“It is not for me to dictate. I have only to make the proposition, which it will rest with you to either accept or refuse.” She looked surprised and said―― “There will be no condition too difficult for me to accept.” “I am not so sure of that,” said Mr. Chicknell. “Lord Ethalwood is a very proud man――I should say no man living is prouder. He has the greatest reverence for what he calls the honour of his house. Think how he valued it when he treated his daughter as one dead because she married beneath her. I will be explicit and plain-spoken――the exigencies of the case necessitate my being so. Lord Ethalwood will receive you as his grandchild; will give you a large fortune; will make your son his heir; all, upon one condition. “And what is that?” “That you will leave your husband, whom he considers low-born, and promise never to see him again.” Aveline uttered an expression as of sudden pain. “These are indeed hard terms, sir,” she exclaimed. “It might be said cruel proposals.” “They are what I have been instructed to make to you,” returned the lawyer, with a shrug. “Leave my husbund, who is the best and kindest that ever woman had! I would not do it for any consideration. He loves me, and I will not consent to break an honest man’s heart.” “I expected this answer,” said Mr. Chicknell, “and it therefore does not surprise me; but if I might suggest, madam, it would be that you take time to consider the matter. This is but just and reasonable.” “You have no right to tempt me thus by making such an offer,” she exclaimed, in an angry tone. “I have simply done my duty,” he answered, “by acting in accordance with the instructions received from my client.” “Tell this proud nobleman that I will never give my consent to such a course of action.” She looked so lovely in her pride, her anger, and her tears, that the lawyer wished his client could have seen her at that moment. He waited patiently till her indignation had in a measure passed over――then he said―― “There will be no harm in your seeing his lordship,” he said. “On the contrary, it might have considerable weight with him, and turn him from his obstinate resolution. He requested me to say that he would be overjoyed to see you and your little boy at Broxbridge Hall.” “Did he?” “Yes. He said I was not to leave until you had consented to accompany me.” “I will see him, then. I accept his invitation, but I cannot leave without first of all consulting my husband.” “Who, in all probability, will not give his consent.” “He will not refuse if I tell him I have promised my word.” Mr. Chicknell inquired of his companion when she would have her husband’s answer. “I will speak to him on the subject when he comes home this evening.” “And if he consents you will accompany me to Broxbridge to-morrow.” Aveline replied in the affirmative. The lawyer took his departure, with a promise to see her again on the following morning.