Don't let me make you imagine, however, that Evadne was whining and querulous. She never is, you know; and I should call her tone sorrowful if it were not so absurd for a girl to be saddened by the sight of other people in distress--well, not quite in distress--that is an exaggeration--but at all events not quite comfortably situated--on what was really one of the greatest occasions of her own life. I am half inclined to fear that she may not be quite so strong as we have always thought her, and that she was depressed by the long fasting and fatigue, which would account for a momentary morbidness. "But excuse my garrulity. I always have so much to say to _you!_ I will spare you any more for the present, however; only do tell me all about yourself and your own lovely children. And how is Mr. Hamilton-Wells? Remember that you are to come to us, twins and all, on your way home as usual this year. We are anxiously expecting you, and I hope your next letter will fix the day. "Ever, dear Adeline, your loving friend, "ELIZABETH FRAYLING. "P. S.--We return to Fraylingay to-morrow, so please write to me there." The following is Lady Adeline's reply to Mrs. Frayling's letter: "HAMILTON HOUSE, MORNINGQUEST, 30th July, "MY DEAR ELIZABETH: "I am afraid you will have been wondering what has become of us, but I know you will acquit me of all blame for the long delay in answering your letter when I tell you that I have only just received it! We had left Paris before it arrived for (what is always to me) a tiresome tour about the continent, and it has been following us from pillar to post, finally reaching me here at home, where we have been settled a fortnight. I had not forgotten your kind invitation, but I am afraid I must give up all idea of going to you this year. We hurried back because Mr. Hamilton-Wells became homesick suddenly while we were abroad, and I don't think it will be possible to get him to move again for some time. But won't you come to us? Do, dear, and bring your just-come-out, and, I am sure, most charming, Evadne for our autumn gayeties. If Mr. Frayling would come too we should be delighted, but I know he has a poor opinion of _our_ coverts, and I despair of being able to tempt him from his own shooting; and therefore I ask _you_ first and foremost, in the hope that you will be able to come whether he does or not.