Page:Elizabeth's Pretenders.djvu/90

Rh evening could wipe away the effect of those few words overheard. He might make himself charming, as he alone knew how, when he chose; but had he not been told that she was difficult to land? They were in league against her. And one part of the truth slowly, reluctantly, dawned on her mind. It must be for her money that he sought her. It was a horrible suspicion, and doubly so when associated with the idea of her aunt's co-operation. She had never thoroughly responded to Mrs. Shaw's affection, but she had never questioned it. Her aunt's kindness had been invariable. What could be her motive for encouraging, if not instigating, this marriage? Was it the ambition to be allied to a man highly connected, and prominent in the world of fashion? It was sickening. Her aunt was so shallow, so frivolous, that she could not be expected to take other than a superficial view of marriage. But that she should allude to it, in this case, as the prospect of Elizabeth's being "landed," rankled in the girl's breast. She would certainly speak very openly to-morrow morning, not only to Rupert, but to Mrs. Shaw. She would not be "landed." The hook which had been adroitly slipped into her foolish heart should be extracted. If she did not actually break off the engagement, she would at least insist on a much longer term of probation than she had contemplated.

They sat out in the verandah, he and she, in the hot darkness—there were no stars visible to-night, and the air was heavy with thunder—while Mrs. Shaw played waltzes in the drawing-room, which, borne through the open window, were a pleasant accompaniment to his