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114 Thomas when she heard them knew that the verdict had gone against her.

Felix for many months had been accustomed to take leave of Mary Snow with a kiss. But on this day he omitted to kiss her, and then Mary knew that it was all over with her ambition. But love still remained to her. 'There is some one else who will be proud to kiss me,' she said to herself, as she stood alone in the room when he closed the door behind him.

', I've come back again,' said Mrs. Furnival, as soon as the dining-room door was closed behind her back.

'I'm very glad to see you; I am indeed,' said he, getting up and putting out his hand to her. 'But I really never knew why you went away.'

'Oh yes, you know. I'm sure you know why I went. But'

'I'll be shot if I did then.'

'I went away because I did not like Lady Mason going to your chambers.'

'Psha!'

'Yes; I know I was wrong, Tom. That is I was wrong—about that.'

'Of course you were, Kitty.'

'Well; don't I say I was? And I've come back again, and I beg your pardon;—that is about the lady.'

'Very well. Then there's an end of it.'

'But Tom; you know I've been provoked. Haven't I now? How often have you been home to dinner since you have been member of Parliament for that place?'

'I shall be more at home now, Kitty.'

'Shall you indeed? Then I'll not say another word to vex you. What on earth can I want, Tom, except just that you should sit at home with me sometimes on evenings, as you used to do always in the old days? And as for Martha Biggs'

'Is she come back too?'

'Oh dear no. She's in Red Lion Square. And I'm sure, Tom, I never had her here except when you wouldn't dine at home. I wonder whether you know how lonely it is to sit down to dinner all by oneself!'

'Why; I do it every other day of my life. And I never think of sending for Martha Biggs; I promise you that.'