The woman settled her cap, which was awry, upon her head, by plucking it quickly over to the opposite side, and hastily tying the strings of her apron, so as to give herself something of a tidy look, she proceeded, barefooted, but in slippers, to the chaise. “Will you have the kindness,” said Lucy, in a very sweet voice, “to say to Mrs. Norton that a young friend of hers wishes to see her.” “And tell her to skip,” added Alley Mahon, “and not keep us here all the blessed mornin'.” “Mrs. Norton!” exclaimed the woman; “I don't know any sich parson as that, Miss.” “Why,” said Lucy, putting her head out of the chaise, and re-examining the cottage, “surely this is where my friend Mrs. Norton did live, certainly. She must have changed her residence, Alley. This is most unfortunate!--What are we to do? I know not where to go.” “Whisht! Miss,” said Alley, “we'll put her through her catechiz again. Come here, my good woman; come forrid; don't be ashamed or afeard in the presence of ladies. Who does live here?” “Mr. Mainwarin',” replied the servant, omitting the “Miss,” notwithstanding that Alley had put in her claim for it by using the plural number. “This is distressing--most unfortunate!” exclaimed Lucy; “how long has this gentleman--Mr.--Mr.------” “Mainwarin', Miss,” added the woman, respectfully. “She's a stupid lookin' sthreel, at all events,” said Alley, half to herself and half to her mistress. “Yes, Mainwaring,” continued Lucy; “how long has he been living here?” “Troth, and that's more than I can tell you, Miss,” replied the woman; “I'm from the county Wexford myself, and isn't more than a month here.” Whilst this little dialogue went on, or rather, we should say, after it was concluded, a tapping was heard at one of the windows, and a signal given with the finger for the servant to return to the house. She did so; but soon presented herself a second time at the chaise door with more agreeable intelligence. “You're right, Miss,” said she; “the mistress desired me to ask you in; she seen you from the windy, and desired me to bring your things too; you're to come in, then, Miss, you, an' the sarvint that's along wid you.” On entering, an intelligent, respectable-looking female, of lady-like manners, shook hands with and even kissed Lucy, who embraced her with much affection. “My dear Mrs. Norton,” she said, “how much surprised you must feel at this abrupt and unseasonable visit.” “How much delighted, you mean, my dear Miss Gourlay; and if I am surprised, I assure you the surprise is an agreeable one.” “But,” said the innocent girl, “your servant told me that you did not live here, and I felt so much distressed!” “Well,” replied Mrs. Norton, “she was right, in one sense: if Mrs. Norton that was does not live here, Mrs. Mainwaring that is certainly does--and feels both proud and flattered at the honor Miss Gourlay does her humble residence.” “How is this?” said Lucy, smiling; “you have then--”