His wife was silent for some time. Presently she said, “You won't be vexed at my asking you a question, Frank?” “No, Katie.” “You promise?” Frank nodded. “You and Mr. Bingham are the two nearest relations to Captain Bradshaw, are you not?” “Yes, dear.” “Then, in the event of your uncle permanently quarrelling with you, I suppose Fred Bingham will be his heir?” “Most likely, Katie.” “Now, Frank, don't be vexed, but I won't talk of it again. I own I do not see how he could have done you any harm in this matter, but I feel sure he would if he could. Please, please, Frank, don't trust him. He is not good, I am sure of it.” “There, Katie, I won't be vexed because I promised. But you are wrong, dear. However, right or wrong, Fred can do me no harm. If my uncle comes to his senses again, I am sure he will be heartily sorry for what he has done, and I know Alice will bring things round if she can. At the same time I do not deceive myself. Harry Bradshaw is not a man very easily to get an idea out of his head. He is a most kind-hearted man, but as obstinate as a mule. He has never spoken to his sister since she married Mr. Bingham. Did I ever tell you about his only daughter, Katie?” “No, Frank, I did not even know he had any children.” Hereupon Frank told what he knew about Captain Bradshaw's daughter having made some low marriage, of his having sent her off, and of her having, as Frank had heard from his parents, died somewhere in great poverty. And Katie, after hearing it, made up her own mind that Captain Bradshaw must be a very cruel man; and that, except as to the money, the loss of his acquaintance was no great matter. As for Alice Heathcote, of course she was very sorry for her; but perhaps on the whole it was just as well—of course, for her sake—that she and Frank were not to meet again. These opinions, however, Katie wisely kept to herself. These three days had passed very slowly to the inhabitants of Lowndes Square. The first day Captain Bradshaw had sworn more violently than ever; the second day he was more quiet; and the third day he was very sad. Alice, too, had suffered terribly, her eyes were swollen with crying, and the colour faded altogether out from her cheeks. On that day, after dinner, he said suddenly, after a long silence,— “It is no use waiting any longer, Alice. Let us go away for a bit.”