'I do not.' 'That's right, don't be vexed when it may be nothing.' 'No; if she had found any one more worthy of her, she would not hesitate in making me aware of it. I ought to be satisfied, if she does what is best for her own happiness. Miss Ponsonby believes that this is a man of sterling worth, probably suiting her better than I might have done. She was a good deal driven on by circumstances before, and, perhaps, it was all a mistake on her side.' And he tried to smile. Clara exclaimed that 'Mary could not have been all he had believed, if--' 'No,' he said, 'she is all, and more than all. I comprehend her better now, and could have shown her that I do. She has been the blessing of my life so far, and her influence always will be so. I shall always be grateful to her, be the rest as it may, and I mean to live on hope to the last. Now for the good old ladies. Really, Clara, the old Dynevor Terrace atmosphere has come back, and there seems to be the same sort of rest and cheering in coming into these old iron gates! After all, Isabel is growing almost worthy to be called Mrs. Frost.' And in this manner he talked on, up to the very door of the House Beautiful, as if to cheat himself out of despondency. 'That was a very pretty meeting,' said Isabel to her husband, when no witness was present but little Fanny. 'What, between his lordship and my uncle?' 'You know better.' 'My dear, your mother once tried match-making for Fitzjocelyn. Be warned by her example.' 'I am doing no such thing. I am only observing what every one sees.' 'Don't be so common-place.' 'That's all disdain--you must condescend. I have been hearing from Mr. Dynevor of the excellent offers that Clara refused.' 'Do you think Uncle Oliver and Clara agree as to excellence?' 'Still,' continued Isabel, 'considering how uncomfortable she was, it does not seem improbable that she would have married, unless some attachment had steeled her heart and raised her standard. I know she was unconscious, but it was Fitzjocelyn who formed her.' 'He has been a better brother to her than I have been; but look only at their perfect ease.' 'Now it is my belief that they were made for each other, and can venture to find it out, since she is no longer an heiress, and he is free from his Peruvian entanglement.' 'Fanny, do you hear what a scheming mamma you have? I hope she will have used it all upon Sir Hubert before you come out as the beauty of the Terrace!' 'Well, I mean to sound Clara.' 'You had better leave it alone.' 'Do you forbid me?' 'Why, no, for I don't think you have the face to say anything that would distress her, or disturb the friendship which has been her greatest benefit.' 'Thank you. All I intend is, that if it should be as I suppose, the poor things should not miss coming to an understanding for want--'