"Do not entertain such a suspicion, my dearest creature!" exclaimed the baronet, plunging his hand into the bosom of this pious lady's dress. "Had either of us a right to complain, I think it would be myself; for——" "Oh! do not reproach me, Henry!" she murmured, abandoning herself to his lustful toyings. "But ever since the difficulty I experienced in producing that last miscarriage, I have been so frightened lest——" "Nonsense, Martha! do not alarm yourself without a cause," interrupted the baronet. "Even if it did come to _that_, the matter could be easily arranged. A few weeks' retirement into the country, on some charitable mission—ha! ha!" "True!" said the frail fair one. "But the chances of detection—oh! I shudder when I think of it! Consider how admirably we have hitherto managed——" "And how completely the world is deceived in regard to us," added the baronet, laughing. "There is nothing like a religious demeanour to throw dust in people's eyes. Were a syllable of scandal breathed against you, you have the patrons of all those humbugging Societies to defend you. But what are you going to do with yourself this evening? Can you not devote a few hours to me?" "I wish I could, Henry," returned the lady; "but it is impossible! A dreadful bore named Sheepshanks is going to entertain the devout with his nonsense; and it would seem so odd—so very odd if I were not present." "It is now upwards of three weeks since we slept together," said the baronet, in a tone of reproach. "Yes—but you know that I cannot pretend too often to pass the entire night by the sick-bed of some poor woman," returned Mrs. Slingsby. "And now, dearest Henry, I have a favour to ask of you." "Name it," said the baronet, in a low murmur—for his passions were furiously excited by his voluptuous toyings with his mistress. "You must write me a check for a thousand pounds," replied the lady, winding her arms round his neck, and then literally glueing her lips to his. "Oh! you are becoming very extravagant, Martha," said the baronet. "But I suppose I must yield——" "You are a dear, generous fellow," murmured the lady, as she suffered herself to be led to the sofa. * * * * * A quarter of an hour afterwards, Mrs. Slingsby rang the bell; and a sleek, comfortable-looking footman answered the summons. The lady was then sitting, in her usual quiet, placid manner, in a chair near the table; and the baronet was placed at a respectful distance from her. "Bring up luncheon, James," said Mrs. Slingsby. "Sir Henry, you will take a glass of champagne? I know you are somewhat partial to it. But a decanter of water for me, James." "Yes, madam;"—and the domestic withdrew. In a short time he returned, bearing a tray, which he placed on the table, and then retired again.