Lastly, Mary Abbott —­ for so had Harvey come to name his friend’s widow.  Mary Abbott! how would she receive this news?  It would come upon her as the strangest surprise; not the mere fact of his marrying, but that he had chosen for a wife, out of the whole world, the daughter of Bennet Frothingham.  Would she be able to think kindly of him after this?  Of Mrs. Frothingham she could speak generously, seeming to have outlived natural bitterness; but the name must always be unwelcome to her ears.  Alma would cease to bear that name, and perhaps, in days to come, Mary Abbott might forget it.  He could only hope so, and that the two women might come together.  On Alma’s side, surely, no reluctance need be feared; and Mary, after her ordeal, was giving proof of sense and character which inspired a large trust.  He would write to her in the most open-hearted way; indeed, no other tone was possible, having regard to the relations that had grown up between them.

How the aspect of his little world was changing!  A year ago, what things more improbable than that he should win Alma Frothingham for a wife, and become the cordial friend of Mary Abbott?

When the revelation could be postponed no longer, he made known to Mrs Handover that he was about to be married.  It cost him an extraordinary effort, for in a double sense he was shamed before the woman.  Mrs Handover, by virtue of her sex, instinctively triumphed over him.  He saw in her foolish eyes the eternal feminine victory; his head was bowed before her slatternly womanhood.  Then again, he shrank from announcing to the poor creature that she could no longer draw upon him for her livelihood.

‘I’m very sorry, Mr. Rolfe,’ she began, in her most despondent voice.  ’That is, of course, I’m very glad you’re going to be married, and I’m sure I wish you every happiness —­ I do indeed.  But we are sorry to lose you —­ indeed we are.’

Of her sincerity herein there could be no sort of doubt.  Harvey coughed, and looked at the window —­ which had not been cleaned for some months.

’May I ask, without rudeness, whether it is the young lady who came ——­’

‘Yes, Mrs, Handover.’

He was uncommonly glad that Alma’s name had never been spoken.  There, indeed, would have been matter for gossip.

’A very handsome young lady, Mr. Rolfe, and I’m sure I wish her all happiness, as well as yourself.’  She fidgeted.  ’Of course, I don’t know what your plans may be, sir, but —­ perhaps there’s no harm if I mention it —­ if ever you should be in need of a housekeeper —­ you’ve known me a long time, sir ——­’

‘Yes —­ yes —­ certainly.’  Harvey perspired.  ’Of course, I should bear you in mind.’

Thereupon he had to listen whilst Mrs. Handover discoursed at large upon her dubious prospects.  At the close of the Interview, he gave her a cheque for ten pounds, concealed in an envelope.  ’A little present —­ of course, I shall be hearing of you —­ every good wish ——­’