"Well, you see, my dear Mrs. Roberts, he's a most excellent young man; but he comes from a Catholic country--and--er--the influence is so insidious, that, on consideration, I didn't really feel--that my duty as a mother would permit me to countenance the match further." Mrs. Roberts said nothing, she had been ill-used in this particular, she felt, and withheld her sympathy accordingly. The Dowager appreciated the position, and acted promptly. "Your dear niece, Miss Fitzgerald, such a charming girl," she continued, "doubtless feels as I do. Her throwing Stanley over unreservedly was most commendable, and reflected much credit on your influence, dear Mrs. Roberts." Her hostess was mollified, and showed it. The Dowager's position promised to turn defeat into triumph. "You're most kind, I'm sure," she murmured. "Belle was naturally guided by me," and then changing a dangerous subject, she continued, "It is so sad that Lieutenant Kingsland's honeymoon should be darkened by his uncle's death." Her Ladyship dried an imaginary tear, and added:-- "If one believes in Providence, one must of course believe that these things are for the best." "Here comes the Secretary," said Mrs. Roberts. "Does he know?" "I must tell him," replied the Dowager. "It's my painful duty." Mrs. Roberts precipitately left the room. "Dear Mr. Stanley," murmured the Dowager, "I was just on the point of sending for you; you've come most opportunely. I feel I must speak to you about my dear daughter. She is a sadly wilful girl, and I fear----" "Don't speak of it, your Ladyship. I know, that is, I've heard; and permit me to offer my congratulations on your daughter's recent marriage to Lieutenant Kingsland," he said, throwing into his voice what he trusted might pass for a note of resignation. "Dear Mr. Stanley," said the Dowager, infinitely relieved, "you are so tactful, so generous----" "I hope she'll be happy." "Oh yes--yes--we must hope so." And her Ladyship sighed deeply. "_You_, of course, know what I wished from my heart." "I'm going away," he said abruptly, "this afternoon in fact. I'm assigned on a diplomatic service, which, for the present, may take me out of England, so you'll make my adieux to Lady Isabelle, will you not?" "I--er--trust you do not contemplate doing anything--foolish?" "You may set your mind at rest on that score." "You relieve me immensely--you'll excuse me if I'm too frank. I've come so near being a--er--mother to you, I feel a peculiar interest in your welfare. May I venture to express the hope, that you'll not commit yourself with that young Irish person?" "Your ladyship may feel quite easy-- Miss Fitzgerald and I have never been more than friends, and in the future----" "Of course one must be kind; but a young man cannot be too careful. I assure you in regard to the young woman in question, that I was told in strict confidence--the most shocking----"