The Bridgnorth excursion was at once negatived by Miss Boscawen. "Oh, sister, going to Bridgnorth! Mercy! who do we know in Bridgnorth, brother?" "My wife wishes it, Tabitha." "Oh mercy, brother, what a foolish wish! Eleven miles' drive, and a day spent in Bridgnorth!--what for, sister?" "I always admired Bridgnorth, Tabitha, and I want to show my babe. I have set my heart upon displaying my babe." "Oh, sister, mercy! I can't think a drive to Bridgnorth can do you any good. No, stay at home, sister." "Mr. Boscawen has no objection, Tabitha. Have you, dear Mr. Boscawen?" "Oh, but, brother, what nonsense! the child will be sick, and sister will be so tired! Don't go to Bridgnorth, sister: let us spend a day at Hawkstone next week." "I have set my heart upon Bridgnorth," said Isabel, throwing an appealing glance to her husband. Mr. Boscawen was resolved to please his wife. There was a link between them now, which nothing human could dissolve. Perhaps Mr. Boscawen silently felt pride in the idea of displaying his "beautiful babe," as Isabel termed it. At Brierly, beyond the establishment, there were none to gaze and admire. An elderly gentleman is generally proud of his first-born; the less he says, the more apparent it becomes in action. Mr. Boscawen watched his infant with unceasing interest, though he seldom made it the subject of his discourse. He was now going to enjoy the commendations of passing strangers in Bridgnorth. Isabel openly confessed her pride and expectations; they only lurked in her husband's eyes. Miss Boscawen could not hear the subject named without expressing her dissent. She had not proposed the drive, or even imagined such an amusement, therefore the whole affair must be foolish and useless. Mr. Boscawen urged his sister to remain at Brierly--there was no occasion for her to undertake an irksome drive, if it was so unpalatable--she could prepare a late tea against their return. Miss Boscawen differed in opinion. "Oh, mercy, no, brother! I must go, to see that sister does not fatigue herself. The poor child, you know--yes, sister, I will go with you, but, indeed, I think it a very foolish business--what with the heat, and the poor child, I am sure we shall all be very tired."