"To me it was not dreadful," replied Emily; "I think I may say it was a happy time, Lucy, for I had thoughts put into my mind in that illness which make everything seem different to me ever since. You know what I mean, Lucy, I can't explain it." _Lucy._ "I know what you mean, Emily." _Emily._ "I never felt anything like that till I had the fever, so I call the fever a happy time." "I wish you would not talk about it," said Henry; "Lucy and I were miserable then; were not we, Lucy?" Mrs. Goodriche dined very early, and after dinner she and Mrs. Fairchild came into the arbour, and there she told the story which she had promised. Story of the Last Days of Mrs. Howard [Illustration: When Betty returned, Mrs. Howard was well satisfied] "It was about half a year after the things had happened which are related in the last story of Mrs. Howard, that Betty, one evening when she returned from market upon Crop, came into the parlour to her mistress and said: "'Ma'am, I have heard a bit of news; Mr. Bennet is going to leave the country.' "'Indeed, Betty,' said Mrs. Howard: 'how has that happened?' "'Some relation towards London has left him a property, and our county is glad of anything that takes off the family.' "'Well, well, Betty,' said Mrs. Howard, and Betty knew that when her mistress said, 'Well, well,' it was a hint to her to say no more on the subject. Mrs. Howard soon heard from other quarters that the Bennets were going, but they were not to be off till the Lady Day next. "A week or two before that time, Betty had occasion to go again to town. Many things were wanted, and on such occasions Crop did not object to carry panniers. "When Betty was quite ready, and Crop at the door, and the woman in the house who always came to take care of things on such occasions, she came to ask her mistress if there was anything more not yet mentioned. "Betty never travelled in cold weather without a long blue cloak, and a black felt hat tied over her mob. "'Yes, Betty,' replied Mrs. Howard, 'but you must be very particular--you must get me two small neat Bibles with gilt edges, bound in morocco, scarlet or green; I should wish them alike, and a clear print; besides which you must bring a young gentleman's pocket-book, all complete and handsome, with a silver clasp; and lastly, you must bring me a genteel equipage in chased silver, the furniture quite complete and as it should be, and mind it is well wrapped in paper.' "'Oh, ma'am,' said Betty, 'how shall I be able to choose one that will exactly suit for what you want? I am quite afraid to undertake the bringing of a genteel equipage, there is such a difference of opinion about so tasty a thing.' "'Betty,' replied Mrs. Howard, 'you know I am always pleased with your taste; and if anyone in the world knows what I like, it is you, my good girl.' "Mrs. Howard often called Betty a good girl, though she was too old to be so called; but it was a habit in those days in which the old lady lived.