Whatever hopes Cousin Emily once had of Jerry for a husband--hopes often crushed by his indifference on the subject, and by a knowledge of the necessity that he must marry 'money'--they were gone now; and, besides, she could receive Bella Chevenix now with more equanimity than hitherto. But her reception was common-place--chilling also--and poor Bella, feeling herself _de trop_, an utter intruder, felt confusion blend with the grief that oppressed her. 'After the awful news of this morning, Lady Julia,' said she, with a great effort, 'as an old friend of the family, whose ancestors have been for years upon the estate, as a neighbour, too, in a lonely part of the county--more than all--all--as--as--I conceived a great craving to see you,' said the girl, brokenly, in a weak, yet exquisitely sweet voice. 'Indeed--thanks.' This was not an encouraging response, nevertheless Bella spoke again. 'Jerry--Wilmot, I mean--and I were such playmates in our childhood long, long ago, that--that--you know----' Bella's voice completely failed her under the cold, inquiring eyes of Lady Julia and Emily Wilmot. 'Playmates!' said the former. 'Yes, your memory does you credit. I thought you must have forgotten all that by this time, as I am sure my poor dear boy did.' 'Forgotten!' 'Yes, I think I heard him say something like that to his friend, Captain Goring.' 'If he spoke of those pleasant times, he would scarcely have forgotten them,' was the natural response of Bella, to whom Lady Julia, after a languid stare, said, 'Next mail must bring some distinct details of this calamity that has fallen upon me and Miss Wilmot.' Bella felt that she was excluded from the co-partnery of grief--she who loved the dead as she loved her own soul, and more, and she was almost, in spite of herself, tempted to daringly enter some little protest when Lady Julia spoke again. 'I wish Captain Goring were at home; I should send for him. By the way, does not rumour say he has succeeded to a fortune?' 'To £20,000 a year,' replied Bella, in a low voice. 'Say £10,000--that will be nearer the mark, perhaps £5,000.' 'Why?' 'I believe very little that I see, and always but the half of what I hear,' she replied, fanning herself. 'How can this woman think of such matters just _now_,' thought Bella, an emotion of resentful bitterness growing in her heart. 'Oh, how little did she deserve to have such a son as my darling Jerry!'