Rotheles, "that my marriage would be for your interest as much as my own."
"One part of the explanation," rejoined Henrietta, "has, at all events, proved true."
"Your part is not less certain," answered Lady Rotheles, "provided you follow my advice."
So saying, she closed a large volume bound in calf-skin, whose accounts she had been diligently studying, and, sinking back in her arm-chair, took that comfortable position which people are apt to assume when they intend giving advice at considerable length.
There are a great many theories afloat touching the manner in which the character of an individual reveals itself. Some contend that it sets its mark on the countenance; this might be true, for Lady Rotheles's face was sufficiently indicative of the inner world. Her features good, but sharp; her eyes bright, but too small—the forehead high and narrow, while the lip was thin and compressed. Others again contend that the handwriting betrays more than any thing else; and this also might have received confirmation, for her ladyship's handwriting was fine, angular, and not very legible. But nothing more indicates those tastes and habits which go so far towards both making and showing the character—as a person's sitting-room, particularly that half dressing-room, half boudoir, which is peculiarly feminine property.
Lady Rotheles had fitted up her chamber herself, and a large, handsome-looking room it was; but a
