To repeat much such language as this would be wearisome. Suffice it to say, that there was no form of expression which Penelope could use, nor any line of conduct which she could propose, which Mrs Greendale was not ingenious enough to carp at and object to. It may then be easily imagined that the situation of our heroine was not much to be envied; nor will it be supposed that she felt any great reluctance to leave such a companion and friend as this. With the best grace imaginable, therefore, did Penelope prepare for yielding obedience to Lady Smatterton’s commands; but it was still with a heavy heart that she made preparation for her journey. Before her departure it was absolutely and indispensably necessary that she should go through the ceremony of taking leave of her friends. Of several persons, whose names are not here recorded, Penelope Primrose took leave, with expressions of mutual regret. There was however no embarrassment and no difficulty in these cases. When, however, she prepared to take leave of her friends at Neverden, the case was widely different. Then arose much perplexity, and then her heart felt such a bitter pang. It was probable that this would be a final leave. The Darnleys never visited London, or at least not above once in twenty years. They had recently looked coldly upon her, and had partially neglected her. It was contrary to their general practice to act capriciously; there certainly must be a motive for their behaviour, and what could that motive be but a change in the intentions of Robert Darnley with respect to herself. The ground of that change she was at a loss to determine. At all events she must call and take leave of them. In pursuance of this determination, Penelope Primrose took, not the earliest, but the latest opportunity of calling upon Mr Darnley and the family at Neverden rectory; for it would not be very pleasant to remain any time in the neighbourhood after a cool and unfriendly separation from those with whom so many of her pleasantest hours had been spent, and with whose idea so many of her hopes had been blended. When she called, the whole family was at home. Her reception was by no means decidedly unkind, or artificially polite. There was always indeed a degree of stateliness in the manner of Mr Darnley, and that stateliness did not appear any less than usual, nor did it appear quite so tolerable as on former days and on former occasions. In the young ladies, notwithstanding their general good sense and most excellent education, there was towards Penelope that kind of look, tone, and address, which is so frequently adopted towards those who once were equals, and whom misfortune has made inferiors. Those of our readers who cannot understand us here we sincerely congratulate.