Some high-spirited young ladies would have been mightily indignant at a reference from a nobleman's table to the housekeeper's room and stage-coaches. But Penelope was not so high-spirited; she was so completely occupied with the thought of an early meeting with her father, that nothing else was able to obtain possession of her mind. A momentary pause followed the last observation of the Countess; and then, in his own peculiarly majestic manner, the Earl of Smatterton said, "I am of opinion that it is not quite proper and suitable for a young lady to travel in a stage alone and unprotected." With exquisite, and as if premeditated, promptitude Lord Spoonbill replied, "Certainly not; but there will be no necessity for Miss Primrose going alone or in the stage-coach at all. I shall drive up to town tomorrow morning, and if the young lady will accept of a seat in my gig, I shall be most happy in her company." Hereupon a general family frowning took place. The Countess frowned at the Earl, his lordship frowned at Lord Spoonbill, and Lord Spoonbill frowned at the Countess; and if Penelope had not been too polite she would have laughed at all three. Lord Spoonbill, however, in spite of frowns, determined to have his own way, and seeing that Penelope was desirous of going to town, insisted on accompanying her. The Countess was next puzzled how to part with Miss Primrose; whether as concluding that the young lady would not return to her and adopt the profession which had been recommended by her ladyship, or as admitting the probability that Mr Primrose would not object to the public employment of his daughter's musical talents. For with all her ladyship's alarm at the return of Mr Primrose to England, it had not yet appeared that his return would interfere with her ladyship's schemes. The probability however was, that when there was no pecuniary necessity for the exercise of these talents, they would not be cultivated for public display. Before the Countess parted from Penelope for the night, her ladyship said, "Miss Primrose, as I presume that your father may not object to the profession which I have chosen for you, may I ask when it will be convenient for you to take lessons previous to your public appearance: for it is now time to think of that matter? Of course you know that I have engaged a preceptor for you?" The Countess of Smatterton had more fears than hopes on the subject, and as for Penelope herself, she had taken it for granted that the return of her father would of course release her from dependence on strangers, and consequently render all professional employment unnecessary. She was therefore startled at the question, but with tolerable promptitude and presence of mind, replied: "I am grateful for your ladyship's kindness. But, till I have seen my father, it is impossible to say when I can begin to apply myself to the instruction so kindly provided. I will return as soon as----"