"Oh, my dear Miss Wycherly, now I've got away from Mr. Boscawen, I have so much to say, and I must say it all before he leaves the dining-room, you know! Well, how beautiful Lady Ennismore looks, and what a lovely ornament in her hair! I wish Mr. Boscawen would let me wear ornaments! I have been teasing him to allow me to wear a feather to-morrow-morning, but he replies in some unaccountable language, which I suppose means 'no.' I want to ask the girls if they are frightened about to-morrow: I was not a bit alarmed. If I had known, though, how little I was to be mistress of Brierly, I would not have married." Isabel flew to her sisters, on reaching the drawing-room, without waiting any reply from Miss Wycherly. "Now, I want to know if either of you feel frightened. I only laughed, if you remember. Lady Ennismore, won't Julia be very happy?" "I trust so," replied her ladyship, smiling, and obligingly pressing Julia's hand between her's. "My daughter will repose on flowers, if a wish of mine has power to confer such a destiny." Julia turned her head towards Lady Ennismore; joy and affection sparkled in her eye, but she did not speak. "Ah, you are so charming, dear Lady Ennismore," exclaimed Isabel--"how I wish Mr. Boscawen would make _me_ repose on roses, and leave that horrid 'Universal History,' which puzzles me to death. I don't think you are in spirits, my dear Anna Maria; but you need not be afraid of Tom Pynsent, I'm sure--he was the very best partner I ever had. I'm sure Tom will spoil you. He allowed me always to call the same country dance, though I know he would have preferred any other. _You_ need not fear, my dear Anna Maria. I shall ask Mrs. Pynsent, to-morrow, if any body need fear dear Tom. Oh, Miss Wycherly, that is the very sweetest comb I ever saw--and my blue silk looks so dowdy by the side of your darling dress, Miss Spottiswoode!" Lady Wetheral approached Isabel, and complimented her upon her improved looks during her stay at Wetheral. "Oh, do you think so, mamma? I know I wish I was not in the family way, for I _must_ be confined at Brierly, Mr. Boscawen says; and the place is so large and dull.--Anna Maria, I wish I was going to Paris with you--any where, to get out of Miss Tabitha's way. Oh, Julia, I hope you won't be in the family way soon, for it is terrible to be such a size, and your figure is so lovely." "Ring for coffee, Chrystal," said Lady Wetheral, in gentle tones, but suffering acutely under the laugh which was raised by Isabel's speech. "Oh, don't ring for coffee, yet," cried Isabel. "I have so much to say, and Mr. Boscawen will leave the dining-room if he hears a bell.--No, don't order coffee, yet. Clara, I must not utter Sir Foster's name, because Mr. Boscawen tells me not; but I think I know whose wedding will be next. I saw him in the avenue to-day! ah ha!--I really think you are too handsome for Sir Foster--now I am going to make a match for dear Chrystal."