"Cousin Pen has quarrelled with Spottiswoode," he remarked, "and there will be a pretty battle; hear how he is laying it into Lady Anna Herbert. I should not like quarrelling, should you, Miss Wetheral?" "Oh, no, surely not." "Quarrelling is a rum sort of going on, Miss Wetheral. I don't think you ever quarrel." "Never, when I have my own way," replied Miss Wetheral, smiling. "I'm sure my wife would have her own way, if that was all she cared about, Miss Wetheral." Miss Wetheral was silent. "I wish I was married to a woman who would be good-natured, and not given to be huffed upon all occasions," resumed Tom Pynsent. "I think a bachelor's life very uncomfortable." Miss Wetheral trembled violently, but she loved Tom Pynsent too fondly to be able to assist his meaning; her heart beat audibly, but she remained silent. "You ride on horseback, Miss Wetheral, very often, don't you?" "Yes, frequently." "I wish you would let me ride with you; I am sure you do not know half the country about Wetheral. I suppose I may escort you, Miss Wetheral?" Tom Pynsent began to feel great stoutness of heart, in proportion as Anna Maria grew timid and embarrassed. "I shall be happy--we shall feel----." She hesitated. "To be sure; well, then, I shall be at Wetheral to-morrow, and, if you are not fatigued, I will show you a monstrous fine view." "But your hunting-day is to-morrow, Mr. Pynsent." "Never mind hunting for a day or so, Miss Wetheral; I don't mind being laughed at. I want very much to show you that view, so mind we are engaged to-morrow." How lightly did Miss Wetheral's heart beat at that moment! how was she repaid for months of miserable feeling! It was during the bustle of breaking up, that Miss Wycherly glided towards Julia, and unbosomed her feelings. "My dear soul, I am the most wretched woman existing; that creature has vexed me to the soul with his flirtation, and my only hope is that I have given him a tweak in return." "Take care, Penelope!" "Oh, I shall care about nothing but repiquing. As long as Spottiswoode flirts with Lady Anna, so long I shall flirt with that half spoony Tyndal junior, if my heart breaks under it. How happy you are, Julia, and how miserable am I! You have chained your lover, whereas, mine bounds away at a touch. Now, there, look at him, cloaking Lady Anna, as if she was made of spun glass, and bringing her just under my very eyes. I will bear that man's insult with perfect gaiety--watch me now--good night!" Miss Wycherly passed on with apparent light-heartedness, and addressed Lady Anna Herbert. "How you have footed it this night, Lady Anna! Mr. Henry Tyndal declares you are the pride of Shropshire in a ball-room. I was quite jealous. Lord Farnborough is waiting for you, with Lady Jessy, but I shall tell them you are too agreeably occupied to move away yet."