week or two.”
“Let me go with you, then. I want a walk-a


AT THE HALL.
91
walk with you, dearest Dad. Coming back I must stop
at the Vicarage and tell Mary about Lady Saville's in-
vitation, she will look after my two particular old wo-
men for me while I am away."
“I shouldn't mind going to see them myself if you
wish it."
"I am afraid you would frighten them. You know,
you sometimes have a rather gruff quarter-deck manner,"
returned Janet, shaking her head.
“You are as saucy a monkey as ever tormented an
old salt. Come along, it is a splendid fresh afternoon,
put on your hat, and we'll see what we can pick up at
Bennett's."
2
*
*
*
The next morning was fine also, but colder with
more wind, and in spite of her stern resolution, Janet
felt nervously alive to every sound as the hour at which
the express to London was due approached. Two
o'clock—if Palliser was going to call, he must come
soon. Half-past two!— Janet hastily put on her second-
best frock, which she intended to wear every day while
at the Hall, and as hastily recommenced her not very
extensive packing. Twenty minutes to three—there
was hardly any chance of seeing him now-it would
only be “a grasp of the hand hastening on,” if he did
come. Quarter to three!— Janet's hurry ceased, and she
finished her arrangements with almost sad tranquillity.


AT THE HALL.
93
their own people at home. Now, let us have some tea.
Then we shall have light enough for a walk, and get
up an appetite for dinner. You are a great walker,
are you not, Janet?”
“I am afraid I am not great at any thing, but I
walk a good deal with my father.”
“That is probably the reason that you look in such
enviable health! I will try and walk while you are
here, perhaps I may reap a similar reward."
“You are not looking very well, Lady Saville," look-
ing at her with affectionate interest.
"I often have nervous headaches, and everyone has
her own worries, but I shall feel better now you are
here! Randal had a lot of letters to write. He is
thinking of selling a place he has on the Sussex coast.
It is a sea-side villa, but a nice enough place, only he
has unpleasant associations with it! This entails no
end of lawyer's letters. He is going to stay in Town
for a day on account of it.”
“Is there to be a large party where he is going?”
“Yes, I fancy there will be a good many in the
house. It is a semi-political gathering, which is my
brother's real attraction, though Lord Dacre has rather
fascinating daughters, but Randal has not been very
much inclined for ladies' society of late years.
thankful he is taking it up again. It is rather bad for
a man to be disgusted with women!”
I am


94
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“It is a little unjust to be disgusted with women
because two or three are bad, is it not?”
“Of course it is! But do you imagine that men
are just? That is the rarest quality amongst them.”
“Are women more just?”
"I do not know; I do not fancy they are!"
“What an unfortunate world, if there is no justice
either in men or women.”
“It sounds very bad, doesn't it?” said Lady Saville,
“but I am afraid there is not much justice. Now, if
you will not take any more tea, we will go out. I
think we may manage to go as far as the Home farm
and back, but first come and see your room.”
It was a large sunny apartment, hung with pale
apple-green chintz covered with roses and deeper green
leaves. The furniture was inlaid with various coloured
woods, and the drawers and cabinets had finely-worked
brass handles and ornaments. There were easy chairs,
a sofa, a dwarf bookcase, a writing-table with all the
necessary appliances, an over-mantel with china vases,
and biscuit figures-in short, enough pretty things to
make any drawing-room look lovely, Janet thought as
she looked round.
“Give Collins (my maid) your keys, and she will
put out your things,” said Lady Saville.
Janet laughed.
“I shall feel ashamed to put so grand a room to


96
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
Gradually, Lady Saville came back to the present,
and they discussed many things as they walked briskly
along through the grounds, passing a gate leading out
of them into the woods, where they trod on the brown-
red rustling leaves, as they followed the path winding
through them, under nearly bare branches, and listened
to the rare note of some lingering bird which had not
yet realised that summer was quite gone. Sometimes
their steps startled a pheasant, who rose with a “whirr”
and disappeared, his plumage gleaming through the
black stems of the trees.
“I suppose you can ride?”
“I am not sure," returned Janet. “I can ride the
old pony at the Vicarage, even without a saddle, but he
is so quiet."
“Would you like to ride?”
"Oh, yes, immensely."
“I shall enquire if there is anything safe and fit to
carry you, in the stables. Then, if I happen to have a
spare habit here, I can give you a lesson. I do not
imagine, you know, I am a good horse-woman. I used
to love riding."
“Don't you care about it now?”
“I suppose I do not enjoy anything so much now.
But I am frightfully in the blues, my dear Janet; you
will be sorry you came here! It has been fearfully
dull! Let us do something to rouse ourselves, though


98
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“I suppose you would like to have such a place
yourself?”
“Oh, no! It would alarm me to possess so much,
a far smaller place would please me quite as well, and
a little more thoney than we have. I could always
come here and enjoy the beauty just as much as if it
belonged to me-perhaps more, because I should have
no responsibility."
Lady Saville looked at her keenly.
"I am not quite of your way of thinking," she said,
"I grow dreadfully bored in the country. When one
comes to my age, society is very essential.”
"But, Lady Saville, you seem scarcely older than
myself,” cried Janet.
“Thank you, but I have one boy on the point of
going to a crammer's, and another two years younger,"
said Lady Saville, laughing. “No, give me London or
Paris, or some continental watering place. You cannot
have society in the country unless you import it from
the great centres; and then, being shut up in the same
house with it, it becomes wearisome! How much you
would enjoy London, Janet!”
“I have no doubt I should.”
A pause, then Lady Saville asked: “Do you play
billiards?”
“No, not at all.”
“Would you like to learn to-night?”


AT THE HALL.
99
“Of course I should, but I am very stupid at games.”
“There is nothing especially difficult in billiards;
then, if we can manage it, we will ride after luncheon
to-morrow. I dare say some of the Castle Clare people
will come over to-morrow, perhaps to luncheon; but
you would rather not have any strange men with you
on your experimental ride?"
“Never mind me, Lady Saville, go and ride with
your friends. I have more than enough here to amuse
me for days."
“We shall manage better than that.”
This was Janet's first glimpse of the restlessness
which overtakes most women who have exhausted all
the world can give before they are six-and-thirty, and
whose lives are hollow because their hearts are not re-
ceptive, or perhaps disappointed. She began to per-
ceive that her new friend-in spite of the sparkling
gaiety she could assume at a moment's notice—was
anything but a happy woman. Still, for some reason,
she made herself most agreeable to her young guest,
and Janet found a lesson in billiards a very pleasant
way of passing the evening. The game interested her
more than she expected. “Games” to her, meant
cards, which she detested, but the movement and
physical enjoyment of sending the ball into the pockets,
was almost equal to lawn tennis.
Next day two men from Castle Clare rode over to
7*


IOO
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
luncheon. One was the second son, a young Guards-
man, the other a London chum of his, and his guest.
They talked about people, things and places, totally
unknown to Janet, of whom they did not take the slightest
notice; while their attention to and admiration of Lady
Saville were great and unmistakable.
Finally they persuaded her to ride with them.
Janet, when Lady Saville turned to her with a laugh-
ing apology, so eagerly assured her that she did not
mind in the least being left alone, so long as the
library was also left, that her hostess went off to dress,
quite satisfied that she had not been guilty of objec-
tionable neglect.
“Will you not stay and entertain my cavaliers?”
asked Lady Saville, finding Janet at her heels when she
had left the room.
“No, thank you! I would rather not, and I am sure
they would rather not. I shall take a ramble in the
grounds, and then have a good long read till you come
back. Pray do not return sooner than you like, I do
not mind being alone.”
“You are really a delightful girl!” cried Lady
Saville, bestowing a kiss upon her. “You seem to me
absolutely honest. Now I shall not forget to find out
if I have a habit for you, and we shall have our trial
trip to-morrow.”
Lady Saville was as good as her word, and Janet


AT THE HALL.
IOI
had the joy of riding a well-broken, steady horse, quiet
yet willing, on the following day. Moreover the old
head groom declared the young lady was the making
of a good horsewoman, and that it came natural to her
to “sit square."
The days flew fast. Lady Saville grew more and
more kindly as she perceived that her guest was able
and willing to amuse herself, independently of all ex-
traneous aid. They paid frequent visits to Captain
Rowley, and he often came to luncheon, which he said
suited him better than dinner.
“I can settle down with my book in my easy chair
at home when I am tired after the day, and turn in as
soon as I feel drowsy; whereas if I have to sit up and
make conversation, I'm played out in no time!” he ex-
plained to Lady Saville, who was always quite charm-
ing to the old man. To do her justice, she considered
no one too insignificant to be fascinated, down to the
crossing-sweeper to whom she threw a penny.
Janet had now been ten days at the Hall, and
began to think she had left her father long enough,
but Lady Saville would not hear of her returning home.
“You must not desert me!” she exclaimed. “Randal
has been kept in Town longer that he expected; but
he will be at home certainly some day next week. Do
stay till he comes?”
And Janet consented.


I02
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
She was willing and unwilling to remain. It would
be pleasant and exciting to be in the same house with
Palliser, and she admitted to herself that she would
like him to see how well Lady Saville's old habit suited
her, though just a little too tight, for her ladyship was
petite, but coming back as he would be from a house-
ful of beautifully-dressed elegant people, well versed in
the shibboleths of his world, how could she expect that
he would notice her much?—she must keep her father's
warning in her mind.
For some cause, utterly unknown to her, Mr. Palliser
seemed to take an interest in her, but it was highly
improbable that this would last, and she was too proud,
too self-respecting, to give more than was given. No,
she would not stay on, once the master of the house
was at home. Another reason actuated her, which
some may be high-minded enough to consider a puerile
one-she had worn her scanty store of frocks over and
over again. Should Mr. Palliser invite people to dinner,
she had nothing new or suitable to put on.
This was
what she candidly told Lady Saville, when her pleasant
hostess urged her to come to a dinner to which she
herself had been engaged for some time.
She did
not like to put it off, so she wished to take Janet
with her.
“Ah!” exclaimed Lady Saville on hearing of this
difficulty, “let us run up to Town for a couple of days,


AT THE HALL.
103
and get you a pretty dinner dress. It will be a pleasant
break; our house is unoccupied, but we have a care-
taker there who can do what we want."
“But, dear Lady Saville, I could not ask my father
for a new dress until after Christmas!”
“After Christmas!” interrupted Lady Saville. “That
will just do, for, of course, three months' credit is ready
money!”
“My dear dad would not think so!” said Janet
laughing. “He never leaves anything unpaid at the
end of the week!”
“How dreadfully he must cripple himself!” cried
Lady Saville in much surprise. “Well, then, you need
say nothing about it till the period when the new
garment is due, then present the bill.”
“That is the greatest impossibility of all. I don't
think Dad and I ever had a secret from each other in
our lives!
Then, as to a new frock, we consult over it
for a month before it is bought.”
Lady Saville laughed as if much amused.
“Yet there is very little of a man-milliner about
Captain Rowley!”
“Oh, he only listens, and agrees to all I say. I
enjoy talking about it—and anticipating."
So the project was given up, and Lady Saville
refused some other invitations in consequence.
The dinner in question was rather a state affair at


104
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
the Castle (there was but one “Castle” in Southshire)
and as it was a serious function Lady Saville put on
her diamonds and a grand court dress, only docked of
its train.
It was a fête to Janet to study her new friend's
toilette, to gaze with genuine admiration on the grace-
ful, queenly look of the little woman, who was every
inch a great lady.
Lady Saville was much gratified, even while she
said to herself: “What a child she is!--she is born to
be taken in!—she will never profit by any of her
advantages. Heigh ho! what would the world be like
were it full of Janet Rowleys?-very peaceful, but-
rather flat! Anything would be better, though, than
what it is now!” So thinking, she kissed her guest and
departed.
Janet had entreated to be spared the formalities of
dinner by herself, so "high tea” was served to her in
Lady Saville's sitting-room as soon as that lady had set
out on her six mile drive to dinner, and having dis-
patched what refreshment she needed, she curled herself
up in a corner of the sofa with a book. A grand fire
of wood and coal shed a glow over the prettily-decorated
room, a lamp with a pink and white shade stood near
her, and shed a becoming light over Janet's fair hair,
beautiful complexion and best dress of white muslin
with blue ribbons, which, though but the work of a


106
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
followed, his eyes dwelling on her with an expression
of delight that made it hard for her to keep up the
calm, friendly tone she strove to assume.
“So Lady Saville is dining at Castle Clare?” he
said. “How charming to find you here to welcome me
-you see I venture to take for granted that you do
welcome me.”
“Yes, of course I do—to your own house!”
“It was not very considerate of my sister to leave
you alone!”
Now,
have you
“She wished me to go with her, but I preferred
staying here—I do not mind being alone, in the least.”
“The stars in their courses fought for me!”” ex-
claimed Palliser smiling. “I am afraid you have had
rather a dull time of it.
tell
me,
dined?"
“Oh, yes-long ago!"
“Then you are ready for another dinner, and the
dinner will be ready for us in half-an-hour, by the time
I make myself fit to sit down with you. I trust you
have not bored yourself very much during your abode
in my old place?”
“No, indeed! I have been very happy. Lady Saville
is delightful.”
"I suspect that “the light which surrounds you is all
from within!'” said Palliser as he went to the door. “I
shall not keep you long."


AT THE HALL.
107
Janet continued to stand by the fire, when he left
the room, her heart still beating almost painfully fast.
She must not allow herself to be so disturbed by so
simple an incident as Palliser's unexpected return to his
own house, she must not let him see the extraordinary
effect he produced upon her. Surely she was strong
enough to present a steady front to the-was he friend
or foe? She did not know why, but his eyes always
seemed to her like danger signals. She felt she dare
not let herself love him—yet was not that question
already decided?
At
a whole evening's
tête-à-tête with him lay before her, and it was fear-
any rate
ful joy.
As she thought, her agitation diminished, her pulse
grew more quiet, and she took up her book again, with
the hope of acquitting herself like-a woman.
So engrossed was she in the effort to marshal her
moral and mental forces that Palliser seemed to have
been but a few minutes making his toilette, yet how
perfect it was! What a distinguished-looking man—how
his whole air and countenance bespoke frank pleasure
-pleasure at seeing her, but Janet was quite herself
again.
“And how is Captain Rowley?” asked Palliser,
taking his stand on the hearth-rug. (Janet had sub-
sided into a low arm-chair).
“Very well indeed.”


108
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
--
“Why did he not join you here?"
"I don't know exactly, but I think he does not care
to leave home when I am away. He is fond of working
about the house and the garden, so-
“Dinner is on the table," announced the butler,
opening the door wide.
Palliser offered his arm to his guest.
“I really have dined, Mr. Palliser,” said Janet,
hesitating.
“What! would you treat me so scurvily as to let me
eat alone?"
“Very well; I will come and look at you," she
returned smiling, and they descended the wide stairs
together. How strange it seemed to her, yet the feeling
of awkwardness was wearing off already.
Dinner was laid as usual when there were no guests,
in the breakfast or morning room, and Janet saw with
surprise how complete in all respects was the repast so
quickly prepared.
“And how have you amused yourself?” asked Palliser
at last, having done most of the talking up to this ques-
tion, and persuaded his companion to keep him in
countenance by tasting some of the good things be-
fore her.
“I have been abundantly amused! There was that
lovely library in the morning, till Lady Saville appeared,
then we talked, and drove or walked, and my father


IIO
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
thirty, and that would have brought you here before
Lady Saville left.”
"Exactly! I missed that train in London, so I took
the four-twenty to Greybridge—you know that line is
shorter—then I had a very tedious drive, nearly seven
miles, you know, with the most miserable old brute of
a horse I ever sat behind. In fact, I was seized with
an extraordinary fit of home-sickness, and was determined
to reach the Hall to-night at any cost.”
“Ah, yes; I understand! I am always glad to go
home," said Janet in a low tone, not knowing exactly
what to say.
There was a pause, then Palliser added: “You must
remember that I have not known what home is for
years."
Janet made no answer, every phrase that presented
itself seeming unsuitable.
“Now," said her host in an altered voice, “shall we
try our respective skill at billiards?—that is, if you will
not take any more wine. Why, you have not finished
what you have. I am afraid it is not good.”
“I have no doubt it is excellent, but I do not like
it very much. I rarely taste wine, and do not know
good from bad. It has generally rather a disagreeable
taste, I think.”
“That is an unusual view of the matter! Come, Miss
Rowley, I am anxious to see what you can do."


AT THE HALL.
III
Ringing, he ordered the servant, who came instantly,
to light the billiard-room.
When Janet found herself in the well-appointed
apartment, with her fascinating host chalking her cue,
setting the balls and arranging all preliminaries with
eager attention, her sense of humour—the contrast be-
tween her, her insignificance in the social gatherings at
Langford, and her importance (even if temporary) in
one of the first houses of the county, touched her fancy,
and, catching Palliser's eye, she laughed—a low but
merry laugh.
“What amuses you?” he asked.
“To be here, playing billiards with you, seems very
funny!” she returned, smiles still dimpling round her
lips.
Palliser paused in the act of making a stroke, and
repeated “Funny! I find it heavenly!”
"Ah, Mr. Palliser, that is rather too much; please
attend to your game.” She began to feel sufficiently at
home with him to be a little coquettish.
“Believe me,” he said in a significant tone, “I am
attending to my game very diligently.” Then he pro-
ceeded to explain and exemplify many mysteries, and
seemed determined to keep away from any tempting
subjects or allusions.
Janet enjoyed her lesson ex-
tremely, growing more and more at her ease with him,


I 12
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
and, therefore doing herself more justice. At last she
looked at the clock.
“Half-past eleven!” she cried. “I had no idea it
was so late. I must say good-night.”
“No, no, not yet; wait till my sister comes, and we
shall hear some of the brilliant sayings exchanged at
dinner”—then, coming round to lounge against the
table beside her, “I think you have improved already
under my tuition. If you care to play the game and
like it, you may become'a high-class player.”
“Thank you very much for your lesson; I should
like to play well.”
“I will not say thank you for your lesson yet, Miss
Rowley, until I know what result it brings forth, but-
you have taught me a great deal."
"Then we are quits, I suppose?” said Janet, but
her lips trembled as she said the words, and she wished
to be away anywhere, even while a strange thrill of
pleasure ran through her veins, when the door opened
gently, and Lady Saville came in all smiles and dia-
monds.
Janet could have kissed her with joy.
“My dear Randal, this is an unexpected pleasure.”


AN IMPORTANT DECISION.
113
CHAPTER VI.
AN IMPORTANT DECISION.
LADY SAVILLE was a good deal amused by the
eagerness of Janet's welcome.
“Randal has not been keeping himself well in hand,"
she thought. “I wonder if he understands what a shy
bird it is?”
Then she began to describe her evening at the
Castle, and to ask questions respecting the party with
which her brother had been staying in Norfolk.
Janet said little, and soon begged leave to retire.
“Miss Rowley has been dying to go to bed for the
last hour,” said Palliser, “though she has been playing
splendidly! I only persuaded her to stay by suggesting
the desirability of seeing you on your return."
“You know Janet has been accustomed to early
hours—we must not pale her roses by keeping her up!
Good-night, dear! You shall hear the rest of the news
to-morrow.”
"Good-night, Mr. Palliser—thank you for your
lessons,” said Janet.
He opened the door for her and held her hand,
A Choice of Evils. I.
8


114
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
perhaps an unnecessary instant, before she escaped.
Then he returned to his sister and threw himself into
a chair beside the fire, in silence.
“This is an unexpected move of yours, Randal!”
said Lady Saville after waiting for him to speak.
“Yes!” he returned, “as unexpected to myself as
to anyone else.
Your letters have been very full and
satisfactory, but this morning, I was seized with such
an overpowering desire to come and see for myself,
that, I came!”
“Randal, you amaze me!” she exclaimed with a
touch of malice in her tone. “I thought your next
marriage was to be arranged on the most prudential
and hygienic principles, and behold—-'
“Well, I think I have fulfilled all such conditions,"
he interrupted. "If-friendly fate has thrown in a
handful of sweeter ingredients—why, I think after my
experience, I have a right to all the enjoyment I can
get, but you are too bitter a sceptic!” he paused a mo-
ment and then continued, "I had a long talk with old
Pearson about St. Oswald's. I don't think it will fetch
as much as expected. He says if the place had been
on the Devonshire Coast, I might have asked a higher
price, and a lot more rot! However, he will do the best
he can—I spoke about your house in E-- Square,
he thinks it will let well for the season. I suppose you
don't care to let it before Christmas?”


AN IMPORTANT DECISION.
115
Brother and sister talked at some length of their
respective affairs, Palliser's last words being:
“Send a note to Captain Rowley to-morrow early,
ask him to dine and sleep, and have a little shooting
on Thursday and Friday, if he will stay so long. He
is a rugged old fellow, but a gentleman and comes of
a good stock."
*
*
never
If the days flew fast when Lady Saville and Janet
were alone together, they went still faster when the
master of the house was at home.
He undertook both the riding lessons and the
billiard lessons; in the former, Lady Saville joined.
Captain Rowley came to stay for two or three days,
which were particularly delightful to Janet; she had
seen him so bright and even exhilarated; he
seemed to enjoy his visit thoroughly, and Palliser's
attentions and kindly care of him irresistibly attracted
the daughter's heart.
The old man was very proud of his prowess in
shooting, and Palliser was particular about having the
birds forwarded to the Vicarage, labelled, "Shot by
Captain Rowley." The old sailor himself was a little
surprised at the number which bore this inscription.
The time was now close at hand when the guests
expected by Palliser were to assemble. Janet therefore
made up her mind to return home with her father. He
8*


116
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
would feel terribly lonely too, after the brightness of his
stay at the Hall.
Neither Lady Saville nor Palliser would hear of this.
“My dear child?” cried the former, when Janet sug-
gested leaving on the following day, “what an idea! are
you so faithless as to leave me during the last days of
my stay here? I am sure, Captain Rowley, you will
spare her to me for a week longer.”
“I don't think I am likely to say you nay, Lady
Saville!"
“But I am sure my father will feel being quite
alone, after his delightful visit here,” and Janet glanced
gratefully at Palliser. “I shall feel happier to be with
him.”
“I am equally sure that Captain Rowley will be un-
selfish enough to bear his self-imposed loneliness, for a
week,” said their host. “Why will he not give us an-
other week himself?”
“Because I have stayed already four days instead
of one, and I shouldn't be surprised if I found my
house burned down, or all the crockery smashed, when
I go back! But you, Janet, you are welcome to stay!
I know it's a treat you don't often get.”
“And,” added Palliser, "you require just six lessons
more, to make you perfect in the 'witching art of horse-
manship."
"Which art you will probably never exercise again!


AN IMPORTANT DECISION.
117
Nevertheless, learn all you can,” said Captain Rowley
laughing
After some further persuasion Janet agreed to re-
main.
In truth, she had never been so happy and at ease
with Palliser as during her father's visit to the Hall.
She had rarely been alone with her host, and his
manner to her had been more friendly and less that of
an admirer. The result was that she looked forward
with something like dismay to the time now so near at
hand when she should no longer see him the first thing
in the morning and the last at night.
How foolish she was! But there would be time
enough to fight this matter out when she was at home
and alone; for the present, let her, oh, let her enjoy!
The following day was wet and gusty. Palliser
ordered the brougham, and accompanied Captain Row-
ley home himself.
Lady Saville and Janet were at tea in the smaller
of the two drawing-rooms, and evening was fast closing
in, when Palliser returned. To his great disgust he
found Mrs. Richard Palliser, a plump, comely dame,
and her daughter, established at his sister's tea-table.
Mrs. R. Palliser was a somewhat irrepressible woman,
perfectly satisfied with herself, her house, her husband,
her position, and quite willing to be friendly with the
Hall, in spite of the severe course of snubbing to which


118
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
her husband's kinsman had treated her. She was busy
explaining why she had not called on Lady Saville
before.
“You see we went to Vichy immediately after you
came, and then Minnie and I went on to Switzerland.
Now we are going to Yorkshire for a fortnight. In fact,
my son is engaged to be married to a very charming
girl-Miss Blackett who, besides being a sweet creature,
has a very nice fortune.
"A fortune is always nice," said Lady Saville
blandly.
“That is just what I say," returned Mrs. Palliser.
“I am the last person in the world to set much value
on wealth, still one must be glad when a young couple
have a fair start.”
“No doubt,” observed Palliser, who managed to hold
himself most politely aloof.
“I don't suppose the marriage will come off before
the new year,” etc., etc., etc.—she continued to babble
on to Lady Saville.
Palliser took his cup and brought it over to Janet's
side, drawing a seat near her.
“Well," he said in a low, caressing voice, "I saw
'the dear Dad' safely installed. I am glad to say the
house is intact, also the crockery, as far as I could see.
Your neat little damsel seemed very pleased to welcome
her master back. Your father found quite a respectable


I 20
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
Here the visitors rose to take leave.
“Are you staying here?” asked the elder lady as
she shook hands with Janet.
“I am.”
“I was going to ask if I could take you home-
very nice for you, I am sure.”
“Quite delightful,” returned Janet joyously.
"Your father will feel very lonely without you."
“He only left to-day, himself.”
“Oh, indeed! Well, good morning, Mr. Palliser.
“Allow me to see you to your carriage?” he re-
turned with icy politeness, and followed them from the
room.
“Why does Mr. Palliser dislike Mrs. Richard so
much?” asked Janet, moving to a seat near Lady Saville.
"Do you like her?" was the counter question.
“No!--that is, it gives no pleasure to meet her, but
Mr. Palliser seems to find her insupportable."
“Randal is a good hater. Then the poor woman
offends his taste, which is an unpardonable sin; besides,
her husband is his next heir, and the son after him.”
“Does that annoy Mr. Palliser?”
“You know very little of my brother if you ask
such a question,” returned Lady Saville laughing.
“Of course I scarcely know him,” said Janet thought-
fully. "Is he a complicated character?"
Lady Saville laughed again.


AN IMPORTANT DECISION.
I 2 I
"I can hardly say--I only know he is a very good
brother.”
“I am sure he is,” replied Janet, and then fell into
deep thought. Yes, he was kind and generous, and
quite fond of the dear “Dad.” How well he seemed
to understand and appreciate him, and how dull life
would be without her delightful host when she returned
to Navarino Cottage.
But the dear old father must see nothing of this
when she did go back. At any rate, there were three
or four days more of her present blissful life remaining,
then Lady Saville was going, and there would be an
end of all things--
"You are a very unguarded person, Randal," Lady
Saville was saying when Janet came out of “reverie-
land.” “Janet has been asking me why you dislike the
banker's wife so much.”
“I should never dream of being guarded with Miss
Rowley," he returned; "besides, we have exchanged
confidences, she does not fancy Mrs. ‘Ingot' any more
than I do. Do you think that young Richard's fiancée
is one of the Blacketts of Cliffe, Gertrude?” he con-
tinued, addressing his sister.
“Yes, I imagine she is.”
“Great luck for him!—I wonder if any hopes of
the Mervyn property 'may have been used to bait the
hook-eh?”


I 22
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“Oh, no—not now!”
Palliser stood meditatively leaning against the end
of the mantel-piece for a moment, then he asked:
“Corbyn and old Fitzherbert are coming over to dinner,
are they not?”
“Yes, I asked them to stay the night, but dear old
Fitz is starting for the ends of the earth to-morrow, so
they must go back to Braybrook this evening."
“Ah!” returned her brother, “if you have gauds,
prepare to wear them now!"
"Not 'gauds,' my dear Randal,” said Lady Saville
laughing, "severe simplicity would do better."
“You must know, Miss Rowley,” resumed Palliser,
“that Colonel Fitzherbert is the last of the dandies,
the real old, full-flavoured dandy, who will swear you a
sounding oath, and drink you a bottle of port, and who
is moreover a past master—I should say—critic of
beauty and style, and all the other thistle-down ingre-
dients which go to make up social success. You must
fascinate him, or you will lose caste for ever.”
“Now do not make her nervous and uncomfortable,"
said Lady Saville. "Do not mind him, Janet."
“I assure you I am not in the least uneasy, Lady
Saville. I shall never see Colonel Fitzherbert again,
probably, and his judgment does not concern me. I
hope I may not give him an unpleasant shock. I will
do my best not to offend his eyes or ears,” said Janet,


AN IMPORTANT DECISION.
125
ance.
sudden interest. “I know he served on board that
ship.”
“Small place this world! I suppose Rowley has
left the service like myself. What is he doing now?"
“We live here—in Langford I mean-he is very
well and still quite active!”
“Ha! and looks years younger than I do—hey?”
“Oh, no!" returned Janet, gazing at his abundant
wig, and the generally “florid Gothic” of his appear-
“He is not a bit like you! Then you must
remember he has a great daughter to take care of.”
“Gad! you ought to grind him young if anything
would! How is it I have never seen you in Town?
Not been presented yet?"
“No-not yet!” returned Janet, shaking her head
solemnly.
“What! He keeps you mewed up—what an in-
fernal shame! If I were staying on here, I'd call on
him and remonstrate, by Jove I would! You get our
little friend Lady Saville to present you next spring-
couldn't have a better social sponsor! Hey, Palliser!
I'm going to depute you to act for me, and read my
old acquaintance Rowley a lecture on the iniquity of
his conduct in shutting up his daughter,” etc., etc., and
the talk flowed into other channels, until the visitors
took their leave.
“Deuced fine girl that daughter of Rowley's—a


126
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
gentlewoman too, so quiet and self-possessed, she has a
look of her great grand aunt-yes, it must be a great
aunt—the Marchioness of Pennywern; never made out
why Rowley didn't get pushed up, he ought to have
had interest, but he was just the sort of man to hide
his light under a bushel. I remember him well, some
that is, a good many years ago—but have lost sight
of him for ages—made a love match, and bedevilled
himself!” thus Colonel Fitzherbert to his host, on the
doorstep.
“Come, Fitzherbert," cried his companion. “It's
too cold to discuss Rowley's life and adventures to-
night; if you keep the mare much longer waiting, she'll
kick us into ‘kingdom come.'” The guests therefore
lit up, mounted their dog-cart and drove off.
“There is a decided touch of frost to-night," said
Palliser, returning to the warm, well-lit drawing-room
where his sister and Janet stood by the fire.
afraid we are going to have a spell of hard weather,
still I suppose we shall manage a run to-morrow. Miss
Rowley, I congratulate you on your subjugation of the
Arch Judge! Old Fitz says—but I will spare your
blushes, and only say that he observes a striking re-
semblance to a certain Marchioness of Pennywern-
some relative of yours.”
“How could he possibly know?” cried Janet in
great surprise. “There is a miniature of her at home.
“I am


AN IMPORTANT DECISION.
I 27
You would be amused at the idea of its being like
me!!”
“You must show it to me some day!”
“But is it not curious that he should have known
my father?”
“No, not at all! In a society like ours, everybody
is likely to know everybody.”
Then they exchanged good nights, for Lady Saville
was very tired, and Palliser got a book, and lounged
long, cigar in mouth, over his dressing-room fire, but
he did not read much.
The next day was splendidly fine, clear and frosty,
yet not so frosty as to interfere with the projected run.
The meet was at some distance, and as Lady Saville
sent Janet a message that she should not get up till
late, that young lady did not descend to the breakfast-
room until the sound of horse's feet dying away told
her the hunter had departed.
It was rather a long forenoon. Lady Saville seemed
very unwell, though more depressed in spirits than
physically affected. She evidently wished to be left
alone, so Janet took the day into her own hands,
mended a little, played a little, dreamed over a fresh
magazine, and about three o'clock went out for a soli-
tary ramble, during which she did some self-examination
and made a small cairn of good resolutions.


I 28
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
Evening was fast closing in when she reached the
house.
“If you please, 'm," said the butler, whom she met
in the hall, “Mr. Palliser desired me to say that tea was
ready in the library.”
“And Lady Saville! Is she better—is she down-
stairs?”
“No, 'm, her Ladyship is still in her room, her cold
is very severe.” Janet went into her favourite haunt.
It was unoccupied, she removed her hat and cloak, and
took a cup of tea. “I suppose Mr. Palliser has had a
long run, and has gone to dress, and rest till dinner,"
she thought, so she took a book and curling herself up
in the corner of a luxurious sofa beside a glowing fire,
the light from which caught the golden gleams in her
sunny hair and flickered on the arch of her white neck,
as she bent over her book; she read on for a while, till
a sudden sense of someone near made her look up, to
find Palliser standing beside her. He seemed even taller
and more distinguished than ever in his braided smok-
ing jacket.
“I did not hear you come in,” exclaimed Janet,
putting down her book.
“No, I stole in like a thief in the night!"
"How does Lady Saville seem?"
“No
great things. She is up, but will not leave her
I have been sitting with her."
room.


AN IMPORTANT DECISION.
129
A pause. Janet felt strangely at a loss what to say.
“Have you had tea?”
“Thank you, yes.”
Palliser rang, and ordered the tea to be removed.
“I ought not to have put off my hat and cloak
here!” she said apologetically. "I will take them away."
And she rose as if to go.
“What can it possibly matter?” exclaimed Palliser.
“And why do you invariably escape, or try to escape,
when I want to talk to you? I did not think I was a
disagreeable fellow!”
“But indeed you are not !” eagerly, then with a
little more caution, “Everyone thinks you agreeable.”
“Then, pray sit down, and let us discuss matters
and things in general.” And he placed himself be-
side her.
There was a short pause, during which Janet re-
solved to be very collected and argumentative.
“What profound subject are you studying now?"
asked Palliser, opening her book. "Blackwood? Oh,
this is merely light literature to you."
“Ah! Mr. Palliser, you laugh at me, but I really
enjoy--
“Laugh!” he interrupted. “Do you believe I ever
laugh at what interests you? You are very much mis-
taken. Women as truthful and natural as you, are
never laughed at!—that is why I like to talk to you,
A Choice of Evils. 1.
9


I 30
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
to look into your eyes, because whatever your lips or
eyes tell me I feel I can trust. You do not know what
a fresh-what a delightful sensation this is to me! But
your eyes tell me very little—you are so chary of your
glances—that is one reason why I always seek you,
though you do your best to avoid me. Do you know
what the other reason is?”
Janet, who was now almost past words, shook her
head.
Palliser drew nearer, and resting his arm on the
back of the sofa, leant his head on his hand, and
looked at her intently for an instant, then he said in a
low tone and very deliberately:
“Because I love you!—love you as you have yet no
conception of loving! May I try to teach you? I will
give my life to the task!”
There was a moment's silence. Janet was trembling
all over, far more uneasy than delighted.
“Will you speak to me?” whispered Palliser.
“I cannot,” said Janet at last, clasping her hands
together, and turning her face towards him, though
with downcast eyes. “It seems so impossible!”
“What—that I should love you, sweet one? Nothing
in the world was ever more likely! You must have
known loved you—you must have felt that the words
I have just spoken have been on my lips a dozen times,
though I held them back, fearing to startle you pre-


AN IMPORTANT DECISION.
131
maturely. Now, tell me what chance have I? I know
it is a great deal to ask, but will you give me yourself?
Will you-can you love me?"
This was
so solemn a question that it steadied
Janet's nerves, and with sudden composure she lifted
her eyes to his, saying:
“I will try to be true—indeed, I am not sure! It
disturbs me strangely when I see you, but when I think
of not seeing you—1—I do not like the idea! I wish
you were not so grand and rich! I wish I had some-
thing to bring with me!” and she clasped her hands;
Palliser caught them in his own and kissed them
passionately
“You tell me more than I hoped for,” he exclaimed.
"Say you will give yourself to me—that you will be my
wife, and let me win the love you have not quite given
me yet! My love, your father likes me, I am sure he
will not object to me!”
“Ah! yes, you are so nice and pleasant to him
that-4"
“You will love me for his sake?” put in Palliser
smiling
“I will love you for your own," she returned, with
an inexpressible tone of gentle dignity, that touched
and calmed her lover.
"My darling, you are infinitely good! I will not be
9*


132
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
unworthy of your affection, and Janet, you do love me
a little?"
She looked at him, laughed, blushed, shook her
head, and found herself in his arms, held closely to his
heart, while his lips clung to her sweet, fresh mouth,
as if they could never tear themselves away.
Yet he soon let her go, when he felt how wildly
her heart beat, he feared to agitate her more.
“You are so sensitive, so timid, with all your pluck,
Janet, that I dread offending or alarming you! Sit
down beside me again”--for she had risen in her con-
fusion—"let us talk of our plans--or rather mine. Let
me hold your hand—I ask no more now.”
And then ensued a long, rambling conversation,
chiefly on Palliser's side, half-reminiscent, half-pro-
spective, during which Janet learned how soon Palliser
had been attracted to her, and how long his probation
had seemed to him, as he had feared to spoil his own
game by too early a declaration.
How sweet was all this folly. Let philosophy and
worldliness sneer and shrug-grant it is even beneath
the contempt of ordinary common sense -can any of
the three give a glimpse of that exquisite fleeting
heaven — that temporary paradise of tenderness and
mutual understanding which the first avowal of re-
ciprocal love creates? It may be evanescent, but the


AN IMPORTANT DECISION.
133
life that has not known this gleam of “a light that was
never on land or sea” is poor indeed!
“But, Mr. Palliser, it is almost dinner-time," re-
monstrated Janet at last, “and I should like to see
Lady Saville.”
“By all means. She will be anxious to know the
result of our interview."
“Why?"
"Because," he said, laughing, "she has been my
confidante all through. Don't you know my name yet,
my darling? I shall never answer to “Mr. Palliser' from
your lips again.”
« «Mr. Palliser comes more readily to me, but I will
try to remember-Randal!” The word was held back
till she was passing through the door.


134
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
CHAPTER VII.
WEDDING BELLS.
THE days which followed left a curious impression
upon Janet's mind. A kind of glittering confusion
through which she seemed passing into a new state of
being.
It was very wonderful to be welcomed and caressed
as a new sister by so elegant and distinguished a
woman as Lady Saville, and gently chaffed respecting
the glamour she had exercised over Palliser! Yet,
although she never offended against good taste, it
seemed to Janet that Lady Saville hardly treated the
solemn subject of impending marriage with sufficient
gravity.
To Janet it was inexpressibly serious and touching.
Palliser seemed to her the noblest and most chivalrous
of men, and all she asked was to prove herself worthy
of his affection, for the indefinite admiration of him,
which had thrilled her with a strange mixture of
pleasure and unrest, had now settled into a kind of
proud devotion, even while his passionately-expressed
love for herself made repose impossible.


WEDDING BELLS.
135
unts.
Their tête-à-tête dinner (for Lady Saville could not
or would not join them), had been a tremendous trial;
though Janet did her best to be tranquil and composed
when Edwards, the superior butler, offered her Chablis -
or James, the accomplished footman, brought her oyster
patties, she felt that both were perfectly aware she had
just promised to marry their master, and had permitted
him to kiss her on the strength of their engagement!
Then, although Palliser made a gallant and success-
ful attempt to talk about general topics, he could not
keep from a happy smile, or laugh, when he met her
eyes, a confession of his own effort to keep up appear-
ances before the
When dinner was over,
there was a delightful interval of unrestrained talk in
the drawing-room, during which Janet began to feel
herself a little more accustomed to her position, and
Palliser put a fine diamond and sapphire engagement
ring on her slender finger.
“Do you think Lady Saville has gone to bed?”
asked Janet at last.
“Yes, I do! She said she would, and I know she
wants to be all right to-morrow, there will be a good
deal to do. I wish to Heaven I had not asked those
fellows, who are coming next week! They will be
hideously in the way, but I cannot put them off, and
as I have asked them in relays, it will be quite ten
days or a fortnight before the place is clear of them;


136
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
and all that time, I can only see you by snatches, for I
think it better not to announce our engagement till I
am free of my guests."
“Yes, much better," said Janet, "and, Mr.-I mean
Randal—I should like to go home to-morrow! I do
long to be with my dear father, and to hear what he
will say!” There was a slight catch in her voice as
she said this.
“Yes, sweet one!” returned Palliser, taking her hand
in both his, and kissing it. “I understand what you
feel, and I will not be so selfish as to try to keep you;
but as to what your good father will say, I can tell
you! When I went home with him yesterday, I told
him my aspirations, my love for you, and asked his
consent, if I should be so fortunate as to obtain yours.
I am glad to say that he is ready to accept me as a
son if you are willing to present me in that character.”
“How good and thoughtful you are!" cried Janet,
returning the pressure of his hand, with a franker show
of affection than she had yet evinced. “I am so glad
the dear old father knows!”
"And, if you will pardon the apparent conceit, he
seems quite pleased.”
“I am sure he is, he always liked you—Randal.”
“Ah! you are kind, my darling, to think of my name.
How sweet it is to hear you say it,” etc., etc., etc.
At length Janet insisted on bidding him good-night.


WEDDING BELLS.
137
“And when you have talked with Captain Rowley,
I have one or two petitions to offer, which you must
not refuse, my darling!” were his last words that night.
“I don't suppose I shall!” she returned with a sweet
bright smile.
The next morning Janet spent a good deal of time
with Lady Saville, who seemed to her weak and low.
She was very kind and sympathetic, however, though
her slightly depressed tone rather dulled the glitter of
Janet's brand new happiness.
They parted with many expressions of regard, for
Lady Saville meant to leave for Aldershot the follow-
ing day.
Janet was more overcome than she liked to show,
when she reached her modest home, where she found
her father evidently expecting her. The thought that
soon it would be hers no longer, flashed upon her with
sudden force, fancy depicting the dear old man sitting
alone, through the long winter's evening, pining for his
hit of backgammon, and going off an hour too early to
bed because he could not keep his eyes open.
She
could hardly hold back the tears. How ardently she
wished she had not to marry Mervyn Hall as well as
Randal Palliser, but she was silent on many subjects,
fearing Randal might be offended.
He soon showed that he perceived her emotion, a
tender hand pressure assured her of his sympathy, and


138
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
had they been alone she might have testified her
gratitude with a degree of warmth he could not have
anticipated.
After a short visit he took his leave, saying with his
pleasant smile, as he shook hands warmly with his in-
tended father-in-law:
“I know Janet is dying to see me depart, that she
may open her heart to you!”
“Yes!” she returned with shy warmth, “but I want
you to come to-morrow!”
With what a mixture of pleasure and tenderness
she threw herself into the old man's arms, and kissed
him over and over again with tears, much to the ex-
cellent Captain's surprise, for a good deal of Janet's
finer feelings were incomprehensible to him.
“What's the matter, my girl? You are not sorry
you've promised to marry Palliser? You'd be hard to
please if you don't like a fine fellow like him! He
might take any woman's fancy, and a thorough gentle-
man into the bargain. I have always been an old fool
about you, my pet, and thought no man would be good
enough for you, but, by George! I believe Palliser is!”
“No, no, dearest Dad! I am very fond of him and
pleased to marry him, but what—what will you do
without me, Dad?”
“Do! I'll do right well!” stroking her head, while
his voice was slightly unsteady. “I'll come and see


140
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
her father's wrinkled hand as it grasped the dice-
box.
“Dad dear,” she said, when they had shut up the
board and were about to bid good-night, “shall you be
going out early to-morow?”
“Yes, my dear, I want to get in a few things, prob-
ably Palliser will stay to dinner.”
“Then will you turn in to the Vicarage and ask
Mary to come and see-
“You want to tell her the news?” interrupted her
father.
“Yes.”
“Then don't, my pet. Both Palliser and I have
agreed that we'll keep everything ‘mum' and quiet till
he has got rid of his party, and then the sooner every-
thing is finished off the better.”
“But Mary would be as prudent and silent as pos-
sible; we have been such close friends. It would seem
unkind, disloyal, to keep her in the dark like--"
“Stuff and nonsense, my dear! No girl is prudent
or silent when there's a marriage in the air!
Janet! Promise me that you will not drop a hint to any
one! It would be a devil of a bore if a whisper of the
business got about—you'd have no peace of your life
nor I either. Besides, Palliser wants the affair an-
nounced and carried through at once, and he is quite
right! You know, poor fellow, after the mess he made
No, no,


WEDDING BELLS.
141
2
of it to begin with, he does not want to give the gos-
sips too long a tether! He'll explain all he wants to
you, and plead his own cause a deuced deal better than
I can; but I hope you'll show yourself a straightforward,
sensible girl and no prude. He'll think all the more of
you, and so will 1—no, don't talk any more, go to your
bed and sleep, you look a little pale and done up, and
not a word to man, woman or child till I can announce
the engagement all over the place. God bless you, my
pet! Shut up your eyes fast, and don't lie awake
thinking."
Janet felt there was nothing for it but to obey, so
far as going to her room went, but sleep would not
come when called.
She lay long awake, much ex-
ercised in her mind respecting her enforced reserve with
Mary, who was so good and true. How could she see
her every day and yet deceive her? Still, her father's
and Palliser's wishes were all powerful with Janet, and
indeed she shrank from drawing down the full storm
of observation, conjecture and congratulation upon her-
self an hour too soon. Finally, had her father and
Palliser determined that the marriage was to take place
soon-very soon? This startling proposition she con-
sidered from every point of view. It was less startling
the more she looked at it. Janet was especially domestic,
she looked forward to settling down into a calmer every-
day life when Palliser and herself were united, belong-


WEDDING BELLS.
143
so fond of you, you cheer her up-though Eva is quite
able to take my place now.”
“I will, dear, as often as I can -but I may go away
for a while myself,” returned Janet, with a sound of
tears in her voice.
“What! are you going to London again?-you lucky
girl!” exclaimed Mary. “I hope you will not go till I
come back. Why, Janet, what's the matter? You don't
seem to like the idea—are you not quite well?”
Janet assured her that she never felt better, and
added with an arch smile that she did like the idea of
going to London. Then Mary departed, overwhelmed
with the sense of all she had to do before Saturday.
*
*
Lady Saville was not quite well enough to start the
day she intended, Palliser therefore begged Janet and
her father to come over to the Hall for a consultation
about future plans when, as might have been expected,
he had his own way on most points.
Janet soon saw that everything had been carefully
arranged, and that her father had been taken into the
council.
“You see, my dear Janet,” urged Lady Saville, with
whom she had a long tête-à-tête talk, while Palliser and
her father took a walk to the home farm, “it will be
much wiser to get through the whole business as soon
as possible. Randal will know no peace, nor give any


144
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
one else any peace till he is married, and you would
be bored to death with the people here. Believe me,
you will be much happier when you are settled. I think
you and your father had better come and stay with me;
we can make all the preparations so much better in
Town, and there will be a great deal to do! Randal
can come to and fro, or put up at the Club Chambers
-he hasn't a Town house."
In short everything had been thought of and settled,
and Janet agreeing with their views in their common-
sense aspect, and only held back by a sort of nervous
reluctance to break so suddenly with the old life, see-
ing that her father was strongly on Palliser's side, was
carried irresistibly on the stream, and it was decided
nem. con. that as soon as Captain Rowley could con-
veniently leave home he and Janet should take up their
abode in Eaton Square, and remain there till the
marriage, which was to take place as early in December
as could be managed.
Then at Palliser's request, Lady Saville gave her a
history of his first unfortunate marriage.
“He said he could not bear the humiliation of re-
counting it himself. It has been a most unfortunate
business for him, poor fellow. He has been so awfully
ashamed of having made such a fool of himself-the
ridicule has hurt him more than anything—he is very
sensitive and proud. He went away round the world


146
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
I should be an ungrateful wretch if I were to vex
him.”
“For Heaven's sake, Janet, do not let any absurd
notions about gratitude take root in your mind, they
will ruin you! You have nothing to be so grateful for
-you have made yourself indispensable to Randal, and
he is ready to pay any price to secure you. He is in
many ways a good fellow, but like every man that ever
was born, he wants management! However, I see you
do not heed me, so—to return to our muttons, try to
come up to me as soon as possible. would be so
much better for you to be away during this tiresome
party of Randal's, and we could be getting on with the
trousseau.”
“Ah, yes—the trousseau!” murmured Janet, her
speaking face changing somewhat. “Is it necessary to
have a very large one?”
“By no means. Just enough to go on with, then,
when you are Mrs. Palliser with a proper allowance of
pin money, you can get everything you want."
Janet knew that her father could not give her a fine
trousseau, and she shrank from the idea of receiving
anything from Palliser before she was his wife, still it
must be managed somehow! Yes, she was very glad
to go away from the prying gossips of Langford, only
she would like the dear Vicar to marry her!
Though Captain Rowley had sternly enjoined silence


WEDDING BELLS.
147
name.
and prudence on his daughter, he profoundly enjoyed
announcing Janet's engagement to the Squire of Mervyn
Hall, when the time came, and the astonishment which
consequently fell on Langford, genteel Langford!
Janet insisted on telling Mrs. Winyard herself. That
much-enduring woman was greatly affected by the news
-she even shed a few tears, and solemnly blessed her
young favourite, but she did not mention her son's
Janet well knew, however, that he was in her
thoughts, and this made her all the more ready to go
away. It was a great relief to quit Langford, espe-
cially as she knew she was coming back there to her
permanent home.
“And when we meet again,” said Palliser, as he
leaned against the door of the railway carriage, waiting
for the guard's signal to start, “when we meet again,
my darling, we shall have no more parting. You will
write to me every day, as I will to you? I think we
are going to have some fine open weather — I hope
so! Hunting will help the time to pass
quickly—-"
Here the guard's whistle rang out, and Palliser
stepped back. Then they sped away and were soon
beyond the limit of Janet's farthest rambles—she felt
as if she had already left her old life far behind, and
bade it a tender, but not reluctant adieu.
Lady Saville was waiting to receive them at Pad-
more
10*


WEDDING BELLS,
149
her; to be sure, she could not expect everyone to be
distinguished like Randal—no one was quite equal to
him, and Tom, poor boy! had not had many ad-
vantages.
“Well, madam Janet,” he exclaimed when the first
greetings were exchanged, "you have done well for
yourself! I suppose you'll be a regular swell, too fine
for your own people?”
“Oh, Tom!” she was beginning, when Lady Saville
came in, and Tom sank into silence, speaking very
little during his stay, but evidently appreciating the
good things set before him. In fact, he had few sub-
jects in common with his convives, and did not feel
quite comfortable with Lady Saville, who, though ex-
quisitely polite, seemed a little puzzled with him.
When he had drunk a little wine, he came out
more and mentioned the leading facts of a rather
curious case in which his firm was engaged, using a
good many technical terms. Then he invited his father
to dine with him at his "diggin's” next day, and Janet
was on the whole rather glad when he was gone.
“Janet, my dear," said Lady Saville next morning,
“we must be up and doing! I am going to carry her
off, Captain Rowley, to my own particular modiste, who
has promised to devote all the resources of her estab-
lishment to our service. I want to get as much as
possible accomplished before Randal comes up to Town.


150
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
We shall find him a great hindrance! Go and dress,
dear, I shall give you a sketch of our proposed pro-
ceedings as we drive to Bond Street.”
“Very well, Lady Saville, I am most thankful to
you for this help. I really do not know what I should
do without you!”
As soon as Janet had left the room, Captain Rowley
rose, and drawing a note-book from his breast pocket,
said with some solemnity, "My daughter is right, you
are a sister and a mother to her in one; but it is
enough that you take all this trouble for us! I don't
want you or anyone else to be put to any expense.
I'm not a rich man, but my girl must not be indebted
to anyone for her wedding gown!” Here he opened
the book and took out an envelope. “There,” he con-
tinued, handing it to Lady Saville, “you'll find five
twenty-pound notes in that, and I fancy they'll buy
fallals enough for a princess! Your taste and judg-
ment will dispose of them to the best advantage.”
"Thank you, my dear Captain Rowley, you are
most considerate and generous! I shall see that Janet
has everything she requires," returned Lady Saville with
a sweet smile, and greatly amused at the self-satisfied
important air of the simple old sailor, as he made this
magnificent provision for his daughter's needs.
In the disposal of this handsome sum, Lady Saville
contrived to endow it with such extraordinary elasticity,


WEDDING BELLS.
151
that Captain Rowley was excited to swear some almost
forgotten sea-going oaths, expressive of surprise at the
amount of money's worth she managed to get for it.
As to Janet, she was quite dazed by the quantity
of clothes considered absolutely necessary by Lady
Saville.
Morning dresses, walking dresses, carriage dresses,
evening dresses, tea gowns, morning gowns, dressing
gowns, then the heaps of dainty lace-trimmed under
garments, the boots and the shoes, the gloves and the
ribbons—Lady Saville wanted to order all and every-
thing.
Here Janet stood firm.
“It is absolutely sinful to order such piles of things,"
she said. “I should be obliged to change my dress
every hour of the day, to use even the half of them!
Then fashions change, and I shall want different shapes
and stuffs, which I can buy for myself, as I am to
have such a large dress allowance! Of course, poor
Dad's hundred pounds can go but a very short way,
and—and I want to pay all the rest myself a little later
-that is
“My dear Janet! If you intend to waste your
allowance in that way, I am sorry for you, you will
bitterly regret such Quixotism! Randal would be
furious if you dressed in a dowdy, economical way.”
“Still, Lady Saville, I will not have all these dresses,


152
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
at all events until I understand better what I want; and
travelling about I shall not need more than one or two
evening dresses. As to having all these boots and shoes
made, it is rather waste of time. Why not get them
ready made?"
“Good Heavens, Janet! would you ruin your feet?
Would you really wear such things?”
“I have worn them all my life, and I do not think
my feet are ruined yet.”
At last Palliser, having got rid of his guests, came
to Town, and Janet found herself torn between his
demands on her time, and those of the modiste and her
myrmidons. There was one tremendous evening of
excitement, both to Captain Rowley and Lady Saville,
when the Palliser family diamonds and other jewels
were brought up in charge of one of the clerks from
the bank, and tried on the fair fiancée.
“They are rather old-fashioned,” said Palliser, con-
templating her critically. “I think I shall have them
reset while we are abroad. They would be ready in
time for your presentation, Janet!”
“Oh! dear Randal, they are lovely as they are."
And an animated discussion ensued in which Janet
carried her point.
“Really our ingenue is singularly indifferent to the
unwonted grandeur with which you load her, Randal!”


WEDDING BELLS.
153
said his sister, when Janet, quite tired out with the rush
and strain of the day, had gone to her room.
“She has the instincts of a gentlewoman, and they
lift her over a vulgar delight in finery. Besides," with
a smile of undisguised self-satisfaction, “I flatter myself
she is too much taken up with me, to care much about
my belongings."
“She is certainly very fond of you,” returned Lady
Saville.
“I hope so, and I am glad she is much more at
home with me. At first she was half afraid of me, or
of her own feelings! It was heavenly, but it would
have become deucedly inconvenient later."
When the day of days in a woman's life dawned at
last, Janet was thankful that the hurry and high pressure
were over, and that repose and a return to something
like her normal existence was now within touch.
She had her wish. The vicar came up to Town
the day before to perform the ceremony. The faithful
Mary, however, refused to be bridesmaid, albeit pressed
warmly. Her heart was with her absent brother, though
she felt she had no right to be angry with Janet.
The bride, therefore, went unattended to the altar,
and her father could hardly believe that the stately,
splendidly-attired young creature who stood before him,
was his own light-hearted, industrious Janet.
The whole thing was soon over, the wedding was


154
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
almost private as regards the limited number present,
and then Janet seemed to be clothed in her travelling
dress with magic celerity, by her new maid, a severe,
desperately-experienced elderly widow, of whom her
mistress was slightly in awe. In another minute she
was clinging to her father with tears and kisses, till her
husband gently drew her away. “It is only for a time,
dearest, we shall both be with him soon again.”
“And he shall stay awhile with me, dear! We'll
have a grand time together," put in Lady Saville.
Then Palliser hurried her into the carriage, and so
Janet Rowley passed away.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE DAILY ROUND.
It was at the end of March that our bride and
bridegroom found themselves again in Paris on their
homeward way.
Those three months had been rich in experience of
many kinds for Janet. After a short stay at Cannes,
they had pursued their way to Rome, where they had
made many acquaintances, or rather Janet had, for it
seemed to her that her husband knew every one in the
world already. She had been greatly amused with the
people, and profoundly interested in the place. Indeed,


THE DAILY ROUND.
155
as Palliser observed, she had developed a forty-horse
power of sight seeing. He was a little bored, a not
unusual mental condition with him. He was still very
passionately in love, and he wanted to have his wife all
to himself; nor was she less enchanted to be alone with
him, only when she was not, she could amuse herself
very cheerfully. Palliser, though too lazy to care about
the society in Rome, was pleased to see how well and
successfully Janet posed as Mrs. Palliser of Mervyn Hall.
He thought this was the result of some wonderful re-
serve fund of tact, which he did not dream she pos-
sessed, whereas it was the outcome of happiness, the
certainty of her position, and the insight of a quick
intelligence, not of any forethought or worldly wisdom.
Her common sense always prompted her to ask her
husband his opinion of the various people introduced
to her, as she was keenly alive to her own inex-
perience, and she thus ascertained his estimate of
others, and the terms on which he wished to stand
with them.
"You are a wonderfully shrewd little woman, Janet!”
he sometimes said to her with lazy admiration. “The
way you pick my brains is quite extraordinary, but you
are right to take me for your pilot."
So all things went well and smoothly, and in this
world of grief and trial, sorrow and disappointment,
there was one supremely happy creature, for whom the


156
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
1
past had no secrets, the future no fears, who, when she
stopped to think, was even a little awed by her own
bliss.
“What are you going to do this morning, Randal?”
she asked one fine mild day, more like the end of April
than of March.
"I don't know exactly-I thought of going over to
the Embassy to see Dacre. He wants me to look at a
horse at Beauregard's stables—he things of buying it,
they say it's a pure Arab.”
“Very well!” said Janet turning from the window,
which looked out on the Tuileries gardens, and coming
over to the fireplace where her husband was lounging,
his shoulder against the mantelshelf. “Then I shall go
to poor Marie Antoinette's prison. I have wished so
much to see it—these sort of places bore you, as you
have seen everything."
“No, not everything, Janet! You cannot go alone?"
“I shall take Raynes with me, she can speak French
fairly well, and seems always to know what to do.”
“You are getting on with Mrs. Raynes!” said Palliser,
taking the ends of the long sash which fastened his
wife's morning gown and twisting them together in-
dolently. “I thought you were
a little in awe of
her?"
"Oh! I fear no one when you are behind me,”
slipping her arm through his and pressing it to her side.


THE DAILY ROUND.
157
“Then I have grown accustomed to her, and she to me.
I think she is rather fond of me."
“Impossible! she is much too severe a British Matron
to be fond of anything or anyone! At all events, she
seems to know her business. Your hair is very well
done up?"
“I am glad you like it! But it is my own doing,
I always do it myself in the morning.”
“I believe you have an abstract love of taking
trouble?"
“There is something else I want to speak to you
about. First, how long are we to stay here?" continued
Janet.
“I am not sure, I rather want to see Lord L--
who will be passing through in a fortnight.” (He named
a well-known Conservative statesman). "Shall we stay
till the last week in April?"
“How lovely the woods will be looking!” she ex-
claimed. “But if we are to stay so long I should like
to take some French lessons. I cannot speak nearly as
well as Raynes, and last night I scarcely understood
anything Sarah Bernhardt said.”
“And what am I to do when you are absorbed in
profound study?"
“Well, Randal, I like to get up early, and you are
rather lazy, so if I get up an hour or two earlier, I


158
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
should be quite ready to walk or drive with you when
you wanted me.”
“Where shall you find a teacher? I don't want you
to have a hairy grinning ape of a French master!”
Janet laughed.
“Mrs. Dacre knows a very accomplished French
mistress, diplômée and all that!”
“Very well! only you must not desert me!”
“I had a delightful long letter from my father this
morning. He seems quite well and bright, and longing
to see us again. Would you like to read it?"
“Thanks, dearest! you can tell me all about it! By
the way, my lawyers write that the man who has made
an offer for that place of mine in Sussex, is Dick Pal-
liser. He offers a very fair price too! Well, he is
welcome to it on those terms. But I trust he will
never set his foot in Mervyn Hall."
“My father says he is to be married on the twenty-
ninth, and is going to leave the army!"
“More fool he! his only chance of distinction was
to stick to his profession. Hullo! that is eleven striking.
I had better be off. I promised to breakfast with Dacre
if I could. You'll take care of yourself then?" He
held her to him for a parting kiss and was gone.
Soon after, Mrs. Palliser and her maid set out for
the gloomy portals of the Conciergerie. Janet rather
wished that her husband could share the keen interest


THE DAILY ROUND.
159
with which she examined historic sites, and places hal-
lowed by tradition, for every pleasure shared by him
was doubled or trebled. She could not help perceiving
that in these directions what engrossed her, was weari-
ness to him. To matters connected with hunting or
racing he was all alive, but when, anxious to know his
opinion, and guide herself by his judgment, she tried
to discuss characters and events of the past, he only
chaffed her for her earnestness respecting bygone
things which didn't signify now and were not worth a
thought.
Of course Janet put this down to his superior
knowledge and experience, still she could not wish to
forego the vivid pleasure her own freshness afforded
her, even to reach the high mental level of her hus-
band.
She gradually came to do all her sight-seeing under
the guardianship of Mrs. Raynes, who appeared to
know a little of everything, having served a variety of
mistresses—the wildly gay, the serious minded, the
severely intellectual, but she was not given to talk of
her past-only a stray word here and there suggested
to her young lady her various experiences.
Between her sight-seeing, her French studies and
her faithful correspondence with her father, Janet had
sometimes a push to be ready in time for luncheon
with her husband, who amused himself much more in


160
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
Paris, than in Rome or Florence, and was now quite
ready to go out of an evening, and pleased to return
the hospitalities of his friends.
Janet was sometimes amused and surprised at her-
self for the rapidity with which she had become ac-
climatized to the habits and customs of the wealthy
“upper ten”-generally this process was facilitated by
the good breeding of the people with whom she as-
sociated; of course among them there was a sprinkling
of the brusque and insolent, but Mrs. Palliser of Mer-
vyn Hall was too well placed, too well backed up by a
husband known to, and versed in, the ways of society,
to be troubled by the presumption or ill-nature of these
exceptions; she was calm and fearless, and strong in
the affection and approbation of her husband.
The only shadow of difference between them was
on the question of dancing. The English Ambassador
gave a ball, and Janet, enchanted to dance again, and
to such delightful music as she had never danced to
before, accepted all offers, and spun lightly round the
room with attachés and distinguished foreigners of all
nations. She was enjoying herself immensely when she
caught a glimpse of Palliser looking after her with an
expression such as she had never before seen on his
face.
The moment the dance was over she went up to
him and, dismissing her partner with a smile and a few


THE DAILY ROUND.
161
pleasant words, she put her arm through her husband's
and asked him what had happened to annoy him.
“Do I show my annoyance so unguardedly?” he
asked, his countenance clearing a little.
"I can always tell what you are thinking about,"
she said, “I know every change in your face—others
may not.”
“I am annoyed, and with you, it is very thought-
less of you to dance—you will overfatigue yourself,
which is never wise, and—and I don't like to see my
wife whirling round with every nobody that asks her.”
“But, Randal,” she returned, rather overwhelmed,
“I am perfectly strong and well, and these men are
your own acquaintances. They are very nice, too, I
like them all.”
“Well, I am not so catholic in my likings, and I do
not care to see you so-so abandoned to the pleasure
of the moment.”
Janet laughed, to Palliser's surprise, who expected
to see tears filling her eyes.
“I really think you are very silly, but if it annoys
you, dear, I will not dance any more, though”-show-
ing him her card—"you see all the dances I am en-
gaged for! I do not know how I am to excuse myself
—and the cotillon-oh, I should like to dance the
cotillon!” she looked up into his face with a sweet,
frank smilebut his brow did not quite relax.
A Choice of Evils. 1.
II


162
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“It is foolish, and I do not like it,” he said, “but
you must not make yourself remarkable. I will make
your excuses to-let me see”-taking her card—“oh,
that Hungarian fellow, well, I shall manage him—he
speaks English well. Come, you had better sit down
over here beside Mrs. Dacre."
He turned as he spoke, and his face changed im-
mediately on finding himself face to face with a gentle-
man, an extremely sunburnt gentleman, fair-haired and
blue-eyed, shorter than himself, but broader, squarer,
and older.
“Why, Saville, I had no idea you were in Paris!”
exclaimed Palliser, in considerable surprise.
"Only arrived this morning—met Lord D-- by
accident, he asked me to come to the ball to-night, and
here I am! Come, my dear fellow, present me to your
wife.”
"Sir Frederic Saville-Mrs. Palliser," said her hus-
band in proper form.
Janet smiled and put out her hand.
“Lady Saville has so often spoken of you,” was her
introductory remark.
Sir Frederic elevated his eyebrows as he took the
hand she offered.
“My dear Mrs. Palliser, it is an awful thing to be
discussed by the wife of one's bosom."
“You would not think so if you had heard the dis-


THE DAILY ROUND.
163
cussion,” returned Janet, rather startled by his words;
“we thought you must have returned to England, but. I
have not heard from Lady Saville for some time.”
“She is not the best of correspondents—but let us
find a seat. I have been longing to make your ac-
quaintance. Palliser, dispose of yourself somewhere, and
let me make the best impression I can upon your wife.”
“Very well—I will go and get rid of one of her
cavaliers, at least." And he went off with a smile and
a nod which told Janet she was forgiven.
“Do you know you are not a bit like what I ex-
pected you to be?” resumed Sir Frederic, as he took
his place beside Janet on a sofa in a convenient recess,
while he looked at her from head to foot very critically.
“When Lady Saville did write, she generally said a
great deal about you. I believe you are devoted friends,
and have as yet had no opportunity of quarrelling?”
"Lady Saville has been charming to me, and we
shall put off quarrelling as long as we can," returned
Janet, good-humouredly.
“Possibly you may manage to keep the peace a
little longer—that is, if she intends to favour me with
her company--for I am not going to stay in England.”
“Shall you return to the East then?” with some
surprise.
“The East? Oh, no--I am unfortunately ineligible
either for civil or military service. I am going to Scot-
II*


164
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
land for fishing, and then I may go to Norway in June.
After, God knows—at any rate if Gertrude deigns to
come with me, your friendship may survive a little
longer!” and he laughed—not very pleasantly.
“I hope you will come and see us, first.”
“Thank you! It is an age since I was at the Hall
-capital hunting country about there—or used to be.”
“It is still good, I believe.”
“Do you hunt yourself? I suppose so, as you are
country bred?”
“No, nor do I think I ever shall.
I did not begin
early enough to have the nerve!”
“Ha!” with another long, keen look, "you look like
a plucky one."
“Looks are often deceptive."
“I fancy yours are truthful, at present.”
“What a painfully prophetic tone, Sir Frederic.”
“We'll see, Mrs. Palliser; so far, it seems to me that
Randal is going to have his early ill-luck made up to
him.”
Janet flushed up to the brow, pained by this care-
less allusion to her husband's great mistake, and look-
ing round for him, met his eyes with a loving glance
which he interpreted as an expression of penitence for
her unconscious misdoing. So mollified, he approached,
followed by the dispossessed Hungarian, who addressed
her:


THE DAILY ROUND.
165
“Perhaps you will be so gracious as to give me one
more dance in place of that which I have lost?”
“With pleasure, if there is one free before we leave,”
and she gave him her card.
Then one of the English attachés came to claim
her, and she left Palliser in conversation with his
brother-in-law.
Before the cotillon arrived, however, Palliser dis-
covered he had a slight headache, that he feared the
champagne was queer, and that he should like to go
home. Janet laughed at his indisposition, declaring
she knew it was only to prevent her from dancing any
more, that the headache had been so obliging as to
threaten him. She made no opposition, however, to his
wish to leave the ball-room, and bidding good-night to
Sir Frederic Saville, they returned to the hotel contentedly
enough.
The lamp was still alight in the sitting-room, and
Janet paused there to rest after the heated atmosphere
of the ball before undressing.
“That dress suits you very well,” said Palliser, as
the dignified Raynes took away her mistress's cloak.
“What colour do you call it?”
"Eau-de-Nile. Yes, I like it, and the garniture of
water lilies_'fine feathers make fine birds!' You remem-
ber the washed-out cotton you first saw me in, Randal?”
“Yes. Well, it was a royal robe, for it was worn


166
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
by my queeni Did you think me a disagreeable brute
to-night, Janet?”
"A brute! Oh, no-never! Only it was not exactly
'a lucid interval,' Randal,” holding out her hand to him.
“You don't know how anxious I am about you, my
darling,” pressing it tenderly.
“Why? I am not a delicate, consumptive creature
to whom the least additional exertion might be fatal!”
“No, thank Heaven! Still, you must promise me to
curb your love of dancing. How would you like me to
whisk other women round the room all night?”
“I should be charmed to see you enjoy yourself-
why, you might even dance with me! I should enjoy a
dance with you, Randal! I am not in the least jealous
by nature.”
“Then, pray remember I am! I know I could be
desperately jealous and—unforgiving. Though, if I
could ever trust anyone implicitly it would be you,
Janet!”
“And I trust you without an “if.' Tell me, Randal,
is Sir Frederic Saville a jealous husband?”
“Who--Saville? No, no one can accuse him of that
vice," and Palliser laughed. There was
a touch
of
scorn in his laughter. “By the way, I think Gertrude
may join him here. If so, she might help you to choose
some things for your presentation dress. It is a good
opportunity."
92


THE DAILY ROUND.
167
“I have quantities of things waiting for me in Lon-
don, you know—my wedding-dress-—"
“No matter," interrupted Palliser. “Your court
dress must be in the latest fashion."
“I suppose Lady Saville will present me ?"
“Yes—if she is in Town. She had much better go
with Saville to Scotland.”
“Naturally. But she was quite looking forward to
having the boys with her at Easter, they were to go to
Lord Darrell's place for the holidays."
"I suppose she will come over here now. I wish
she had a little more respect for appearances!"
“Who?” asked Janet, immensely surprised.
“My sister. But it is too late to gossip, get to bed
as soon as you can-you will find yourself pretty well
done up to-morrow--or rather this morning.”
In spite, however, of urgent letters from Mr. and
Mrs. Palliser, and, it was supposed, from her husband
also, Lady Saville declined to join her relatives in Paris.
It was so near Easter that the journey to and fro would
only be useless fatigue, and she was particularly anxious
to be with her boys, as after Midsummer the eldest was
to go to a crammer's.
The Lady Darrell with whom the holidays were to
be spent, was Sir Frederic's sister and his elder by
many years; she was blest with an only son, Lord Dar-
rell, to whom her life was devoted.


168
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
Janet was sorry that Lady Saville decided to remain
in England; she had always found her sister-in-law a
pleasant companion, and was grateful for her many
kindnesses. Moreover, though he did not appear to
have any particular regard for Sir Frederic, Palliser was
a great deal with him, and Janet found she had a little
more time for sight-seeing and study than she quite
liked. She was far too well-tempered and reasonable
to let this irritate or distress her. It was a temporary
interruption to her delightful tête-à-tête with her hus-
band which would soon be at an end, and at Mervyn,
the already beloved home which awaited her, their
lives would grow more completely into one than they
had been yet.
Still, she could not help perceiving that Sir Frederic
Saville's company had not exactly a beneficent effect on
his brother-in-law. Palliser was
more impatient and
dissatisfied than she had ever seen him, and Janet grew
quite anxious to return to London, and see with her
own eyes how the dear old Dad had borne the long
separation from the joy of his life.
Saville dined with them much oftener than she liked,
and, although he professed very openly the greatest ad-
miration for herself, his mode of showing it was ex-
tremely unpleasant. He seemed to have no belief in
anything, and his conversation, though kept fairly within
decent limits, made her feel rather uneasy as to what


THE DAILY ROUND.
169
was coming next; with all his talk about beauty and
its boundless power, she could see that his contempt
for women was great, though tolerably concealed under
the manners of good society. Finally, it seemed to her
that he drank an unusual quantity of wine, although it
never affected him in the least.
In fact, the presence of Sir Frederic Saville rather
spoiled the latter part of her stay in Paris. She was
rarely alone with her husband in the evening, and
when she was he spoke little and seemed preoccupied.
"I should not like to be married to Sir Frederic
Saville!” she said on one of these rare occasions, look-
ing up from a letter she was writing to his wife.
“I hope you would not!” returned Palliser smiling.
“Ah! but I mean, I do not think he can be a kind
or a pleasant husband.”
"Well, I am not sure. He is rather an amusing
fellow—not exactly suited to holy orders, but generous
and good-natured. He is popular with men.”
“But not with women, I imagine?”
“Yes, he is—with some kinds of women--very po-
pular!--not with blue stockings who read Buckle's
History, etc., etc.," laughing.
Janet laughed, too.
“At all events, Randal, I keep my culpable tastes to
myself! I do not bore people with them.”
“No, I must grant that. I assure you, he and Ger-


170
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
trude were devilishly in love with each other, in fact, it
was rather a bore.”
“Dear Randal—what an expression! Say “angelically
in love !"»
“There was deuced little of the angel about him, at
all events, and Gertrude, you know, made the mistake
women often make--of expecting things to go on at the
same high pressure at which they began.”
Janet was silent. Her husband's words suggested a
train of not too agreeable reflection. Palliser watched
her for a moment, and was about to speak, when she
forestalled him by exclaiming, as if out of her thoughts:
“But your sister is so loveable, so full of tact, that I
should think her husband could never tire of her.”
“Never and for ever are long words, Janet, to apply
to any relationship, any state of feeling. It is wise to
try and enjoy the present and let the future take care
of itself. I see poor Saville is no favourite of yours.”
“Well, no, not yet."
“You are ungrateful. He admires you loudly!”
Janet only shook her head, and went on with her
letter. When she had finished it and closed her blot-
ting-book, she came over to where Palliser sat half
asleep over a paper, and kissed his forehead.
“You and I, dear,” she said, “are to be an extra
sensible couple, and settle down to real comradeship
quite soon! I daresay the 'sober certainty of waking


THE DAILY ROUND.
171
bliss' in the calmness of everyday life is sweetest of
all.”
Palliser drew her down to him.
“Come what may, darling, the present is delicious-
too delicious for sense or calmness."
*
*
Ten days later they left for London, Sir Frederic
having preceeded them.
It was very delightful to Janet to hear English
spoken all round her after more than four months' so-
journ among foreigners and the sound of strange tongues.
Palliser had taken a suite of rooms in one of the
huge caravanserais which overlook St. James' Park, from
a friend, who had been suddenly ordered to the Riviera.
Here he proposed to stay till after the Drawing-room,
at which he wished his wife to be presented, and Janet,
not without some longing to go "home,” at once con-
sented; she had suggested, with a curious, uneasy re-
luctance, that her father should be invited to stay for
a short time, and Palliser had given a brief, abrupt
consent.
How delightful it was to find the dear, broad
weather-beaten face ready to meet her, as she alighted
at their temporary abode. With what joy she fell into
his arms, and eagerly scanned the well-known counten-
ance.
“Well, my pet!” cried the old man in more tremulous


THE DAILY ROUND.
173
only scrape a couple of thousand pounds together, Tom
would be taken in as junior partner, for Green is in bad
health, and they want an active young fellow and a
good lawyer, which Tom is. Well, we can manage
about seventeen hundred, so I am going to raise the
rest on my house and furniture; it won't cost more than
eight or ten pounds a year, and what is that compared
to giving your brother a good start?”
“What indeed!” exclaimed Janet, with eager sym-
pathy, “poor, dear Tom! I do hope he will be happy;
what is this Miss Treadaway like? It is a very ugly
name!”
“I hope she will soon change it for the better! She
is a black-eyed blooming beauty, that is, very nearly a
beauty; none of your ethereal skin and bone creatures,
but a fine woman, and plenty of her; she may be a
month or two older than Tom, but that's his affair. He
hasn't popped the question yet, but he may any moment.
I hope you'll have them up here to dine. I suspect you
and Palliser are very big wigs in Treadaway's eyes?”
“I hope she will make Tom happy! Now that I
know what marriage is, I can understand how terrible
an uncongenial husband or wife must be.”
“I don't suppose Tom has quite the same views as
you have on these subjects.”
Father and daughter talked on happily enough, with
an interval for dressing, till dinner was ready, and Janet


174
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
was delighted to hear all the Langford news. Palliser
kept them waiting a little, but was very polite and pro-
fuse in his apologies. Janet thought he was rather
silent and sleepy, but then, he had been up rather late
for two or three nights before they left Paris, so she
took no notice of his drowsiness. The happy old
father-in-law talked for all, and thoroughly enjoyed a
good dinner and sound glass of wine.
He was much amused and interested by the “lift,"
and had some talk with the porter who worked it.
"Sorry you will not put up with us," said Palliser,
as he was bidding the old man good-night. "I suppose
you must divide yourself between your son and
daughter?”
But Captain Rowley did not see as much of his
daughter as he hoped.
The following day Lady Saville came up to visit
her brother and his wife, and from that day forth, Janet
was handed over to dressmakers, milliners, and last,
but not least, a renowned dancing-mistress that she
might be prepared to courtesy, and carry her train
with grace and dignity at the approaching presenta-
tion.
Janet was very pleased to have the company of her
sister-in-law, and much more interested in her court
than in her wedding dress. The fact that her appear-
ance and general effect were matters of vast importance


THE DAILY ROUND.
175
in her husband's eyes, and therefore to her position,
had begun to dawn upon her, and it was consequently
very apparent to Lady Saville that her countrified
sister-in-law was greatly improved and much more com-
panionable. While on her side, Janet observed that
Lady Saville looked ill and worn, that her gaiety was
slightly hysterical, her careless cynicism was moreover
somewhat bitter. She had changed her mind, too, about
presenting Janet.
There was little time for attention to her father,
and though Janet asked Tom twice to dinner, her hus-
band was only present on one occasion. Still, Captain
Rowley held on contentedly enough, and had the
gratification of escorting his daughter to call on the
charming Miss Treadaway, when Tom's engagement to
that young lady was announced, and also of attending
the afternoon tea, at which all Mrs. Palliser's more
intimate friends assembled, after the Drawing-room,
including Sir Frederic Saville, who was most unpleasantly
complimentary, and who brought with him his nephew,
Lord Darrell, a good-humoured and apparently good-
natured man, not unlike his uncle, only better and less
animal looking. And also that well-known and severe
“noblewoman,” the Dowager Marchioness of Glendore,
a distant relation of the Pallisers—who had presented
Janet. A tall, distinguished-looking personage in spite
of Darrell's declaration that she was indecently bony.


178
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
Janet carried a host of new ideas away with her
from the great intellectual cauldron of London Society,
and cogitated many plans for her poor people and her
schools. Fortunately the modest common sense which
stood her in good stead all her life, kept her from
troubling her husband too soon about such matters,
perceiving that he did not much care for what did not
originate with himself.
He absorbed her time a good deal, and she had to
refrain from asking her friend Mary Winyard to stay
at the Hall, as she knew that Palliser could not be
bored with ordinary women, and still preferred a
tête-à-tête with herself, to any society save indeed that
of men connected with politics.
The Winyards, however, were always welcome guests
when any social gatherings took place.
It was not easy either to see as much of her father
as she wished, but in this matter, Captain Rowley was
quite reasonable, as fathers usually are, contrasting
favourably with mothers.
These crumpled rose leaves were of small import-
But even in the happy valley, the demon of
discontent will raise its hydra head, and presently
Palliser began to want something to do. He did not
care for fishing, the only sport available at that season,
and he did not seem to care about riding, nor was he
ance.


DAPPLED SKIES.
179
inclined to continue his instructions to Janet in that
'witching art.
“You always contrive to be busy, Janet," he said
half enviously one morning, as he lounged into her
sitting room, and found her writing diligently in a large
book. “What are you about? Have you taken the
house accounts from Mrs. Dunford's jurisdiction? If so,
we shall have a revolution.”
“And a terrible collapse if I attempted such a
herculean undertaking,” she returned, smiling. “I have
no such ambition."
“What is it then?” coming over and leaning on the
back of her chair.
Janet suddenly laid her hand on the page, while
her neat little ears grew a deep pink.
“What! secrets, Janet?” said Palliser.
“Oh, no! read if you like, only—you will laugh at
me!”
Palliser kissed the ear nearest him and took up the
book.
“Why, what is this about? 'Impressions!' Are you
going to rush into print? I should prefer your muddling
the accounts!” and he carried the book into a bay
window which framed in a lovely view over the grounds
and woods beyond.
Janet still sat at her writing-table shy and smiling.
“Oh! I see! impressions of your travels! You really
I 2*


180
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
write a good clear hand, Janet, but I should not call
it pretty, it is a trifle too firm for feminine
grace.
I
have seen very little of it—we were saved by propin-
quity from the foolery of love letters! Ah! 'Arrived at
St. Remo twenty-seventh, blue Mediterranean, cloudless
skies, golden rather than silver moonlight, olive trees,
enchantment, Byron, Shelley,'” turning over the pages,
“um-um-Florence, Dante, Savanarola, Romola, Me-
dici, Rome! Ah! one hundred and twenty-five pages
about Rome, my dear child! Every word of this has
been said-a dozen-nay-a dozen dozen times before!
Pray do not be tempted to waste time and ink on these
scribblings. I hope you will find more natural and
womanly occupations.”
He threw the book from him with lazy disapproba-
tion.
Janet coloured with wounded amour propre, but con-
trolled herself. No doubt it was a silly production, yet
it interested her to write, but—she would not do battle
over it.
“My poor book!” she exclaimed, lifting it from the
chair on which it had fallen. “I daresay it seems
beneath contempt to you, yet it is an innocent amuse-
ment enough, and I never intend to trouble anyone
with it. The only person I care to show it to is my
father. He used to know the South of Italy well long
ago. I wrote it partly for him."


DAPPLED SKIES.
181
“Ah! well, as you like, only it is cruel waste of
time.”
"It would be, if I had anything real to do, which I
neglected for it!” and with smiling lips, which yet
quivered a little, Janet put her book in its especial
drawer and locked it.
Palliser looked at her thoughtfully.
"I too want employment. Time, like the pursuing
Egyptians, has had his chariot wheels removed, and
drives heavily. I almost wish we had stayed a little
longer in Town!”
“Don't say so, Randal! It is heavenly here!”
“Put on your hat, and come with me to the Home
farm. I think the old stable there would be the better
of being rebuilt, and the cattle sheds are in a bad
state. Put on your hat, Janet, and come with me to
have a good look at them.”
“With pleasure! I shall be with you directly," and
she left the room.
“Whatever happens, she shall not make herself and
me ridiculous in print, and scribblings of this kind are
the beginning of troubles!” said Palliser to himself as
he drew his brows together, with a look of annoyance
which faded gradually when his wife re-appeared in a
garden hat, which was large enough to be a parasol as
well. Her sunny expression was so innocent of every-
thing like opposition, or self-seeking, that the demons of


DAPPLED SKIES.
183
Of course,
not see the weeds. It is a pity to let anything jar upon
you on such a morning as this."
“You are the most desperately-contented person I
have ever met,” exclaimed Palliser, yielding to her con-
tagious brightness. “It is certainly a delicious day!”
and they went on in silence, which he presently broke
by observing, "I suppose your father is delighted with
the genius and the originality of your lucubrations, for
I presume he has read your 'Impressions'?”
“Yes, of course! I fancy he is enchanted, though
he tried to be severely critical, dear Dad! He kept the
book a fortnight. I shall give it to him altogether
when I have added a little bit about Paris.
my father is neither as cultivated nor perhaps as in-
tellectual as you are, and I am not at all shy about
showing him my scribblings. Now I am a little alarmed
at the idea of your inspection, so you shall see no more
of my impressions!”
“I hope not, because they will not exist except in
the unwritten tablets of your memory.
For Heaven's
sake do not keep a journal!”
“I do not intend to do so! It would be monotonous,
for
you have written one word of happiness all over the
pages of my life at present,” and she gave him a glance
full of gratitude and tenderness.
"Really, Janet, you can say a pretty thing very
neatly," returned Palliser smiling. “By the way, speak-


184
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
ing of your father, I am rather surprised he likes to live
in a dull inland village like Langford. Some seaside
place where he could see ships and meet old salts like
himself, would be much more suited to him-Beachurst
for instance. Did he never think of Beachurst?”
“I never heard him say anything about it, I could
not imagine him anywhere but in Navarino Cottage;
why, his garden is part of himself.”
“Yes! but now he has lost you, he would be the
better of some old chums to drop in and talk to him.”
“Dear Randal! he has not lost me! I see him con-
stantly, and he has the Vicar. I am going to see Mrs.
Winyard to-day, and to take some plants to my father,
unless you want me to go anywhere with you?”
“No! I shall go with you, after I have examined
the farm buildings. I should like to see Perkins the
architect, and get some idea of the cost of new ones."
“That will suit me exactly. I will drive you into
Langford. Don't you think I am growing quite a good
whip?”
“You are growing a conceited young woman.”
So talking pleasantly, for Palliser was quite restored
to serenity, they reached the farm where much dis-
cussion ensued between the Squire and his steward.
Extensive improvements were planned, and reparations
projected. Palliser grew quite eager to go into Lang-
ford after luncheon, in order to put things in train.


DAPPLED SKIES.
185
Having left her husband at the architect's office,
and arranged that he should meet her at Navarino
Cottage, Janet stopped at the vicarage.
She found Mrs. Winyard sitting in the garden, her
work basket on a little Japanese table beside her. She
was looking very happy, and the lines of her gentle,
care-worn face seemed less marked and softer than
usual.
“This is sweet of you, my dear! I did not expect
you to come so soon again,” said the vicar's wife, as
Janet bent down to kiss her.
“You know I love to come, Mrs. Winyard; but I
cannot as often as I should like.”
“No, I understand that! Mr. Palliser, I dare say,
fancies he has the first claim on your time and atten-
tion,” replied Mrs. Winyard, smiling. “Men are always
a little grasping, they would not be fit for their work
in life if they were not! Early friends are sometimes
great bores to the newly married, especially to newly-
married men -as I tell Mary.”
"Ah! Mrs. Winyard! I do so hope Mary does not
think me careless or unkind. I sometimes fear I may
seem so.”
“She is not as reasonable as I am, my dear; but
she has full faith in you. At all events, she will soon
experience the little difficulties of early married days.
My dear child has just accepted a gentleman of whom
>>


186
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
her father and myself quite approve. They are to be
married before the summer is over!”
“Dear Mrs. Winyard,” taking her hand, “how terribly
you will miss her!”
“I shall; indeed,” with a sigh, “but Eva is growing
very helpful and handy, and when I look at my Mary's
happy face, I cannot regret my loss.”
Then followed a profoundly interesting narrative of
the circumstances attending Mary's engagement, and an
account of the future bridegroom and his position.
He was a naval officer holding a good Government
appointment in the dockyard at Kingsport, and a good
deal older than Mary, but evidently the man of her
choice.
“Not especially good-looking," added the mother,
“but he has a gentleman-like appearance, and a strong,
sensible face. The vicar is very pleased, for he has
formed a high opinion of his future son-in-law."
They talked for a considerable time on this interest-
ing subject. Janet was immensely taken up with the
Mary had just gone on a visit to the sister of
her intended, who lived in Devonshire, and meant to
write from thence to her friend.
“I have overstayed my time!” exclaimed Janet, look-
ing at her watch. “I am to meet Mr. Palliser at my
father's, so I must leave you. I will come over in a
day or two, and drive you back to tea at the Hall. The
news.


DAPPLED SKIES.
187
grounds are quite delightful now, it would do you good,
though indeed, this garden is very sweet. I have always
loved it! What news have you of Maurice?" she asked
as she stood up to go.
“Very good indeed! He was going with his colonel
on a shooting expedition. He seems to be rather a
favourite --not, as you can imagine, that Maurice says
this in so many words, but we gather it from his accounts
of himself and his life.”
"Everyone must like him!” exclaimed Janet; “now
I must run away, Mrs. Winyard. I will send you a line
to fix the day you will come to me.”
Janet drove off rapidly, full of the news she had
just heard, and already debating in her own mind what
would be the best and most suitable present she could
make her friend. "Randal must give her something
nice too, he is always generous and ready to give. Oh!
I hope she may be as happy as I am—but that is
almost impossible!”
Arrived at the cottage, Janet found that her father
had started to walk out to the Hall about an hour be-
fore, and that Palliser had not yet arrived. Janet felt
greatly disappointed. She had not seen her father for
several days, and she had a little scheme in her head
for carrying him off to dine, and stay the night. Now
that he had gone uninvited, it would not be so easy to
manage, for the old sailor was punctilious about his


188
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
toilette before leaving home, and did not care to stay
away in an impromptu manner. She therefore descended
from her pony carriage to inspect the removing of the
plants she had brought to a sheltered spot in the garden,
and by the time this was accomplished, Randal ap-
peared.
"Is it not provoking, Randal, my father has gone
out to the Hall! I had hoped to take him back to
dine and sleep!”
“Oh, you did, did you?” he returned in a some-
what dry tone, and Janet noticed that he expressed no
regret, but that, she told herself the next moment, was
a mere accident.
“I, too, was rather unfortunate in missing my man,
and waited in that confounded dusty office for some
time before Wilkins came in; and then—what do you
think? He wanted to drag me off to look at some
grand erection in the way of stables which he is build-
ing for my financial relative. The fellow talks too
much!
However, I have told him to come out to-
morrow afternoon, and have a look at the old buildings.
Let us go, the ponies are impatient!”
Janet gathered up the reins, and they drove swiftly
but somewhat silently back, Palliser employing himself
by making pencil notes in his memorandum book.
The short distance was soon accomplished, and
Captain Rowley was soon discovered seated on a bench


190
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
informed that the Member for Southshire had returned
from Vichy, immensely improved in health and vigour.
“By Jove, that old man will live for ever!” cried
Palliser impatiently, as he set down his cup, “and he
is really not the slightest good to the county. Why
do not fellows see the wisdom of abdicating when they
cannot guide their own team—to say nothing of public
affairs?"
“Quite true," added Captain Rowley, “when one
hasn't a strong grip for the rudder spokes, you should
give up to one who has, but, Palliser, no one likes to
give up," and they fell into a discussion on registration
and the balance of parties in the county.
"Well, my dear father," put in Janet when there
was a pause, “if you cannot stay now, when will you
come to dine and stay a day or two? You have not
been here for quite ten days."
“You see, Janet, I am aware I am on the super-
annuated list, so I don't want to parade my fogeyism
too often," he returned laughing.
“What nonsense. Isn't it nonsense, Randal? Come
on Thursday and stay till Saturday--I know you like
your own church."
“I hope you will, Captain Rowley," returned Pal-
liser, but a little coldly.
“Thanks, my dear boy“I shall be delighted.”
“If you will excuse me,” continued Palliser, “I will


DAPPLED SKIES.
191
go and write a letter or two-I have just had a long
epistle from Darrell, which requires a reply. There is
a letter from my sister too.
I shall leave it on my
writing-table for you, Janet. Good morning, Captain
Rowley, in case I should not see you till Thurday.”
They shook hands, and Palliser walked quickly back to
the house.
"Is he all right?” asked Captain Rowley, nodding
in the direction of his vanishing son-in-law.
“Yes, quite right, I think. Why do you ask?”
“I can hardly say, but he doesn't seem up to con-
cert pitch. Then a man can't be always in the full
blaze of good humour—but you are too sensible a girl
to ask him what is the matter. If he is not inclined
to tell of his own accord, asking won't make him. Ah!
—this is a lovely place—I wonder if an old fellow might
smoke his pipe of peace here?”
“Yes, of course you may, dear, or shall I get you
some cigars?"
“No, thank you! It may not be elegant, but I
love my old pipe. Now, my dear, don't let me be late
for the Vicar's dinner."
“I will take care-I will tell Dickson to order the
dog-cart for six—that will give you time enough, they
dine at a quarter to seven still?”
Captain Rowley nodded, and continued to smoke
in a luxurious fashion-talking from time to time of


192
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
his son Tom's improved prospects, of his return from
his wedding tour, and Mrs. Tom's amiable wish that her
father-in-law should pay them a visit.
"Not just now though, Janet. No, I couldn't put
up with London when the garden is looking its best.
And, my dear-I miss that stroll round with you in the
early mornings, while the tea was drawing!” and the
old man sighed and resumed his pipe.
“Dearest Dad!” cried Janet with moist eyes, “I
am afraid you miss me terribly—I cannot bear to think
of it."
“Hoot-stuff and nonsense!” said the Captain
stoutly. “I can tell you when I sit down with my
book and pipe, it's uncommonly pleasant to think that
when I'm no longer here to look after my girl, you'll
have a better fellow than I am to take care of you,
and a beautiful home for yourself and your children!
Don't you trouble about the old Dad, he'll have a fine
peaceful time of it for the rest of his days."
Janet slipped her hand into his and they sat thus
for several minutes in sympathetic silence. Then Cap-
tain Rowley began to talk of his garden and how he
intended to place the plants his daughter had left for
him. So the time melted away until the sedate Dickson
came to say the dog-cart was at the door.
Janet accompanied her father to the entrance, and
saw him start homeward. Then she returned slowly to


DAPPLED SKIES.
193
the house. Not finding Palliser in the library, she went
up to dress for dinner.
“Do you think this becomes me as well as my
green with the white lace?” asked Janet, as she stood
before the glass when her toilette was finished.
“Well, 'm—I should say more so, though the green
suits you well, too; but for your complexion, and in
daylight, the pale lilac and just the slight garniture of
black Brussels lace is the very thing with your hair
and colour.”
“I fear I am growing too fond of dress, Raynes.”
“Oh, dear no, 'm—if I may make the remark, you
used not to care enough about it. A lady like you
ought to think a deal of herself—the more she thinks
of herself, the more others think of her.”
“That is a dreadful doctrine, Raynes.”
“But it is true, 'm.
I well remember when I was
in young Lady Compton's service she was--
“There is the bell,” exclaimed Janet, not sorry to
escape Raynes' discursive reminiscences.
Palliser was waiting for her in the bay window of
the smaller drawing-room, and as she approached she
felt that her dress was satisfactory, from the softened
expression that came over his brow and into his eyes,
while he offered her his arm, and pressed hers slightly
to him while they walked into the dining-room.
"I find, Janet, I must go up to Town on Thursday.
A Choice of Evils. I.
13


1 94
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
Darrell writes that they—that is, as many of our party
who were in Cashmere together a few years ago are in
Town-are going to give a dinner to Carthew, the man
who was chief of our expedition, and managed every-
thing for us. He has just come over, and I should like
to pay him the compliment of being present. You will
explain all this to your father. I will try to return on
Friday if I possibly can."
“Yes, of course, Randal. It will be nice for me to
have him while you are away—but come back as soon
as you can."
“Very well, I think I shall bring Darrell back with
me—he wants to talk about a yachting expedition to
you. He has started a new yacht and wants us to
take a cruise with him round the west coast of Scot-
land.”
“It would be perfectly delightful,” cried Janet.
“You are a tolerable sailor," said Palliser, doubt-
fully.
"I am a very good one. Don't you remember how
rough it was when we went for a few days to Corsica,
and I kept perfectly well?”
“True; it could not do you any harm-it will help
us over the summer, for, however charming the place
and-yourself, there is a certain monotony, so you must
talk it over with Darrell. I rather like Darrell-he's a


DAPPLED SKIES.
195
bit wild, but is steadying down. Have you read
Gertrude's letter?”
“Not yet.”
“Well, I will bring it to you—she does not seem
very happy. Saville went off to Norway after a very
short spell of Scotland, and she has been rather un-
settled since.”
“I am so sorry! Are you going to ask her down
here?”
“Yes-later, and the boys, if Alec passes."
“If not, poor boy, he will want something to cheer
him up."
“Of course!—in any case.”
"Gertrude is immensely fond of him, but I don't
fancy he is over bright.”
They rose from table, and Palliser brought the
letter. It was short and said very little-she was in
London, waiting for her boy to go with her somewhere-
probably to the Isle of Wight.
After a few words respecting it, Janet proposed a
stroll by moonlight, and wrapping a lace scarf round
her she slipped her arm through Palliser's and they
strolled out into the soft darkness of the fresh, fragrant
night, while he gradually began to speak of the future-
of his strong wish to represent the county.
“You see, one tires of everything that has not a
touch of reality in it,” he said. “Now, to be an active
13*


DAPPLED SKIES.
197
Captain Rowley readily excused Palliser's absence,
and greatly enjoyed his tête-à-tête visit to his daughter,
which extended to the fourth day.
“Why will you not stay till Monday, dear father?”
she asked the morning he was going to leave.
“For a couple of reasons -first, I am quite sure
Palliser would rather come back to a duet than to a
trio, and have you all to himself after this your first
separation, and I am quite of his opinion; secondly, I
prefer my own little den to any other place. Honestly,
if I could have you on a visit to me, instead of coming
on a visit to you, I should prefer it—but that cannot
be. I'll ask the curate to come and dine and have a
hit at backgammon-we'll be as jolly as sand boys!”
But Janet prepared herself for the joy of receiving
Palliser in vain. Instead, came a horrid telegram, warn-
ing her not to expect him till the day but one following.
The evening was cruelly long and unaccountably
melancholy. Janet told herself a dozen times that she
was a weak fool. But a sudden grey cloud with a
chill and moaning breeze seemed to have come up out
of the dim future, and wrapped her in its depressing
mantle.


CRUMPLED ROSE LEAVES.
199
which had been her home. No! delightful as her
beautiful new abode was, it should never banish the
old one from her heart.
Palliser was late in returning, another telegram told
Janet he had missed the train, so dinner was turned
into supper, and about nine o'clock, the sound of
wheels made her heart beat wildly. With some dif-
ficulty she kept herself from running out to the hall, to
throw herself into his arms. But her instinctive know-
ledge of his thoroughly English horror of scenes,
of
any display of affection before the servants, held her
back.
The next moment, she heard his voice speaking to
someone, someone who was an equal—she knew the tone,
and a sudden sense of disappointment fell upon her.
Then the door opened, and Palliser crossed the
threshold, saying as he did so:
“I have brought a guest whom you will be pleased
to see," as if to warn her against demonstrativeness,
while behind him, the broader, square figure, and bold
frank face of Lord Darrell appeared.
And she was to welcome him instead of relieving
her heart by a burst of tears!
“This is an unexpected pleasure!” she struggled to
say it brightly. "I hardly hoped you would come with
Mr. Palliser, though he promised to persuade you to
pay us a visit.” She was quickly recovering herself.


200
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
come.
“Many thanks, Mrs. Palliser. It was a sudden
thought on Palliser's part, and I was very pleased to
Sorry we kept you waiting! What a salubrious
spot Mervyn Hall must be! You look more blooming
even than you did in town in spite of the hot weather.”
“Or seems so," put in Palliser; "you can't fancy
how ghastly most of the women looked, after the racket
of the season, especially coming in on the fag end of
it, as I did.”
“And still more especially, considering the roses
and lilies you left behind!” added Darrell with a good-
humoured smile.
“It was amusing though,” resumed Palliser. “I
went to three dinners and the other days I was in the
Strangers' Gallery. Heard Gladstone and Hartington,
and several howling Irishmen.”
“And longed to add to the clamour,” said Janet,
slipping her hand into his, as she thought unseen by
Darrell.
"No," replied Palliser, pressing it hastily and in-
stantly releasing it, “not for a long time, not till I have
mastered the shibboleth! Come, Darrell, let us get rid
of as much dust as we can before we sit down to table.”
Janet walked to the window, and gazing out into
the moonlight, took herself severely to task for her own
fancifulness, but why-why did Randal bring a visitor
back with him! If he had even come to-morrow, if


CRUMPLED ROSE LEAVES.
201
they had had even one evening to stroll out and talk
all by themselves. But she must not expect a man
to be satisfied with the monotony of tenderness and
affection which filled her own life to overflowing. In-
deed she felt that a man would not be worth much
who could be so content; she might in time even weary
of it herself, but, why-why-did he bring Darrell with
him?
By the time the gentlemen joined her, Janet was
herself again, and the trio talked gaily over their repast,
retailing all the latest gossip for her benefit, and ex-
plaining Darrell's yachting plans.
His new vessel had only just been launched, and the
fittings and furniture were not yet complete. “Then,”
continued Lord Darrell, “I should like to take a short
trial trip to see how she behaves at sea, before I venture
to take so distinguished a passenger," bowing to Janet,
"on board, so it may be quite the first or second week
of July before we can hoist the Blue Peter.”
“A very good time," said Palliser, passing the claret,
“we'll have a thunderstorm or two, but we have brave
hearts, have we not, Janet?”
“No doubt,” cried Darrell. “Mrs. Palliser looks as
if she were game right through! Now, as to the party,
I should like a few choice spirits. I haven't room for
many. Whom would you suggest?”


204
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
county open for some better Liberal than himself. I
don't fancy he thinks I have an idea of standing."
And Janet listened eagerly as her husband enlarged
on this all-important topic, while she blushed at her
own folly in expecting Palliser to attach the same im-
portance to his return and the joy of meeting as she
did.
The day following, Darrell was carried off to the
Home Farm to inspect the intended improvements, and
interview the architect who was already measuring and
sketching plans.
Janet therefore had her morning to herself and
added some pages to her record of those delightful
days of travel and of bliss, of which she was anxious
to preserve her impressions, also to write a second long
letter to her friend Mary, asking for information as to
her plans, as she (Janet) feared her yachting expedition
might prevent her being present at the wedding.
The gentlemen were a little late for luncheon, and
Lord Darrell was profuse in his apologies.
“What a charming place this is,” he continued.
“It must be more than ten years since I saw it, and I
had forgotten it. It is so thoroughly English, the trees
are magnificent! The Pallisers must always have had
lots of ready money, or the woods would have suffered
more than they have done."


206
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
nice, quiet, old horse I used to have when Lady Saville
was here. He would want no management."
“No, I don't fancy you are practised enough to ride
with Darrell, who is one of the crack riders in Leicester-
shire. I am afraid Mrs. Palliser began too late to do
much in the equestrian line."
“I don't believe it! She is the very cut for a horse-
woman! Don't mind him, Mrs. Palliser—come with us,
and I'll look after you!"
“I wish you would let me try, Randal?” said Janet
imploringly. "I did so enjoy the rides I had. I should
have asked you before, only you did not seem inclined
to ride yourself.”
“What a hard-hearted fellow you must be, Palliser,
to say 'No' to your wife! You come down in your
habit at four, Mrs. Palliser, and depend upon it, you'll
find your horse ready."
Janet glanced at her husband, and noticed a dis-
pleased look in his eyes, which she began to know.
“I hate to see women an horseback. They rarely
ride well, and when they do, they look masculine, which
is always hideous,” he said contemptuously.
“My dear fellow! you are talking rank heresy! A
woman never looks more charming, than when swaying
easily to the motion of her horse.
Look at your
sister?"
“Yes, I know the fuss people used to make about


208
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“It is not a great renunciation,” returned Palliser
icily, and rising from the table, he added, "I shall order
the horses then at four, and if you will excuse me,
I
have some matters to attend to."
“Of course! it's all right.”
“Will you come and sit under the trees, Lord
Darrell?” asked Janet. “I think it is cooler than in-
doors, all our sitting rooms are on the sunny side of
the house."
“It will be delightful.”
Darrel lit his cigar, while Janet put on her hat in
the hall, and took a mesh of delicate knitting to occupy
her hands while she talked.
“This is heavenly,” said Darrell, settling himself in
a deck chair from which he had a good "three-quarter”
view of Mrs. Palliser's expressive face. “There is a
wonderful air of repose about you, do you know? It
makes a fellow wonder why he ever bothers about any-
thing, and that knitting, or whatever it is, takes off the
dreary look of idleness. I'm not idle myself, still, I
cannot cheat Satan! He finds a heap of mischief for
my busy hands to do."
“Then you must occupy them more diligently with
what is not mischievous, Lord Darrell!”
“Yes; but with what?-there's the difficulty." He
paused, and smoked a minute in silence. “Now," he
continued, “I am going to read you a lecture.
I am


CRUMPLED ROSE LEAVES.
209
one of the family, you know, in a sort of way—shall I
say—a sort of cotton back, to the superior satin face?
and Palliser, we must allow, has a most superior
gloss! But, my dear kinswoman, you give him his head
too much. He'll get out of hand altogether; you should
have stuck to the riding whatever happened.”
“What! vex Randal about such a trifle!” cried
Janet.
“Nothing is a trifle that establishes a precedent,”
returned Darrell, sententiously. “The next time you
want anything you'll find it ten times harder to get it.
My dear Mrs. Palliser, men are great brutes, and born
tyrants, every man of them! The more a woman gives
in to us the less we value them; a melancholy fact,
but the truth. Look at my uncle Saville, his wife wor-
shipped the ground he walked upon, and see what
came of it.”
“That I do not know, but I fear they might be
happier!”
“Well, yes, they might.”
“But,” continued Janet with fire, "you could never
compare Sir Frederic Saville with Palliser."
“No, Palliser is a superior article altogether! Yes,
I really mean it. A high-bred gentleman-but don't
give in to him too much!”
“You ought to be ashamed of preaching rebellion
to the wife of your friend,” said Janet, smiling. “What
A Choice of Evils. 1.
14


2 I 2
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
On the pains, the pleasures, the social delights or
difficulties of a yacht's cruise we will not dwell; are
they not written in the fascinating pages of W. Black?
--so that he or she whose “soul might sicken o'er the
heaving wave," may enjoy it all in their easy-chairs.
Enough to say that it was, on the whole, a highly
successful expedition.
Perhaps none enjoyed the cruise more than Janet
did, on the whole; it was a totally new experience to
her, and she was popular with her fellow passengers.
She thoroughly appreciated the sea and the fine coast
scenery, but, looking back over these days afloat, when
she sat down to the reprehensible occupation of scrib-
bling her "impressions”-she recollected a good many
unpleasant ones—when Palliser was considerably ruffled
--she was not always quite sure why--certainly, when
she neglected to keep her veil down, and was tanned
by sun and air, for fair skins are apt to become red
under such treatment. He was annoyed by her care-
lessness,—-no doubt it was careless on her part to
neglect her appearance for one moment, and her hus-
band's anxiety that she should look her best was flat-
tering, but, at the same time, rather tiresome.
These little gusts and eddies of temper were sweep-
ing up misty cloudlets from the horizon of the future,
which shrouded the heavenly light of other days--days
so near in time--so far away by the measurement of


214
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
As she made this valiant resolution, it flashed across
her mind that had she been in her old home-her real
home, as she felt it to be—she would certainly out of
respect and politeness have asked her father's per-
mission to invite a guest, but she was perfectly assured
of the reply. Then came the question—if Mervyn Hall
was hers as well as Randal's, if she were the mistress,
as he was the master, why did she feel this hesitation?
The answer came quickly—everything in it was her
husband's, the very clothes she wore were his gift, she
was penniless and, metaphorically, naked, but for him;
therefore she could not be his equal. True, she might
be his heart's delight-he might love and cherish her,
indeed; he had always been chivalrous and generous,
but though she was his, and had a legal right to share
his life and all that he had, she was but a pensioner
on his bounty, and the eternal materialism of things
forbids belief in the fable of equality when it does not
stand firmly on the solid basis of £. s. d. or equivalent
advantages.
These were unworthy thoughts—perhaps she was
naturally low-minded, but for a moment she realised
what unspeakable degradation it must ever be to the
individual who is completely dependent on another, no
matter how dear or how good-except only a parent.
Still, dependence on a husband was not considered de-
pendence, and who was she to set her uneasy fancies


CRUMPLED ROSE LEAVES.
215
against the wisdom of the past, the prevalent opinions
of the present? Only she must not be exacting, she
must not worry Randal—the tenderness of her affection
would prevent that—but also because the paymaster
had a right to turn round and say at any moment
“This or that must not be.”
“But a look at his dear face will banish all these
crooked fancies," thought Janet, as the sound of
Palliser's voice reached her from the garden beneath;
she would cast all her doubts and fancies to the winds,
and ask her kind, generous husband for what she
wished. If he refused, she would be sorry, but she
would have done her duty.
She locked away her writing and descended to meet
him. He was giving some directions to the gardener
and looking well and bright.
“Come with us,” he cried, as she descended the
steps from the drawing-room window. “I think this
corner might be cleared of trees a little—it would give
a peep at the old church tower, and make a pretty
vista.”
Janet accompanied him across the grounds, entering
with warm interest into his plans. After some dis-
cussion, and giving definite instructions to the head
gardener, they returned to the house, and halted in
the drawing-room, expecting the gong to sound for
luncheon.


216
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“Randal,” said Janet, coming to where he had
thrown himself into a lounging chair, and smoothing
his hair gently, “I should like to ask Tom and his wife
here for a few days before the shooting begins.”
“Your brother-here!"
There was horror in his voice.
“Yes. I was afraid it would bore you, but I want
to be a little polite, and they need not stay long."
“Good Heavens! they cannot stay less than a week,
and-it will be an infernal bore! I would rather have
Captain Rowley here—a good deal!"
“Why, Randal! you don't think my dear father a
bore?” in a tone of dismay.
“Wonderfully little of a bore considering his age
and the life he has led! Come, Janet, don't be so
weak as to imagine your geese swans, because they are
your geese-you are by no means without sense, pray
use it."
Janet felt dazed for an instant, she honestly be-
lieved that Palliser was fond of her father, and liked
his society. Tears came to her eyes, but she forced
them back; she was rapidly learning the necessity of
conciliation
“Of course, you do not feel towards him quite as I
do,” she said with a quick sigh. “But if it is not too
great a bore, I should like Tom and his wife to pay us


CRUMPLED ROSE LEAVES.
217
2
a visit, and while Gertrude is here, she is so kind and
helpful, and
“She is a deuced deal too sympathetic and all that
sort of thing,” interrupted Palliser sternly, “at any rate
for her own good. I hope you will not go off on that
tack, Janet, it leads women into all sorts of weakness.”
“I fear I am naturally sympathetic, Randal, but I
shall try to be stern and stony! Well, if it is intoler-
able to you, we will say no more about Tom's visit at
present, only I think you are a little too much afraid of
trifling discomforts, and remember, a week's endurance
would set you free for a year at least from any re-
petition of it.”
"A year! am I to have these people once a year?”
"Not if you object so much-there, we will say no
more about it.”
She turned away more distressed than vexed, and
went to the window by which they had just entered.
Palliser was silent for a minute, then he said
harshly:
“Don't be silly and ill-tempered, Janet! I don't
like to be bored-no man does! I naturally express
what I feel to you, but it is as well to ask your brother
and his wife here while we are comparatively alone,
only make it clearly understood that it is to be a week's
visit.”
“Very well. I will write this afternoon."
2


218
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
There was a slight tremor in her voice, for she had
been thinking what a revelation Palliser's present view
of her father had been to her.
“Good God!” he exclaimed with much disgust.
“You are not weeping, are you, over this rubbish?”
“Certainly not!” said Janet, suddenly restored to
firmness and composure, and turning to face him with
head erect. “My tears are not quite so ready!”
Something in her tone startled Palliser, but before
he could speak the gong sounded. He rose and opened
the door for his wife, saying as she passed: “Is there a
dash of the vixen in you, Janet?”
"I don't know. It might be an amusing variety!"
she returned good-humouredly. "Too much sweetness
is cloying."
“Ah! I do not want to be amused in that style!
The sweetness is still very sweet!” said Palliser, with a
smile, and they went to table in a more harmonious
mood.
Janet was, however, almost ashamed of her own
sense of relief when a couple of days after the post
brought her a reply from Mrs. Tom Rowley. They
were much pleased by the invitation, but reluctantly
obliged to refuse. Tom had just had rather a long
holiday for their wedding trip, and was now obliged to
stay in Town while his partner took his family to the
seaside.


220
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
Then Palliser soon after called on his father-in-law,
and himself invited him to dine and stay the night, so
the sun shone again in a blue sky for Janet.
Meanwhile, Lady Saville's sons (both had now joined
them) were visitors after Janet's own heart. The eldest
was a mixture of father and mother. Like the former
physically, with a good deal of the latter's refinement
and charm of manner. He was easy going and sure of
himself, and was soon on terms of the happiest intimacy
with his Aunt Palliser. It seemed so droll to her having
a nephew barely two years her junior. The second boy
was more than four years younger, and extremely fond
of fishing. This had been Captain Rowley's chief sport,
as it often is with men who cannot afford horses, or
tips to gamekeepers, and the boy was delighted to have
his guidance and hints, though the sturdy old sailor
found his own “staying” powers were considerably
diminished.
On the whole the summer and autumn passed
quickly and smoothly. Palliser diligently cultivated
popularity to such an extent, that he was absolutely
civil and hospitable to his relative the banker and his
family.
Lawn tennis parties, picnics, dinners, succeeded
each other, and still Lady Saville lingered on in her
comfortable quarters—to Janet's sincere satisfaction, as


CRUMPLED ROSE LEAVES.
221
some women are
she gradually grew to feel that her sister-in-law was
really the one person she could depend on.
Of Palliser she was never sure—sometimes he spoke
and acted as if he were bitterly annoyed with her, and
she quickly learned that nothing offended him more
than to ask him the reason, especially as he had none
to give.
Then again, he had fits of passionate fondness quite
as unaccountable; these alternations slowly impressed
Janet with the unpleasant conviction that she had no
sort of sacredness in his eyes, as
taught that the kisses of to-day are no guarantee against
the curses of to-morrow. Palliser, however, was a well-
bred man and had enough surface self-control never to
be guilty of the curses. He managed, however, to show
his feelings very successfully without coarser indications.
Before the winter had begun, Janet had learned to
guard both eyes and lips, her facial muscles, the intona-
tions of her voice, while she struggled desperately to
hold on to the affection she firmly believed existed,
and to blind her own judgment by telling herself that
her tact and perception were at fault, that she would
improve in time, and that these clouds of misunder-
standing would fade away before the sunshine of that
love, which already lay a-dying.


222
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
CHAPTER XI.
66
THE DAY IS COLD AND DARK AND DREARY.”
NOVEMBER was upon them, not dark and drear as
that month so often is, but clear and crisp, if rather
colder than it usually is at the beginning of winter.
Hunting was already in full swing, and Lady Saville
had at last induced Sir Frederic to decide on a winter
residence. Their own place was let on lease to a
wealthy China merchant, and their town house was on
the books of more than one West End house agent.
They were in fact expiating a career of more than
usual folly and extravagance, which would have ended
still more disastrously, had not Palliser come to their
assistance, not only with money, but with other efficient
help, for he was naturally shrewd in all matters of
business, and though ready to spend freely that which
he possessed abundantly, he had an instinctive sense of
the value of money.
He was very anxious that his sister should spend
the winter with her husband, as they had been really,
though not ostensibly, separated for the last year, and
Palliser had a morbid dread of scandal.


“THE DAY IS COLD AND DARK AND DREARY.”
223
Janet gradually came to understand that Lady
Saville had been guilty of some imprudence. What,
she did not exactly know, for she was too loyal to ask
questions, and too much attached to her sister-in-law to
listen to gossip.
As under their circumstances, life was less irksome
abroad than in England, Lady Saville decided that Pau
would suit them best. Sir Frederic would find golf
and hunting, and some of her own more congenial
acquaintances intended wintering there. Her eldest
boy, to her great delight, had passed for Sandhurst,
and Palliser undertook to look after the second, who
was at Eton, and invited hlm to pass Christmas at the
Hall.
Lady Saville persuaded Janet to come up to Town
to assist her in the rather extensive shopping which
was absolutely necessary, she thought, before she went
into what she pathetically called banishment, and though
Palliser at first objected, he finally yielded to his sister's
persuasions.
“After all, shopping is a grand resource,” said Lady
Saville, one afternoon, as they were sitting at tea in the
morning-room or study of the Eaton Square house
where they were staying, after a long day, “and a
change of occupation and scene is reviving. You were
looking awfully moped last week.
Tell me, are you
quite well? I wish you would confide in me, Janet!


226
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
it will be in the most decorous fashion, and you will
never know anything about it!”
Lady Saville had paused more than once in this
long speech, as if to give Janet an opening, but she
did not take advantage of it. At this last sentence,
however, she shrank as if from a blow.
“Why, Gertrude!” she exclaimed, trying hard to
speak lightly, “what has happened that you should be
taken so frightfully prophetic? I do not intend to
anticipate improbable troubles! I don't wish to im-
pose lover-like observances on poor Randal (who so
hates to be bored) all the days of his life. I suppose
the transition period is sure to be more or less un-
pleasant, but I daresay the loving friendship which
succeeds the fancifulness of love is much better, only at
first it is rather a come-down.
sure you are
sincerely anxious to help me, but I must take the
rough and the smooth as other people do. I do not
doubt Randal's sincere affection for a moment."
“You are very brave, I believe, and will manage
better than I did," said Lady Saville thoughtfully.
“The chief point is not to let your husband see that
you cannot exist without him, or you go down twenty
per cent. at once."
“I am afraid that Randal has already a shrewd
guess at the true state of affairs," returned Janet,
smiling
I am


“THE DAY IS COLD AND DARK AND DREARY.” 231
her own mental vision, than fidget over the motes in
her husband's optics. She could not explain why, but
this visit to Town, the little change of scene and oc-
cupation, seemed to have done her a wonderful amount
of good. She felt more like her old light-hearted, fear-
less self than she had done for many a day. The
truth was, she had not to study her words or weigh
the tendency of her sentences—what came into her
mind she spoke unhesitatingly, and found herself sur-
prisingly fluent.
It was a very pleasant dinner. Monti Douglas was
a well-known man about town, the scantily-endowed
younger son of a Scotch peer. Major Phillips—a soldier
right through, who had been more in India than in
London, a good specimen of the kind of man produced
by the upper class bourgeoisie. He was greatly amused
by the gossip and chaff which was tossed to and fro.
“I hear you mention Langford,” he said, as the
waiters handed round the dessert; "we have a young
fellow from Langford in Southshire in 'ours, who has
just saved the Colonel's life by a lucky shot. His name
is Winyard-Maurice Winyard."
“He is the son of our Vicar," returned Janet,
deeply interested; "he was a playfellow of mine—I am
very glad to hear about him.”
"He is a quiet youngster, but he has his wits about
him. The Colonel is a curious old chap-he is touched


234
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
his major's communications, dwelt in her mind. She
was sincerely pleased to find that her old friend was
making way with his associates. She had been a true
prophetess, his fancy for herself had not long borne the
heat of the day, yet for all that, she believed Maurice's
nature was essentially faithful. How gentle and kindly
he was—would he ever be impatient with a wife who
tried hard to please him? Yes, of course he would-
all men would. “It is their nature.” Well, she heartily
wished him all possible good fortune and happiness.
Surely it must be a hundred years ago since he
came in and found her shelling peas in the kitchen?
Was she the same Janet?
Her sister-in-law's absence created a great gap in
the Mervyn Hall household, Janet found.
Her knowledge of the world—Palliser's world—was
exceedingly useful, and though her nature was slight, it
was kindly and specially sympathetic.
Janet was growing more self-distrustful every day,
with the result that whenever she hesitated and tried
specially hard to do the right thing, the wrong one pre-
sented itself and confounded her.
The house had never been quite empty, but the
guests had been chiefly gentlemen. Lord Darrell paid
a fortnight's visit-Janet always felt she had a backer
in him. He made great friends with Captain Rowley
also, which was in Janet's favour.


“THE DAY IS COLD AND DARK AND DREARY."
237
“What do you wish, dear Randal?” she whispered
softly, while her heart beat to suffocation. Was she on
the point of learning the word of the riddle? “Why do
you not tell me?
All I wish is to make you happy!”
“There are so many little things—that—you don't
seem to understand—you do not exactly feel with me.
I am rather sensitive, and I wish you could divine my
wishes!”
Janet looked at him with distressed, wistful eyes.
"I fear I am dull, dear. Oh, that I had a spirit of
divination! but as it is wanting, do tell me what my
deficiencies are! I know so well when you are dis-
satisfied, which, alas! is very often, and I am so miser-
able because I don't know why. If you only knew how
miserable I am sometimes, you would be sorry."
The soft, loving arms went up round his neck, her
sweet fresh lips clung to his, and as she felt how pas-
sionately he returned her kisses, a flood of sunshine
seemed to fill her heart with intoxicating delight. All
troubles and misunderstandings must be at an end.
He would open his heart to her, and show her how to
please and satisfy him, and she would find it to be the
omission or commission of some mere trifle which she
had been too dense to perceive.
“Now do tell me what are my special stupidities."
"I don't know that it is worth while talking about
it just now. I am, perhaps, a little impatient, and—but


“THE DAY IS COLD AND DARK AND DREARY.”
239
that Raynes will be pleased if she has put out the
velvet.”
“Well, you must face her wrath for my sake!”
“In such a cause I will not hesitate,” said his wife,
as she left the room.
The dinner was more amusing than Palliser expected,
and everyone observed how brilliantly well Mrs. Palliser
was looking. This was as it should be, he thought. It
was her bounden duty to do credit to his choice.
There was some gossip about the county member,
and a report that he thought of retiring was mentioned.
Of course, Palliser held his tongue respecting the in-
formation he had received, but he was a little ruffled
because nobody said anything about his being a fit and
proper person to represent the country in Parliament.
He was amiable enough on the following morning,
but could talk of nothing except the coming election,
but seemed to be pleased to have a listener in his wife.
The next day but one they were to start for Lord
Darrell's place, breaking their journey in London—as it
was rather long--and Palliser wanted to see his agent.
They were not to leave till after luncheon, for Pal-
liser's appointment was not till the following morning.
Janet was looking forward to her visit with a good
deal of pleasure. She liked Lord Darrell, and knew
several of the guests he had invited. She hoped, too,
that she should be successful in steering clear of all


240
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
rocks of offence, for she fancied she had discovered one
or two trifling causes of irritation, so trifling that she
could have laughed, had they not affected Randal.
“I think it will be a fine day,” said Palliser when
he sat down to breakfast; “it is rather a fine line of
country up to Woodlands, but flat when you get there.
However, it will be dark by the time we arrive to-
morrow.”
“What letters have you?”
“A long one from Gertrude-she seems better
pleased with Pau than she expected, but they have not
had a good winter-as to weather.”
Having appeased the pangs of hunger, Palliser took
up The Times, throwing the advertisement sheet-after
the fashion of Creation's lords—on the carpet, while he
scanned the paper for some mention of Mr. Digby's
retirement.
An exclamation from Janet attracted his attention-
she was evidently reading the first column, the famous
list of births, deaths, and marriages.
“Oh, Randal! just think, Richard Palliser has a little
son! ‘On the fifth instant, at St. Oswald's, Sussex, the
wife of R. Palliser, Esq. of a son and heir.””
“What!” exclaimed Palliser in a tone that startled
his wife.
“There it is,” she said, offering it to him, and feel-
ing suddenly as if something tragic had happened.


“THE DAY IS COLD AND DARK AND DREARY."
245
“Oh, is that you? I wish you would write a line
for me to Godfrey; say I cannot see him till twelve in-
stead of eleven to-morrow. I have a telegram from
Compton-he wants me to be with him as early as I
can, so we cannot get off to Woodlands by the midday
train. I told Cootes to look out and arrange for the
next. No; take my paper, yours is too small and
finikin; use the third person, you know."
And this was all. He seemed to have no conscious-
ness of needing pardon; he held himself as if he were
the offended party. She need not have feared a melt-
ing appeal for pardon, or planned her own phrases in
reply, so trivial a matter as her sorely-wounded heart
did not cost him a second thought. She drew the paper
towards her and began to write, but she could not
command her attention, and she had to re-write it
twice.
When, at last, it was accomplished, she handed it
to her husband, asking, “Would you like to look
at it?"
He glanced at her and the torn pieces of paper.
"I hope to Heaven, Janet, you are not going in for
nerves!” he said with a frown. “You are looking like
a ghost! I thought you had the nerves and health of
a milkmaid!”
“If my nerves were shaken for a moment, you have


248
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
wished to be all right with her again, she would, of
course, give him plenary absolution, yet if he had
frequent attacks of this kind, could she go on always
forgiving? Pray God that she might always love him
tenderly. To lose her own love would be even worse
than losing his. That would be the abomination of
desolation indeed! But she was growing quite morbid,
all this bitterness would blow over. She would take
some opportunity when Randal was in a happy mood,
and ask him if he realised the pain he had given her.
It was rather silly to have to wait till a creature, sup-
posed to be stronger and wiser than herself, was in a
rational mood, in order to put a self-evident proposition
before him. “But we are all weak and foolish some-
times, I suppose.”
With this safe generalisation she fell asleep, quite
worn out by the emotions of the day.
Next morning was dull and drizzling, but Janet was
determined not to sit indoors and mope, so sent for a
cab, and drove away with the serious Mrs. Raynes to
gather what pleasure she could from the South Kensington
Museum. But she found it a little difficult to fix her
attention on the various artistic objects which she tried
to explain to her companion, who observed:
“Well 'm, I don't know that people need go so
much abroad, I'm sure I never knew there were such a
heap of beautiful things in London.”


A WINTRY SUN.
251
“It is no trouble. I am quite a young woman in
some ways.”
“One of the most energetic of young women!” said
Lord Darrell laughing, and evidently proud of his
mother. “You need not fear my mother's over-fatiguing
herself, Mrs. Palliser-she is ready for everything from
pitch-and-toss to manslaughter!”
“What a character from one's only boy! Come
then, Mrs. Palliser."
She led the way through a long corridor, deliciously
warmed, to a grand staircase, ascending which they
reached the dressing-room, where Raynes had already
begun to unpack.
“Oh, tea is in your bedroom! Tant mieux. Your
maid can go on with her unpacking. Take off your
outdoor things-it will rest you. Draw that chair for
your mistress.”
Lady Darrell subsided into another, and proceeded
to pour out tea, and hand the delicate “tartines” to
Janet.
“I think you know my brother, Sir Frederic Saville,”
said Lady Darrell, setting to work on a huge, homely-
looking piece of knitting, which was tucked under her
“I have heard my nephew, Alec, talk of Mervyn
Hall as an earthly paradise, and of you as its presiding
goddess."
arm.


254
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
his arm.
"You are a charming flatterer," said her hostess
laughing
“But I have learned a secret,” said Darrell, who
was buttoning his glove, with his hunting crop under
“Mrs. Palliser has the greatest wish to ride,
and her ferocious spouse, for some reason or other, will
not let her! Look here, Mrs. Palliser, I have an ideal
lady's horse, and to-morrow they are all going to the
meet at the Miller's copse. I'll stay at home, and you
and I will have a quiet canter round the roads, if it's a
fine day as it promises to be, for the weather seems
settled.”
“Many thanks, Lord Darrell, though perhaps I ought
to scold you for tempting me. However, I cannot yield,
for I have not brought my habit.”
“Too bad of you, Mrs. Palliser! I can only repeat
my warning-you'll ruin your husband. Couldn't you
send for your habit?”
“No, it is of no use,” said Janet, shaking her head.
"I will not ride, unless Randal comes with me.”
"Did you ever hear anything like it?” said Lord
Darrell to his mother. “Well, I shall be late, so good-
bye for the present. I am awfully vexed with you,
Mrs. Palliser.”
“Do you think me very silly?” asked Janet, who
longed to open her heart to her kind hostess.
“No, my dear Mrs. Palliser, no one can judge fairly


A WINTRY SUN,
255
without full knowledge, and that I do not possess. You
may be acting with sound judgment-I am a strong
advocate for upholding one's rights, yet it is often true
wisdom to give in gracefully; you ought to know your
husband better than anyone else, and must feel what
would please or annoy him. I don't think anyone can
advise a wife.”
“No, I suppose not,” said Janet thoughtfully;
“besides, it would give me no pleasure to ride when I
know it would displease my husband.”
“The best of men have fits of unreason,” said Lady
Darrell philosophically. “But warm love is the best
solvent of all difficulties—where that exists everything
will come right.”
Janet was silent. . A pang shot through her heart,
for she no longer felt that heavenly security which made
life too blissful. Some association of ideas with the first
fair summer days of her home-coming prompted the
question.
“You have been at Mervyn, I think, Lady Darrell?”
“Yes, a long time ago, when my brother was engaged
to Gertrude. Mr. Palliser's mother was alive then (you
know your husband had a long minority). It is a sweet
place, perhaps a little buried in woods, but the house
is lovely.”
“It is! I remember what a grand place I thought
it when I was a little girl, and I used to ramble about


A WINTRY SUN.
257
Janet was surprised to find how much Lady Darrell
read, all kinds of books, tough, and dry, poetry, history,
even light society novels, she seemed to have skimmed
the cream of all, besides being fairly familiar with French
and Italian literature.
“How do you find time for it all?” asked Janet.
“We always find time for what we like,” she returned.
“By-and-bye, when Mr. Palliser goes into political life,
as I hope he will —you will have much more time to
yourself, and then I fancy you will be a voracious reader.
It is almost the only inexhaustible pleasure. But when
you go regularly to Town, and gather a social circle
round you, you will be carried away from books for a
while, yet I fancy you will return to them, the taste for
reading is in you.”
“I am very fond of people too,” said Janet. “They
interest me immensely.”
“So much the better! Don't show too much difference
from your neighbours, people resent eccentricity.”
“There is a very good library at the Hall.
hope, dear Lady Darrell, you will come and stay with
us!”
“I shall be very pleased, when I return to England,
but I intend to be at Pau for Christmas. I have promised
my brother and Lady Saville. Now I have letters to
write, and you?"
A Choice of Evils. I.
17


258
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
“So have I! I like to send my dear father long
letters, they amuse him.”
“No doubt. The absent are apt to fancy them-
selves forgotten."
Janet never knew if Palliser was aware of her refusal
to ride. As he seemed more cordial and talkative on
the rare occasions when they were alone together, she
hoped he was, but she had now begun to think before
she spoke to him, to turn subjects over before she
ventured to broach them, and the result was that she
felt mentally in irons. She longed unspeakably to tear
away the veil which seemed to hide them from each
other—but how was she to do it? If she could find a
favourable moment, and gently reproach him for his
coldness, ever since he had heard of the arrival of his
cousin's son and heir, he might be touched and assure
her of his love. She must not be a coward, there was
no cause whatever why she should not speak to her
husband on that, or any other subject.
Their visit to Woodlands was drawing to an end.
It had been very successful, Palliser was occupied and
amused, and Janet was a general favourite.
The evening but two before they were to leave, a
certain Lord Alan Seymour, an exceedingly critical per-
sonage, of the highest fashion, whose dictum on beauty
and art, the drama and literature, was considered among
a certain set final, arrived for a day or two on his way


262
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
to the station, and expressing ardent hopes of seeing
her in Town in the spring.
Lord Darrell promised to "look them up" at Mervyn
after Christmas, and his mother kissed the young guest
at parting with more warmth than she had shown any
one for years.


LIFE'S FITFUL FEVER.
263
CHAPTER XIII.
LIFE'S FITFUL FEVER.
CHRISTMAS and its festivities were scarcely past and
everyone was still in full cry respecting the brilliancy
and agreeability of the Mervyn Hall entertainments.
Janet had enjoyed them herself—she loved music
and dancing, and on the whole Palliser seemed well
pleased-she was also glad to see her old friend Mary
looking well and happy, to make her husband's acquaint-
ance, and see an increasing glow of peaceful sunset in
the dear old vicarage, where the struggle for life had
been hard enough.
People were beginning to talk of the coming session,
and the various measures likely to be brought forward,
when one morning at breakfast (the usual time for im-
portant announcements) Palliser looked up from his
letters with an animated expression and exclaimed:
“Well, it is an accomplished fact at last!-old Digby
has resigned. I suppose his valedictory address to his
constituents will be in to-morrow's Courant."
“I am so glad he has retired instead of dying!"


264
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
cried Janet, her face lighting up in sympathy; "now
you must set to work at once to canvass.”
“I must telegraph to Godfrey,” said Palliser, rising
to ring the bell, "he promised to be my secretary pro
tem.—you will order them to have a room prepared for
him. He can write in my study-fortunately my mani-
festo is quite ready.”
"If I can help in any writing, pray employ me,
Randal.”
“Thank you, yes. Bring me a telegraph form and
an envelope,” he continued to the servant who obeyed
the bell. "I want one of the men to take this at once
to the post office.”
“I should like to read your manifesto, or whatever
it is,” said Janet; “have you a copy?”
“Yes, plenty of copies; fortunately I took time by
the forelock—I don't think you will understand much
about it.”
Janet smiled.
“At least I can try!” she said.
Palliser looked at her as if he had been scarcely
aware of her before.
“For Heaven's sake, whatever fad you take up,
don't besmirch yourself with politics. Women become
pitiable objects when they try to handle what is beyond
their grasp."
“Very well!" she returned, genuinely amused at his


LIFE'S FITFUL FEVER.
265
horror. “I promise never to worry you or any one else
about the forbidden topic—but I suppose I may read
your speeches in the privacy of my own chamber."
“You may read anything in the world you like!
Now I will write a few letters, then I'll ride over to
B--. I must see the editor of the Southshire Courant,
and persuade him to make room for my address too,
in to-morrow's edition. That little bumptious dissenter
Canton, whose h's are so inextricably confused, will
have his out by to-morrow, I imagine. How the Lang-
ford Mercury will blackguard' poor old Digby, and
myself.”
“I might drive you over to B- in th
pony
carriage!” exclaimed Janet. "I am quite eager to be
up and doing something."
"Pray adopt a masterly system of inaction," said
Palliser impressively. "I am most anxious to keep you
out of the mire," and gathering up his papers he went
away to the library.
“It will be an exciting time,” thought Janet. “I
wish he would let me be a little in it. It may be only
an ignorant interest, but I am very deeply interested-
at any rate, I can read up everything. I do hope he
will win. I cannot bear to think of his being disap-
pointed or mortified, and certainly it will be worse for
everyone round if he is.”
Janet, after a few moments' thought, determined not


266
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
to write to anyone until she had heard from her husband
what he wished or did not wish her to say—though she
was anxious to answer an interesting and amusing letter
she had had from Lady Darrell—and being unable to
settle either to book or work, she set forth to pay a
visit to her father--to him she knew she could speak
with safety.
It always strengthened and revived her to be in the
open air, and for the last month or six weeks, her great
object was to avoid loneliness and thought. She sought
by all possible means to keep up her strength, her hope
—she felt she was going through a dark passage,
in
which, could she have found a light, it might perhaps
have shown her ghastly things. So she clung des-
perately to the friendly gloom, holding on desperately
to her own love for, and belief in, Palliser, feeling that
if that were wrenched from her, it would be shipwreck
indeed.
It was a great excitement for Captain Rowley, and
his daughter rejoiced to see how he brightened up under
the stir and impetus of public interest centred round
one so nearly connected with him. Janet had thought
him a little dull and quiet of late, but now he was
himself again and made himself quite useful to Palliser's
agent by his knowledge of the Langford people, their
interests and opinions. In short, everything was merged
in the contest, which was the more exciting, as the


LIFE'S FITFUL FEVER.
267
Liberals and Radicals offered a strong opposition to the
Conservative candidate. Things were hurried on, too,
that the new member might take his seat on the
reassembling of Parliament.
To Janet it was all very exciting, and though strictly
obedient to her husband's command “not to meddle,”
she made herself mistress of every detail, and sometimes
managed a little talk with the secretary, who often gave
her the key to the puzzle when she was mystified.
It was a sort of revelation to her, and did not
elevate politics in her eyes. Still, the contest interested
her intensely, and quite accounted to her for being ab-
solutely overlooked by Palliser. How could he think of
anything save his speeches and the manoeuvres of his
agents? He did not speak badly either. He had care-
fully got up all the subjects he had intended to handle,
and his profound pride, his deep conviction of his
superiority to the vulgar herd whom he addressed, gave
him an air of certainty and command, which was very
effective.
At last the struggle culminated in a very fair
majority for Palliser, and the eating, the health drink-
ing, the speechifying, the congratulations, the assurances
that the country was saved once more, were all over,
and for a few days Palliser and his wife took breath.
It was not for long.
“If you want to come up to Town with me," he


268
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
For a
said one day after dinner, "you had better let me
know, for we must see about a house."
“Want to go up to Town with you?” repeated Janet,
feeling almost dazed by the question. “Why? Do you
wish me to stay here?”
"Pray do not invent grievances. I only want you
to do what you like. Of course you will come up after
Easter, but just now, at the beginning of things, it will
be dull, and I shall run down from Friday to Monday
whenever I can.”
Janet hesitated. She earnestly desired to do the
right thing, if only she knew which it was.
moment she hesitated as to what she wished.
“Dear Randal,” she exclaimed, “do tell me what
you would wish.
I am quite content to do as you
like.”
“No, no. I really cannot make up your mind for
you. You are a responsible being, decide for your-
self.”
“Does he wish me to stay here?” thought Janet,
greatly racked by her own uncertainty. “As I must
choose,” was her final decision, “I shall choose what
I like.”
“Well, Randal," she said, "I am dying to hear you
speak on the address, and of course I should prefer in
any case being with you."


270
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
am afraid you will develop a furious taste for gaiety
and frivolity! I observe whenever you and I are left
together after a spell of racket, you become tearful,
with or without reason.”
“Indeed-indeed you mistake me, Randal,” cried
Janet, yielding to the impulse of her candid nature.
“I am quite happy with you--but, the truth is, I was
silly enough to fear, from your tone, that you—that you
began to find me a bore," and she managed a little
laugh which some men might have found pathetic.
“I am not aware that I was so ill-bred as to give
you that impression. It is quite erroneous! I thought
you were a sensible and indeed a strong-minded woman.
This kind of sensitive weakness is exceedingly destruc-
tive to peace and comfort; pray regulate your fancies,
for in the intimacy of everyday life, it is rather a
nuisance to stop and pick one's words, lest they should
unlock the food-gates!”
“I assure you you need have no such dread,
Randal,” her voice was quite steady now. “I am not
a crying character. Yes, as you were saying, the
Savilles' house would suit us very well. I shall probably
write to Gertrude to-morrow. Shall I mention the matter
to her?"
“No, no! Never transact business with a relative
personally if possible. My man of business shall write
to Saville. We shall not want all the servants till after


LIFE'S FITFUL FEVER.
271
Easter, but you will settle that with Mrs. Dunford. You
seem to be rather bright about household matters.”
"Only lately then," returned his wife. “At first,
after our tiny cottage and one servant, this establish-
ment seemed appalling."
They talked on, with increasing composure on
Janet's part. She was beginning to perceive that neither
emotion, nor tenderness, nor anything, suited Randal
unless he took the initiative himself, and for the first
time a sense of impatient weariness began to steal over
her, at the prospect of always waiting for his lead, in-
stead of following her own impulse, in showing her taste,
her fancies, above all, her affection to him.
She said she was tired, and bade him good-night a
little earlier than usual.
Palliser sat on musing over the papers, which he
now read with the closest attention, while he solaced
himself with a fragrant cigarette. He was in a placid
frame of mind-he gave some complacent thoughts to
his wife.
“Of course I made rather a fool of her at first, and
of myself too. It will not answer to let her whimper
about trifles, or to think that I am to be at her feet for
ever, but she certainly proves that I am no mean judge
of character. She is naturally well-bred, and by no
means without sense, a trifle too devoted. It is an
error on the right side, and I believe she is true as


276
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
however, anxious about her and regular in his visits to
her room.
Still the doctor said there was nothing serious about
the matter, only Mrs. Palliser's strength refused to re-
turn. All she cared to do was to lie quiet. At last
she lost the power to sleep, and Palliser insisted on
calling in a great doctor, as low fever seemed the chief
malady. The great man was very kind and gentle, and
asked many questions, growing graver as he listened.
“She must take nourishment,” he said, impressively.
“She is terribly low; there is nothing especially the
matter, and yet she seems to have no power to rally.
If Mrs. Palliser were not surrounded with all that makes
life charming, I should say she did not try or wish to
I presume Mr. Palliser could induce her to
take nourishment."
“He is always entreating her to try and eat,” said
Lady Saville, who with her sister-in-law, Lady Darrell,
had waited for the doctor in the drawing-room.
“Ah! doctor, if we could only get a peep into the
laboratory of the inner consciousness, what a bouleverse-
ment of practice would take place! But no doubt you
have methods of introducing sustenance _?" said
Lady Darrell.
The great man interrupted her.
“Certainly, certainly, but nothing is so effective as
recover.


280
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
as soon as the invalid was settled for the day, he went
to her room and read the Times steadily to her; this
performance he considered of the last importance. The
great doctor was anxious to get his patient out of bed,
and out of town, and as, once she began to mend, she
rallied rapidly, in little more than a fortnight, Palliser
was discussing the question where it would be best to
go for change of air.
“What do you think of Beachurst?” asked Palliser
on one of the rare occasions when he dined tête-à-tête
with his father-in-law.
"It would do right well. The air is more bracing
than at most of the South Coast places. Mrs. Bent,
Janet's old friend, is settled there too, and would be
company for her!”
“It would amuse you too, Captain Rowley,” said
Palliser, who was in a most amiable mood. “I daresay
you would find a good many friends among the naval
men there."
“Well, no, I have rather dropped out of it all, still
I like to see the blue jackets about, and to smell the
salt fresh breeze."
“Yes, of course you do. Try a glass of that port.
It is very soft and mellow, all the fire is gone out of it,
though there is plenty of body left," and they settled
into a serious talk.
When he came to say a few words before bidding


LIFE'S FITFUL FEVER.
281
her good-night, Janet observed that her father, though
evidently thoughtful, had a very contented, restful ex-
pression, and when kissing her before retiring himself,
he said:
“Make haste and get well, my dear, if it were only
for your husband's sake. He is like a fish out of water
without you!”
And Janet fell into a sweet sleep, lulled by the
delicious hope that her possible danger might have
brought back her husband's fast fading tenderness; the
loss of which had all but dried up the wellsprings of
her life.
With the approval of Sir James, the following Satur-
day was fixed for Janet's journey to Beachurst. As it
was a House of Commons holiday, Palliser was able to
escort his wife and stay with her till the next afternoon.
Captain Rowley was to remain with his daughter, and
Lady Saville was to pay her a flying visit occasionally;
in the meantime she felt it to be her duty to keep
house for her brother, and represent the Palliser interest
in society. Janet was perfectly content.
To have her dear dad, and almost daily visits
from the Mary Winyard of old days, was bliss. Then
Palliser had been so nice and kind at parting. He had
kissed her gently and tenderly just as she liked to be
kissed, saying:
“I daresay you will look better than ever after this


LIFE'S FITFUL FEVER.
283
Bent over past days, and girlish adventures, while any
letters which came from Maurice were read aloud to
his old friend. Janet had heart to interest herself in
these things, for hope had woke again and whispered
“of bright days to come.”
The weather was kind to the convalescent, and
every day she went out to drive with either her friend,
or her father.
The latter was quite gay. He had renewed his
acquaintance with sundry old shipmates, and used to
enjoy his quarter deck walks with them, up and down
a wide wooden pier, where in the summer evenings, a
band usually played.
Janet had now advanced so much that she used to
walk one day, and go out driving another, and looked
forward to returning to town and her usual life, in a
week or ten days.
“You are as fresh as a four-year old!” said Captain
Rowley to his daughter, one bright breezy morning
when the air from the sea brought delightful coolness
in spite of the glowing sunshine. “I think it would do
you good to come out for a stroll with me, and then
take your drive in the evening."
“I am sure it would! I will put on my things at
once," cried Janet, shutting up her writing book, and a
half-written letter to her husband.


284
A CHOICE OF EVILS,
“Where shall we go?” she asked, as they descended
the steps of the hotel. “To the pier?”
“No! it is too far for you, my pet; come along this
way to where the common narrows, and a corner of the
Seacombe woods comes nearly to the beach. There is
a pretty cottage there, and you can sit down."
The distance was nearly a mile, but a bench on
the wide walk, which ran along a slightly-raised em-
bankment separating the common from the beach, gave
Janet a rest.
It was a lovely morning, and the delicious air
seemed to pour new life into her veins. Can it be
only material, that glorious consciousness of vitality,
that joy in the mere sense of existence which, when
the frame is young and the spirit unexhausted, at times
swells the heart to such buoyancy, that we feel as
though the thinnest air could make a pathway for our
heaven upheld feet.
Where, as Captain Rowley described, the woods
approached the beach, a pretty little bungalow, with a
wide verandah, was perched on a knoll, looking west-
ward across the bay, a small lawn fenced by a wooden
paling and studded with much-neglected flower beds,
sloped steeply down to the common. The entrance
at the back, and a small bye road led from
the main line where the omnibuses plied to and fro,
was


LIFE'S FITFUL FEVER.
287
it!" cried Janet, throwing herself into his arms, and, to
his dismay, her tears began to roll down, though she
seemed unconscious of them.
“My pet," said her father, taking out his pocket-
handkerchief to dry her tears, "you'll do yourself harm,
and Janet-listen to me; men are strange, jealous brutes;
I saw your husband was set upon my leaving Langford,
so I gave in to him. It is better for both of us. He
has the whip hand, but he is a man of honour, dear.
He'll keep his word, and let you come and see me
when you like. You will like it sometimes, will you
not, my child?”
“Yes, often-often,” murmured Janet, kissing him.
“Remember, Palliser has behaved very handsomely
-very handsomely indeed in the matter."
“He is very generous, I know, but oh! so determined
to have his own way!”
“Very likely. It's as well not to cross him. Are
you rested enough to return?”
“Yes, but I feel quite dazed at the idea of your
living here, so far away.”
"I might be in the old place, my pet, and yet much
further off!”
A week later Janet had returned to her town house,
and Captain Rowley had gone back to his pretty old
cottage. Everyone said Mrs. Palliser was looking better
and more interesting than ever. Her husband dis-


288
A CHOICE OF EVILS.
tinguished himself in a debate about some small Eastern
difficulty, and the season came to a satisfactory ending,
in his estimation, at all events.
END OF VOL. I.
PRINTING OFFICE OF THE PUBLISHER.


October 1894.
Tauchnitz Edition.
Latest Volumes:
(Continued from page 2 of cover.)
A Gentleman of France.
A New Novel by Stanley J. Weyman.
2 vols.
The Anarchist.
A New Novel by Col. Richard Henry Savage,
Author of “My Official Wife.”
2 vols.
The Hoyden.
A New Novel by Mrs. Hungerford,
Author of “Molly Bawn.”
2 vols.
Our Manifold Nature.
The Newest Work by Sarah Grand,
Author of “The Heavenly Twins.”
I vol.
Life's Little Ironies.
New Stories and Character Sketches.
By Thomas Hardy.
I vol.
Dodo.
A New Society Novel by E. F. Benson.
I vol,
Montezuma's Daughter.
A New Novel by H. Rider Haggard.
2 vols.
(Continued on last page of cover.)