“I have come to a distinct understanding with Papa that we are to have dances every evening--except when we try a little concert as a change. Private theatricals are to follow, when we want another change after the dancing and the music. No early rising; no fixed hour for breakfast; everything that is most exquisitely delicious at dinner--and, to crown all, your room next to mine, for delightful midnight gossipings, when we ought to be in bed. What do you say, darling, to the programme? “A last piece of news--and I have done. “I have actually had a proposal of marriage, from a young gentleman who sits opposite me at the table d’hote! When I tell you that he has white eyelashes, and red hands, and such enormous front teeth that he can’t shut his mouth, you will not need to be told that I refused him. This vindictive person has abused me ever since, in the most shameful manner. I heard him last night, under my window, trying to set one of his friends against me. ‘Keep clear of her, my dear fellow; she’s the most heartless creature living.’ The friend took my part; he said, ‘I don’t agree with you; the young lady is a person of great sensibility.’ ‘Nonsense!’ says my amiable lover; ‘she eats too much--her sensibility is all stomach.’ There’s a wretch for you. What a shameful advantage to take of sitting opposite to me at dinner! Good-by, my love, till we meet soon, and are as happy together as the day is long.” Emily kissed the signature. At that moment of all others, Cecilia was such a refreshing contrast to Francine! Before putting the letter away, she looked again at that part of it which mentioned Lady Doris’s introduction of Cecilia to Mr. Mirabel. “I don’t feel the slightest interest in Mr. Mirabel,” she thought, smiling as the idea occurred to her; “and I need never have known him, but for Lady Doris--who is a perfect stranger to me.” She had just placed the letter in her desk, when a visitor was announced. Doctor Allday presented himself (in a hurry as usual). “Another patient waiting?” Emily asked mischievously. “No time to spare, again?” “Not a moment,” the old gentleman answered. “Have you heard from Mrs. Ellmother?” “Yes.” “You don’t mean to say you have answered her?” “I have done better than that, doctor--I have seen her this morning.” “And consented to be her reference, of course?” “How well you know me!” Doctor Allday was a philosopher: he kept his temper. “Just what I might have expected,” he said. “Eve and the apple! Only forbid a woman to do anything, and she does it directly--be cause you have forbidden her. I’ll try the other way with you now, Miss Emily. There was something else that I meant to have forbidden.” “What was it?” “May I make a special request?” “Certainly.” “Oh, my dear, write to Mrs. Rook! I beg and entreat of you, write to Mrs. Rook!” Emily’s playful manner suddenly disappeared.