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Rh some business to bring Mr. Shaw to London. You'll accompany him—you must."

She shook her head. He held out his hand, and so they parted.

She did not dislike his company. He knew about things. He rather amused her. If she had not heard of his set mercenary intentions in coming to Farley, and if Wybrowe had not been there, she would have regretted his departure. As it was, she was glad. The "Splendid Shilling"—Lord Robert had so impudently called him—had it all his own way henceforward, unhindered by a sneer. Lord Robert had, indeed, repeated the nickname to Miss Wargrave, who declared it was the cleverest thing she had ever heard, and took care it should go round the house. Mrs. Shaw heard it, and was indignant. Elizabeth turned a silent, scornful lip: the second-hand sarcasm had not the effect of cauterizing the wound this destroyer of domestic peace had effected. Lady Wargrave was very loud in condemnation.

Of course it was easy to see what it all meant. The colonel was a ruined man—a man whom no nice girl would look at—and he was bent upon marrying this heiress. It was very shocking. She really ought to be warned. But it is difficult with some people to arrive at the stage of intimacy when warning becomes possible; and Elizabeth was of the number. Besides, there were her aunt and uncle, her natural protectors, who were evidently bent on this match. In the face of such obstacles how could the most meddlesome of gossips interfere?

As to the men, General Palliser was dull and cautious.