"What are the delightful things--offers?" "Don't be so tiresome. No, of course not. You know very well that nothing of that kind ever happens to me." "Indeed, if that is the case, it can only be because your frocks are almost always crumpled, and--what's that long bit of blue ribbon that I see?" "It's all right--that's how it's meant to go. I can't think why you fancy that I'm not tidy. St. George is always saying so too." "That's very hard. Well, child?" "I thought perhaps you knew that Grand had invited me to stay six weeks at his house--Laura Melcombe to be there also, and we two to do just as we liked. The whole of August, John, and part of September, and that's the very time when I can't come, because we are going to be at the seaside. Dorothea is to join us, you know, and if I do not see her then I never shall, for they are to sail at Christmas." "There is a world of misery to be got out of conflicting pleasures," said John philosophically. "You can't come, that's evident; and I had just given orders that the new canoe should be painted and the old one caulked. Two quiet ponies for you to drive (you are a very tolerable whip, I know). As to the grapes, a house is being kept back on purpose to be ripe just at that time; and the croquet balls are all sent to be painted. Melancholy facts! but such is life." "No but, John----" "I'm extremely busy to-day." "Not so busy that you have not time to laugh at me. This would have been almost the greatest pleasure I ever had." "And I've been reminding my father," proceeded John, "that when Emily came to stay with him she always sat at the head of the table. She asked him if she might, and so should you have done, because, though Laura is a relation, he has known you all your life." "No but, John," repeated Lizzie, "can't you do something for me? Tell me whether Laura Melcombe has been already invited?" "She has not, Miss Grant." "I have no doubt, if you asked Grand to let the visit be put off till the middle of September, he would." "I shouldn't wonder." "Then you'll do it, won't you? because you know you and I have always been such friends." "Now you mention it, I think we have; at any rate, I don't dislike you half so much as I do some of my other friends. Yes, child, your confidence is not misplaced." "Then I may leave the matter in your hands?" exclaimed Liz joyfully. "You really may," replied John Mortimer, and he took her back to the pony carriage in a high state of bliss and gratitude. This change, however, which was easily effected, made a difference to several people whom Miss Grant had no wish to disoblige. First, Mrs. Melcombe, finding that Laura was invited to pay a long visit, and that the invitation was not extended to her, resolved not to come home by Wigfield at all; but when Laura wrote an acceptation, excused herself from coming also, on the ground of her desire to get home.