"Our hopes are not often realized, are they?" said Sir Philip, in the gentle, persuasive tones that his mother thought so winning. "Perhaps it is best. At any rate, it is best to forget the hopes that never _can_ be realized." "Do you think it is really so, Philip? Everyone was talking about his manner this afternoon." "She was giving him every encouragement," said her son, looking away. "Such an undesirable match! Poor Lady Caroline!" "We do not know how things are being arranged, mother. Possibly Lady Caroline and Mr. Adair are favoring an engagement. Miss Adair is hardly likely to act against their will." "No, she has scarcely resolution enough for that. Then you don't think that they met for the first time this afternoon?" "Gracious heavens, no!" said Sir Philip, roused a little out of his apparent indifference. "They met quite as old acquaintances--old friends. I suppose the Adairs have renewed the friendship. The properties lie side by side. That may be a reason." "I am very sorry we asked him here," said Lady Ashley, almost viciously. "I had no idea that he was paying attention to _her_. I hope there is nothing wrong about it--such a very undesirable match!" "I don't really know why," said her son, with a forced smile. "Wyvis Brand is a fine, handsome fellow, and the property, though small, is a nice one. Miss Adair might do worse." "I believe her mother thinks that she might marry a duke." "And so she might. She is a great beauty, and an heiress." And there was a ring of bitterness in his tone which pained his mother's heart. "Ah, Philip," she said--not very, wisely--"you need not regret her. 'A fair woman without discretion,' she would not be the wife for you." "I beg that you will not say that again, mother." He did not turn his face towards her, and his voice was studiously gentle, but it was decided too. "She is, as you say, 'a fair woman,' but she has not shown herself as yet 'without discretion,' and it is hardly kind to condemn her before she has done any wrong." "I do not think that she behaved well to you, Philip. But I beg your pardon, my son: we will not discuss the matter. It seems hard to me, of course, that you should have suffered for any woman's sake." "Ah, mother, every one does not see me with your kind eyes," he said, bringing his face round with a smile, and laying his right hand over one of hers. But the smile thinly disguised the pain that lingered like a shadow in his eyes. "Let us hope, at any rate, that Margaret may be happy." Lady Ashley sighed and pressed his hand. "If you could but meet some one else whom you cared for as much, Philip!" And then she paused, for he had--involuntarily as it seemed--shaken his head, and she did not like to proceed further. A pause of some minutes followed; and then she determined to change the subject. "The music went very well this afternoon, I think," she said. "Miss Colwyn was in very good voice. Do you not like her singing?" "Yes, very much."