Bozzle was at the tavern during the interview, but he was not seen by Lady Rowley.  He remained seated downstairs, in one of the dingy corners, ready to give assistance to his patron should assistance be needed.  When Lady Rowley was shown into the gloomy sitting-room by the old waiter, she found Trevelyan alone, standing in the middle of the room, and waiting for her.  ‘This is a sad occasion,’ he said, as he advanced to give her his hand.

‘A very sad occasion, Louis.’

’I do not know what you may have heard of what has occurred, Lady Rowley.  It is natural, however, to suppose that you must have heard me spoken of with censure.’

‘I think my child has been ill used, Louis,’ she replied.

’Of course you do.  I could not expect that it should be otherwise.  When it was arranged that I should meet you here, I was quite aware that you would have taken the side against me before you had heard my story.  It is I that have been ill used—­cruelly misused; but I do not expect that you should believe me.  I do not wish you to do.  I would not for worlds separate the mother from her daughter.’

‘But why have you separated your own wife from her child?’

’Because it was my duty.  What!  Is a father not to have the charge of his own son.  I have done nothing, Lady Rowley, to justify a separation which is contrary to the laws of nature.’

‘Where is the boy, Louis?’

’Ah that is just what I am not prepared to tell any one who has taken my wife’s side till I know that my wife has consented to pay to me that obedience which I, as her husband, have a right to demand.  If Emily will do as I request of her, as I command her,’ as Trevelyan said this, he spoke in a tone which was intended to give the highest possible idea of his own authority and dignity, ’then she may see her child without delay.’

‘What is it you request of my daughter?’

’Obedience, simply that.  Submission to my will, which is surely a wife’s duty.  Let her beg my pardon for what has occurred.’

‘She cannot do that, Louis.’

‘And solemnly promise me,’ continued Trevelyan, not deigning to notice Lady Rowley’s interruption, ’that she will hold no further intercourse with that snake in the grass who wormed his way into my house; let her be humble, and penitent, and affectionate, and then she shall be restored to her husband and to her child.’  He said this walking up and down the room, and waving his hand, as though he were making a speech that was intended to be eloquent, as though he had conceived that he was to overcome his mother-in-law by the weight of his words and the magnificence of his demeanour.  And yet his demeanour was ridiculous, and his words would have had no weight had they not tended to show Lady Rowley how little prospect there was that she should be able to heal this breach.  He himself, too, was so altered in appearance since she had last seen him, bright with