Sink or Swim? , Volume III

"Contentment," to quote the words of the wisest of mankind, "is great gain; " and true enough also is often the converse of the assertion -- namely, that in "discontent there is exceeding loss. " In Lady Millicent Vavasour's case, however, there seemed every chance that an exception to both rules would be found; for the desire and determination to reverse a decree which angered her, and which had for years been the mainspring and motive of one of the most unwomanly of actions, seemed likely to be crowned with success. Very wonderful, as well as praiseworthy (had her motive been a nobler one), were the exertions which, quite _sub rosa_, and working like a mole beneath the soil, she had made to effect that always extremely difficult result -- namely, the setting aside of an obnoxious will. The money she had spent -- the fees she had paid -- the consultations with eminent lawyers that she had undergone -- the perseverance and clear-sightedness of which she had given proofs, were worthy, one and all, of a better cause. At last -- whether it was that by her continual coming she wearied them -- or whether the great law lords did really -- partly incited thereto, perhaps, by the prestige enjoyed by the wealth and "standing" of the grandiose Lady Millicent -- consider that she had right and justice on her side, certain it is that opinions favourable to her cause were placing Arthur Vavasour's position as heir-apparent of Gillingham in rather a precarious and unsatisfactory point of view. Between himself and his mother there had never, as we well know, existed, either on this or any other subject, any great amount either of confidence or affection; nor was it probable that the small degree of both, that it was only fair to suppose might be lying latent in those two antagonistic breasts, would be much increased and strengthened by the approaching triumph (for such all visible tokens announced it to be) of the already vain-glorious Lady Millicent.

That triumph -- for such news ever travels quickly -- began speedily to be noised abroad, to the annoyance of Arthur, whose creditors grew once more on the alert, and to the extreme displeasure of Mr. Duberly, whose usually placid temper would, but for his ever-increasing delight in his new toy, _i.e._ his grandson, have betrayed outward signs of discomposure and annoyance.