“For his sake! Well, yes, I suppose you are right. Florence will have too much good sense to throw herself away. She must not marry until she has been properly presented. She must have a season in London, and----” “Dear Richard, is it worth while to form plans that cannot be carried out for two or three years to come?” the lady asked, wearily leaning back with closed eyes, as if the mere prospect of her merry, artless daughter being converted into a fashionable belle alarmed her. Mr. Heriton came to her side directly with affectionate solicitude. “Dear Emma, I have worried you, haven’t I? You’re not feeling so well. Did you have a drive to-day?” “No, I scarcely felt equal to it.” “Ha! That carriage is not easy enough. I saw a new patent advertised in the _Times_ expressly adapted for invalids. I’ll have one down for you.” “Pray don’t!” said Mrs. Heriton earnestly. “I am very well satisfied with the one I have; and, indeed, Richard, it troubles me when you go to such needless expense.” He patted her shoulder. “Pooh--pooh! Do I ever begrudge anything that will add to your comfort?” “No, never. But, Richard, dear, when I think of the enormous outlay of the last few years, I will confess that it frightens me. No, don’t go away. I have wanted to say this to you for some time. Do tell me frankly--are we not exceeding our income? Is not that the cause of the secret anxiety that I am sure is preying upon you?” She had got both his hands in hers, and was looking so eagerly in his face that he was obliged to reply: “Nonsense, love! You are too fearful. There is nothing amiss. The improvements will pay for themselves in a little while. I am somewhat pressed for ready money--yes, I don’t mind confessing that to you. But it’s nothing--absolutely nothing. Every gentleman of enterprise has to contend with such inconveniences occasionally. And I have been embarking rather largely in a capital speculation.” “Speculation!” Mrs. Heriton repeated, looking really alarmed. He laughed. “I shouldn’t have used that expression. I know what a terrible sound it has in your ears. But there is not the slightest cause for uneasiness. It is a flourishing company I have joined, and I shall more than double what I have risked. For Florence’s sake, love, you ought to be pleased. It is for our child’s interests I try to increase our fortune.” Mrs. Heriton tried to appear satisfied, but failed so signally that her husband’s irritability returned. “Are we not to dine at all to-day? Really, Emma, there is strange mismanagement somewhere!” Before she could reply the signal was given, and he led her to the dining room, where they were speedily joined by Frank. His apologies for the delay somewhat appeased his host’s ill humor, and he chatted cheerfully till the removal of the cloth.