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CHAPTER XVI.
"Fear is true love's cruel nurse."
Coleridge.
Lord Avonleigh pursued his way home uncomfortably enough; but still greatly relieved by Francesca's prompt renouncement of her claims. Rapidly the injustice of permitting such a sacrifice became merged in its expediency. He laid a thousand flattering unctions to his soul, in the way of future plans for her welfare; which all ended in the usual remedy of the weak and worldly—money. He could portion her handsomely, and marry her well; and by the time Lord Avonleigh arrived at his own house, he felt as if he were not only a just, but a very generous individual.
No self-complacency can equal that of the selfish. Not content with its indulgence, they actually idolise it into being praiseworthy. Lord Avonleigh
