Tom Pynsent came softly forth from Anna Maria's room, and received his father-in-law's warm congratulations. Sir John took the infant tenderly in his arms, and gave it a blessing, as he had done by the child of Isabel. Tom Pynsent, almost purple in the face with happy feelings, watched every movement of its arms and eyes. "Upon my soul, it's the prettiest thing I ever saw! I do think, upon my soul, it is!" "It's just what you were at that age, Tommy," replied his mother, as she assisted the nurse to prepare the biscuit; "it's just such a little darling pudsey thing as _you_ were." Sir John was allowed to see Anna Maria for one instant, to smile at her, but not to speak. All were then driven from the dressing-room by the mandate of Mrs. Pynsent. "Off with you now, all of you. Wait in peace till Tom's allowed to see company, and then we will have rare doings." Lady Wetheral's visit was paid in great form, a fortnight after the birth of Anna Maria's child, and Christobelle was to return with her to Wetheral when it was concluded. Mrs. Pynsent could not endure the protracted visit of a person equally related to the parties with herself. "Such coolness," she observed to Sally Hancock, who was sent for to see Tom's child--"such cool ways of going on did not suit her ideas; and be hanged if my Lady Wetheral should see either mother or child!" When her ladyship arrived at Hatton, Sir John Spottiswoode and Christobelle were in the drawing-room. She entered with graceful composure, and in excellent spirits. "My dear Bell, I come with increased pleasure, knowing I am to run away with you. Sir John Spottiswoode, how do you do? Drawing, both of you, I see. Sir John's sketches must be your models, my love. I hope to be favoured with a sight of those sketches during your promised visit at Wetheral, my dear sir." "I was giving Miss Wetheral a few hints on perspective." "How very kind! My dear Bell, I hope you do credit to your instructor. I hurried here rather earlier than I generally drive out, in the hope of seeing Anna Maria for a few minutes. My Sir John assures me it is a lovely infant. I am happy she is doing so well; no fever, I hear; quite well, and with an appetite." A polite and playful conversation was kept up between her ladyship and Sir John Spottiswoode, till Mrs. Pynsent appeared. She entered the room with the short, sharp step which always marked her dislike to the visitor. "So you are come at last, my Lady Wetheral? A fortnight is a long time to keep away from one's flesh and blood!" Lady Wetheral appeared perfectly collected, and unconscious of Mrs. Pynsent's rebuke. She bowed with polite good-humour. "I trust I shall find my daughter awake. I long to be introduced to my grandson--my first grandson, Mrs. Pynsent, for I have not yet seen Isabel's boy." "I would not have let a fortnight pass without seeing my grandson at Brierly," replied Mrs. Pynsent.