“Some of my reasons; not the main one. People who undertake the task of governing others, as I do, be their rule a kingdom or a hamlet, must adopt a principle of government and adhere to it. The principle that suits best with the Hill is Respect for the Proprieties. We have not much money; entre nous, we have no great rank. Our policy is, then, to set up the Proprieties as an influence which money must court and rank is afraid of. I had learned just before Mr. Vigors called on me that Lady Sarah Bellasis entertained the idea of hiring Abbots’ House. London has set its face against her; a provincial town would be more charitable. An earl’s daughter, with a good income and an awfully bad name, of the best manners and of the worst morals, would have made sad havoc among the Proprieties. How many of our primmest old maids would have deserted tea and Mrs. Poyntz for champagne and her ladyship! The Hill was never in so imminent a danger. Rather than Lady Sarah Bellasis should have had that house, I would have taken it myself, and stocked it with owls. “Mrs. Ashleigh turned up just in the critical moment. Lady Sarah is foiled, the Proprieties safe, and so that question is settled.” “And it will be pleasant to have your early friend so near you.” Mrs. Poyntz lifted her eyes full upon me. “Do you know Mrs. Ashleigh?” “Not in the least.” “She has many virtues and few ideas. She is commonplace weak, as I am commonplace strong. But commonplace weak can be very lovable. Her husband, a man of genius and learning, gave her his whole heart,--a heart worth having; but he was not ambitious, and he despised the world.” “I think you said your daughter was very much attached to Miss Ashleigh? Does her character resemble her mother’s?” I was afraid while I spoke that I should again meet Mrs. Poyntz’s searching gaze, but she did not this time look up from her work. “No; Lilian is anything but commonplace.” “You described her as having delicate health; you implied a hope that she was not consumptive. I trust that there is no serious reason for apprehending a constitutional tendency which at her age would require the most careful watching!” “I trust not. If she were to die--Dr. Fenwick, what is the matter?” So terrible had been the picture which this woman’s words had brought before me, that I started as if my own life had received a shock. “I beg pardon,” I said falteringly, pressing my hand to my heart; “a sudden spasm here,--it is over now. You were saying that--that--” “I was about to say-” and here Mrs. Poyntz laid her hand lightly on mine,--“I was about to say that if Lilian Ashleigh were to die, I should mourn for her less than I might for one who valued the things of the earth more. But I believe there is no cause for the alarm my words so inconsiderately excited in you. Her mother is watchful and devoted; and if the least thing ailed Lilian, she would call in medical advice. Mr. Vigors would, I know, recommend Dr. Jones.”