"It ended by my telling him he had better speak to papa, and he said he should, tomorrow. That's all." "All!" "Well?" said Lisabel, expectantly. It certainly was a singular way in which to receive one's sister's announcement of her intended marriage; but, for worlds, I could not have spoken a syllable. I felt a weight on my chest--a sense of hot indignation which settled down into inconceivable melancholy. Was this indeed all? A silly flirtation--a young lad's passion--a young girl's cool business-like reception of the same--the formal "speaking to papa," and the thing was over! Was _that_ love? "Haven't you a word to say, Dora? I had better have told Penelope. But she was tired, and scolded me out of her room. Besides she might not exactly like this, for some reasons. It's rather hard; such an important thing to happen, and not a soul to congratulate one upon it." I asked, why might Penelope dislike it? "Can't you see? Captain Treherne roving about the world, and Captain Treherne married and settled at home, make a considerable difference to Francis's prospects. No, I don't mean anything mean or murderous--you need not look so shocked--it is merely my practical way of regarding things. But what harm? If I did not have Treherne, somebody else would, and it would be none the better for Francis and Penelope." "You are very prudent and far-sighted: such an idea would never have entered my mind." "I daresay not. Just give me that brush, will you, child?" She proceeded methodically to damp her long hair, and plait it up in those countless tails which gave Miss Lisabel Johnston's locks such a beautiful wave. Passing the glass, she looked into it, smiled, sighed. "Poor fellow. I do believe he is very fond of me." "And you?" "Oh, I like him--like him excessively. If I didn't, what should I marry him for?" "What, indeed!" "There is one objection papa may have; his being younger than I, I forget how much, but it is very little. How surprised papa will be when he gets the letter to-morrow." "Does Sir William know?" "Not yet; but that will be soon settled, he tells me. He can persuade his mother, and she, his father. Besides, they can have no possible objection to me." She looked again in the mirror as she said this. Yes, that "me" was not a daughter-in-law likely to be objected to, even at Treherne Court. "I hope it will not vex Penelope," she continued. "It may be all the better for her, since when I am married, I shall have so much influence. We may make the old gentleman do something handsome for Francis, and get a richer living for papa, if he will consent to leave Rockmount. And I'd find a nice husband for you, eh, Dora?"