Thus far Freda got in her arithmetic.  But Rowland seemed to open a new rule, farther on in Butler than addition and substraction.  In short, she found herself lost in the maze of fractions, and could not extricate herself.  When she jumped up from her easy-chair, she was trying to reduce the following complex fractions, into one simple one, and entirely failed.

’A curate, the son of my father’s tenant, the brother-in-law of my former maid, brother-in-law also of a man indicted for forgery.  But, proud as myself; below me here, but above me in London; infinitely my superior in everything worth the consideration of a person travelling quickly through a world of silly distinctions, to one where we shall all begin life on very different principles.  The fact is, Freda, that the tables are turned, and you now esteem this same Rowland Prothero much higher than he esteems you.  Constant intercourse has brought out all his grand points, and all your weak ones.  His mind has conquered your vulgar prejudices, but has also fully seen through them, and despises you accordingly.  Well, I suppose duty and propriety concur in my remaining at Glanyravon Park, discretion being the better part of valour.’

And so ended Freda’s arithmetic.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

THE PENITENT.

A week after the marriage of Owen and Gladys, the following conversation took place between Gladys and Netta.  The latter had been much more wandering in mind since the wedding, and had been occupying herself by writing a variety of letters, all of which were addressed to Howel, with the exception of one, which was to her brother Rowland.

‘You see, dear sister,’ said Netta, ’that Howel cannot come to me, because he is in debt, so I must go to him.  He is in America, I know.  His letter was from America.’

‘But America is an immense continent, dear Netta,’ said Gladys; ’you would not know where to seek him.’

’Oh, yes!  I should find him very soon.  My love would point the way.  I should track his steps like a dog, Gladys—­like a dog.’

’But you cannot go till you are better and stronger.  Then we can all consult upon the best way.’

’Hush not a word to any one.  They would stop me.  And you know now Howell is my husband, I must leave father and mother to follow him.  I know I was wrong to leave them to marry him; though he loves me, Gladys! he loves me!  Don’t you think he does?’

’I am sure he does.  Still, it might not be well for you to go to him, if he is hiding for debt.  He might prefer your remaining here?’

’Would you not go to Owen?  Would he like you to be away from him in trouble?  You, who have only been married a week, know better; and I have been married years.’

’Owen shall tell you, my dear love, whether he would wish me to go to him at such a time.  Perhaps men know best what other men would like?’