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18 But, as the old ballad says, summing up, in one verse, the whole philosophy of human existence— But Lady Rotheles had been forgotten, in the whole business—a fact her ladyship was not likely to overlook. To be sure, it was no concern of hers; she had nevertheless resolved to make it one. The mere satisfaction of disappointing Lady Anne would have been quite sufficient; but she had also another motive; she had decided that Lord Allerton should marry her niece. To most others Lord Allerton's obvious preference for Mary would have been an insuperable obstacle; it only served to stimulate her ladyship. Poor Mary's feelings, or poor Mary's happiness, were as little considered as they were by her mother. With both ladies love was not a sentiment, but a speculation. Lady Anne wanted her daughter provided for; Lady Rotheles wanted her niece. "I must say, my dear aunt," exclaimed Henrietta Aubrey, "you do not do your duty by me. I was a thousand times more useful to you, when the possession of Lord Rotheles was still debatable ground in Paris. Think how I did your 'spiriting gently'—above all, made 'no mistakings.'" "I explained to you at the time," replied Lady