"It has been the universal wish of the St. John family that you and Anne should marry." "I dare say it has. But the fact is, Isaac, I and Anne do not care for each other. As well perhaps avow it, now it has come to a point Hitherto I have only evaded the question." "Could you wish for a better wife than Anne?" "I could not find a better in real worth. But we marry for love, not for worth: at least, worth goes for little when there is no love. My inclinations do not lie towards Anne." Mr. St. John's face looked deathly pale as he leaned forward. The fatigue of the day was making itself acutely felt: and at these times crosses tell upon the heart. "Do you know that her father wished it?" he said in low tones. "He mentioned it to me more than once when he was dying--how glad he should be if he thought you would marry Anne. You were but a boy then; but you were a favourite with the earl." "Fathers' wishes go for little in such matters," was the unwelcome reply. "Let me ask you a question, Frederick. Have you formed any other attachment?" "No. At least"--and he laughed again--"I am not sure but I had a fancy of the sort once. I believe it has passed." "Is there anything between you and Georgina Beauclerc?" asked Isaac. "Any love?" "Not on--" my side, had all but escaped him in his impulsiveness. But he was in time to alter the phrase. "Not anything." "Then it is not she who is keeping you from Anne?" "Neither she nor any one else. I decline Anne of my own free will. But indeed, Isaac, one great and essential objection is, that I do not care to marry at present." "Why don't you?" "I am unable to give you any particular reason, except that I don't. And I really do not know who would have me." "Anne would have you." A peculiar smile hovered for a moment on his lips. It was followed by words that bitterly offended Mr. St. John. "I shall not ask her." Bit by bit the dissension grew. One word led to another, and a grievous quarrel ensued. It was the first that had ever taken place between the brothers. Hasty words were spoken on both sides: things that leave a sting upon the mind: and when, an hour later, Frederick dashed out of the room, it was because he could not control his passion within it. Lady Anne was the first he encountered. The sounds had penetrated outside, and she was in a paroxysm of alarm and uneasiness. "Oh, Frederick, what has been the matter? Is it anything about me?" Even then he was generous. Putting the cause upon himself, rather than on her, and disclosing what at a calmer moment he would not have done. "I was arrested, Anne, ad Isaac and I have been quarrelling over it. Where's my mother?" "Waiting dinner all this time. We thought you were never coming. They are coming in for the evening from the Rectory, and will be here before we have dined." He was turning away in search of his mother, when Lady Anne caught him by the arm, speaking in a whisper: "Nothing came out about Captain Saville?"