"Rely upon it he would hinder it. Level is not one to be coerced against his will by either man or woman. Have you any idea how long Blanche will remain out?" "Just as much as you have, Charley. She may remain away till night, for all I know." It was of no use, then, my staying longer; and time, that day, was almost as precious to me as gold. Major Carlen threw on his cloak, and we went out together. "I should not wonder if my young lady has gone to Seymour Street," remarked the Major. "The thought has just occurred to me." "To your lodgings, you mean?" I asked, thinking it very unlikely. "Yes; Mrs. Guy is there. The poor old thing arrived from Jersey on Saturday. She has come over on her usual errand--to consult the doctors; grows more ridiculously fanciful as she grows older. You might just look in upon her now, Charles; it's close by: and then you'll see whether Blanche is there or not." I spared a few minutes for it. Poor Mrs. Guy looked very poorly indeed; but she was meek and mild as ever, and burst into tears as I greeted her. Her ailments I promised to go and hear all about another time. Yes, Blanche was there. When we went in, she was laughing at something Mrs. Guy had said, and her indignation seemed to have subsided. I could not stay long. Blanche came out with me, thinking I should go back with her to Gloucester Place. But that was impossible; I had already wasted more time than I could well spare. Blanche was vexed. "My dear, you should not have gone out when you were expecting me. You know how very much I am occupied." "Papa vexed me, and drove me to it," she answered. "He said--oh, such wicked things, that I could not and would not stay to listen. And all the while I knew it was not that he believed them, but that he wanted to make excuses for Lord Level." I did not contradict her. Let her retain, and she could, some little veneration for her step-father. "Charles, I want to have a long conversation with you, so you must come to me as soon as you can," she said. "I mean to have a separation from my husband; perhaps a divorce, and I want you to tell me how I must proceed in it. I did think of applying to Jennings and Ward, Lord Level's solicitors, but, perhaps, you will be best." I laughed. "You don't suppose, do you, Blanche, that Lord Level's solicitors would act for you against him." "Now, Charles, you are speaking lightly; you are making game of me. Why do you laugh? I can tell you it is more serious than you may think for! and I am serious. I have talked of this for a long time, and now I _will_ act. How shall I begin?" "Do not begin at all, Blanche," I said, with earnestness. "_Do nothing._ Were your father living--were your mother living, they would both give you this advice--and this is not the first time I have enjoined it on you. Ah, my dear, you do not know--you little guess what misery to the wife such a climax as this which you propose would involve."