Page:The Tragic Muse (London & New York, Macmillan & Co., 1890), Volume 2.djvu/204

196 didn't come to them, that they didn't get or seem likely to get, so that their life appeared altogether a failure. She wanted a great deal, Biddy admitted; she really wanted everything and she had thought in her happier days that everything was to be hers. She loved them all so much, and then she was proud: she couldn't get over the thought of their not being successful. Sherringham was unwilling to press, at this point, for he suspected one of the things that Lady Agnes wanted; but Biddy relieved him a little by saying that one of these things was that Grace should get married.

"That's too unselfish of her," rejoined Peter, who didn't care for Grace. "Cousin Agnes ought to keep her near her always, if Grace is so obliging and devoted."

"Oh, mamma would give up anything of that sort for our good; she wouldn't sacrifice us that way!" Biddy exclaimed. "Besides, I'm the one to stay with mamma; not that I can manage and look after her and do everything so well as Grace. But, you know, I want to," said Biddy, with a liquid note in her voice, giving her lump of clay a little stab.

"But doesn't your mother want the rest of you to get married—Percival and Nick and you?" Peter asked.

"Oh, she has given up Percy. I don't suppose she thinks it would do. Dear Nick, of course—that's just what she does want."

Sherringham hesitated. "And you, Biddy?"

"Oh, I dare say; but that doesn't signify—I never shall."

Peter got up, at this; the tone of it set him in motion and he took a turn round the room. He said something to her