in the habit of
studying, the author, discussing the character of Oliver Cromwell, achieved a
most impressive climax in the words, He was a bold, bad man. The adjective bad
derived for Adela a dark energy from her recollection of that passage; it
connoted every imaginable phase of moral degradation. Dissipation too; to her
pure mind the word had a terrible sound; it sketched in lurid outlines hideous
lurking places of vice and disease. Paris and other such places. With the name
of Paris she associated a feeling of reprobation; Paris was the head-quarters of
sin - at all events on earth. In Paris people went to the theatre on Sunday;
that fact alone shed storm-light over the iniquitous capital.
    She stood mute with misery, appalled horrified. It did not occur to her to
doubt the truth of her mother's accusations; the strange circumstance of
Hubert's absence when every sentiment of decency would have summoned him home
corroborated the charge. And she had talked familiarly with this man a few hours
ago! Her head swam.
    »Mr. Mutimer knew it,« proceeded her mother, noting with satisfaction the
effect she was producing. »That was why he destroyed the will in which he had
left everything to Mr. Eldon; I have no doubt the grief killed him. And one
thing more I may tell you. Mr. Eldon's illness was the result of a wound he
received in some shameful quarrel; it is believed that he fought a duel.«
    The girl sank back upon her chair. She was white and breathed with
difficulty.
    »You will understand now, my dear,« Mrs. Waltham continued, more in her
ordinary voice, »why it so shocked me to hear that you had been seen talking
with Mr. Eldon near the Manor. I feared it was an appointment. Your explanation
is all I wanted: it relieves me. The worst of it is, other people will hear of
it, and of course we can't explain to everyone.«
    »Why should people hear?« Adela exclaimed, in a quivering voice. It was not
that she feared to have the story known, but mingled feelings made her almost
passionate. »Mrs. Mewling has no right to go about talking of me. It is very
ill-bred, to say nothing of the unkindness.«
    »Ah, but it is what we have to be prepared for, Adela. That is the world, my
child. You see how very careful one has to be. But never mind; it is most
fortunate