"My daughter's friend makes the same remark. Miss Wycherly complains of Julia's silence," observed Sir John. "I have written frequently, papa," cried Julia, her whole figure becoming animated with the subject. "I have even invited Penelope to Bedinfield, without receiving an acceptation or denial. What can my friend plead in extenuation of her neglect? I did expect to be summoned to her marriage. I promised to attend her summons." "You did not inform me of this arrangement, Julia," remarked the Countess; "I was not aware of the intended pleasure of another visit into Shropshire." "I did not answer for _you_, dear mother. I was not aware at that time of your intention to reside at Bedinfield. I only assured Penelope, Lord Ennismore, and myself, would swell her train." "You have changed your resolution, of course," said the Countess, in a dry tone of voice. "No, indeed: I should like to surprise Penelope. Papa, we will return with you to Wetheral, if my lord has no objection." "No plan can give me greater pleasure, my love. Let us return together, if you please. If your ladyship will add your society, Wetheral will be proud to receive you. Lady Wetheral will rejoice to see you." "Oh! let us all return with papa," exclaimed Julia, turning to her lord with eagerness; "let us all return with papa to dear Wetheral!" "I am sensible of Sir John's politeness," returned his lordship, "more particularly as change of air is beneficial to every constitution. I shall with pleasure revisit Wetheral, if the Countess-dowager has no engagements to prevent her quitting Bedinfield." "My dear mother, you are not engaged? You will accompany us, won't you?" said Julia, affectionately and eagerly. "I am grieved that it is out of my power to accept Sir John's polite invitation," replied the Countess, with much suavity. "Oh! I am so sorry! but, my lord, _you_ will take me to Wetheral; _you_ will return with me into Shropshire," continued Julia, anxiously watching the stolid face of her dull lord. "You have no engagement, Augustus?" "None whatever, my dear Lady Ennismore," was his lordship's reply; "but if my mother cannot postpone her engagements, we had perhaps better defer our visit." "I have every hope," said Sir John, bowing politely to the Countess, "I have every hope that Lady Ennismore will yet favour us with her company. Perhaps, upon a little consideration, one or two engagements may give way, to do us honour." "I will consult with my son," replied the Countess, with her most bewitching smile. "A visit to Wetheral must be a pleasure too agreeable to relinquish, if we can postpone less agreeable engagements. I shall not fail to draw upon my invention for excuses in _one_ quarter. My dear Julia, I hope we shall accomplish a visit to Wetheral. I hope my lord's health will continue: but I do not like his pallid complexion this morning." "Do I look unwell?" asked his lordship, in an anxious tone, "do I appear changed to-day, my dear mother?"