"Indeed I am not; but I always liked--I had almost said loved--lace. I would prefer lace to jewels, if the choice were offered me. And then a hat or a bonnet is a source of joy, if they suit me." "And we have been here nearly a month--" "A month yesterday," observed Ella, softly, with a happy smile. "Time passes quickly in paradise," said Wilton, leaning caressingly toward his companion.--"But, I was going to say, we have been here a month, and you have never had a chance of shopping. It is a dear delight to shop, is it not?" "I do not know," replied Ella, laughing, and turning her work to view it on all sides. "I never had any money to spend in shops." "I should like to see you under fire--I mean in temptation. Suppose we go over to A---- for a day or two: that is the nearest approach to a dazzling scene we can manage?" "As you like; but, dear Ralph"--looking wistfully out over the garden--"I love this place, and am loath to take even a day from the few that remain to us here. I suppose we must soon leave for London?" "You would like to stay here always?" "No," returned Ella, "certainly not; stagnation would not suit either of us, though I deeply enjoy this sweet resting-place. It will soon be time to move on." "We have a fortnight still before us, so we will run over to A---- to-morrow. Our host can lend us his _shandradan_, with that monstrous gray mare, to drive over there. I know you expressed a great wish to sketch some of those picturesque old towers as we came through, and you shall buy some lace if you like. I have had so much fishing that I shall come back with renewed zest after a short break." "Yes; I should greatly like to take some sketches in A----; but, as to buying lace, do you know we spend a quantity of money here--I am astonished and shocked to think how much?" "Then I am afraid I have been a very extravagant fellow, for I do not think I ever spent so little in the same space of time before. But, talking of money reminds me I must write to Lord St. George. I have forgotten all about him--all about every one except you, you little demure sorceress!" "Do not forget him, if he is old and a relation." "Well, I will write to him to-morrow. It is not much matter; he will never see my face again." "Because you married me?" "This is really a very picturesque place," said Ella as they strolled through the principal street of A----, and ascended the plateau, once adorned by a cathedral, "but, after all, there is more cheerfulness in English scenery. I miss the gentlemen's seats, the look of occupation, the sense of life that springs from individual freedom. Tyranny and want of cultivation--these are the real 'phantoms of fright.'" "Yes; we have never mistaken license for liberty in England," returned Wilton, with genuine John-Bullism.