It will not be supposed that Arthur Egerton, with his fierce will, and subtle mind, could remain inactive or content with an arrangement which rendered Stephen Aylmer perfectly happy in the entire enjoyment of Millicent's society, and bound herself to him as with an indissoluble tie. From the first moment when Arthur heard of the extraordinary system of deception into which Millicent had been drawn unawares, be saw therein a bright hope for himself.