2 MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 



known only to herself and some few individuals who were 

 conversant with her history some twenty years ago. It was 

 certainly of her own choice, for she was a tall, handsome 

 woman, with a pleasant voice and an engaging manner when 

 she relapsed into her genuine self; she was comfortably 

 supplied with this world's goods ; but she was energetic, 

 and never having happened upon those things to which her 

 energy could be legitimately applied, she had become dis- 

 contented with herself, the world and women's lot generally, 

 and consequently posed as a reformer. 



Unrecognised flattery, toadyism and snobbery, each and 

 all of which she would have abhorred if she had been aware 

 of their existence, stimulated her, and at the moment under 

 consideration she was regarded as a leader and shining light 

 by those who sought to emancipate women from imaginary 

 slavery. It will be easily understood that this formed the 

 topic of conversation between her brother and herself. 



" You don't understand the matter, Hugo," she said 

 placidly. " If you could see with my eyes you would think 

 as I do. What do you know about women ? Hounds and 

 horses, perhaps ; but women, no." 



The conversation had been going on for some time, and 

 had commenced in a good-natured spar ; both were warming 

 to their subject. Hugo waxed hot ; Lavinia, whatever she 

 felt, showed outward coolness. 



" I know what you mean," he said ; " I'm a bachelor, well 

 — er — don't forget you are a spinster." There was a covert 

 meaning in the words, and Miss Badsworth bent her head in 

 token that she was aware of both facts, and possibly that 

 she knew the reasons also. 



" At all events I know enough of women to be aware of 

 their being most extraordinary creatures. I am saying 

 nothing against them. I don't the least object to their 

 society as a rule, though I could often put up with their 

 absence in the hunting field. Just take that instance : 

 what do they know of sport ? Many men are bad enough, 

 God knows, but women ! It's no fault of theirs they don't 



