On returning to the old order of things, Phoebe found Rhoda, as she expected, considerably changed for the worse. What had been a sort of good-humoured condescension was altered into absolute snappishness, and Phoebe was sorely tried. But the influence of Molly, bad as it had been, proved temporary. Rhoda sank by degrees--or shall I say rose?-- into her old self, and Phoebe presently had no more to bear than before the visit from Delawarr Court. About a fortnight after the departure of Gatty and Molly, as Phoebe was sitting at the parlour window with her work, she perceived Mrs Jane Talbot, hooded, cloaked, and pattened,--for the afternoon was damp,-- marching up to the side door. The fact was communicated to Madam, who rose and glanced at herself in the chimney-glass, and ringing her little hand-bell, desired Baxter to show Mrs Jane into the parlour. "Good afternoon, Mrs Jane; 'tis a pleasure I did not look for," said Madam, as she rose. "Your servant, Madam," returned Mrs Jane, who had divested herself of cloak and pattens in the hall. "Pray be seated, Mrs Jane. And what brings you hither?--for methinks some matter of import will have called you out on so rainy a day as this." "Easy to guess," answered Mrs Jane, taking a seat as requested, and delivering her communication in short, blunt sentences, like small shot. "A whim of Marcella's. Got a fancy for Port O Port. Sent me to beg a sup of you, Madam. Fancies it will cure her. Fiftieth time she has thought so, of something. All nonsense. Can't help it." "Indeed, my dear Mrs Jane, I am happy to be capable of helping Mrs Marcella to her fancy, and trust it may be of the advantage she thinks.--Phoebe! tell Betty to bid Baxter bring hither a bottle of the best Port O Port--that from the little ark in the further cellar.--And how does Mrs Marcella this afternoon?" "As cross as two sticks," said Mrs Jane. "She is a great sufferer," observed Madam, in her kindest manner. Mrs Jane made no reply, unless her next remark could properly be called one. "Mrs Darcy came last night." "Last night!" answered Madam, in accents of surprise. "Dear! I quite understood she was not to arrive before this evening. You have seen her, Mrs Jane?" "Seen her! Oh dear, yes; I've seen her. We were schoolfellows." "Were you, indeed? That I did not know. 'Twill be a pleasure to you, Mrs Jane, to have an old schoolfellow so near." "Depends," said Mrs Jane sententiously. "No doubt," answered Madam. "Were you and Mrs Eleanor friends at school, Mrs Jane?" "No, Madam." "Not? Perhaps you were not near enough of an age." "Only six months between. No; that wasn't it. I was a silly scapegrace, and she was a decent, good maid. Too good for me. I haven't got any better. And she hasn't got any handsomer." "Pray forgive me," replied Madam, with a smile, "but I cannot think that name applies to you now, Mrs Jane. And was her nephew with Mrs Eleanor; as he engaged?"