UPSET. 113 



it was all the more delightful to see you. How 

 is my estimable aunt ? ' ' 



" Don't speak in such a bitter tone of her, 

 dear. She is doing what she thinks best," 

 Mabel answered. 



"Yes! But to keep you away from me, 

 whom you love, and who love you with all my 

 soul, and try to force you upon a mean-spirited 

 wretch old enough to be your father. Bad is 

 the best if that is it," Clive replied savagely. 



'' But you know you have been wild and 

 extravagant, and she does not believe in the 

 change as I do. Yes, dear, I never doubt you 

 for a moment. She does not intend to be severe 

 or unkind to me, I am sure." 



" Only she is without intending it, if that 

 mends matters. Yes, extravagance has been 

 my bane ; if I had now half the money that I 

 have wasted these last five years, I could take 

 advantage of the chance and buy my step. As 

 it is, the glorious chance must go, and I must 

 wait in miserable suspense while you are per- 

 secuted ! " 



"Let us look on the brighter side! If you 

 do win the race, you say it will give you money 

 enough, don't you ? Yet I dislike the idea of 

 money gained in such a way," Mabel answered, 

 looking up into his face. 



8 



