"I am not at all pleased with the junior Pynsents being guests in the country--Mrs. Pynsent will follow them every where, and quote 'Mrs. Tom' to her friends. I cannot say that match has been productive of pleasure to me. Lady Ennismore, the dowager, has been offensive in her conduct, by presuming to close her son's house to his friends. Bedinfield is no pleasant refuge for _me_, I can see. I can never witness Clara's quarrels--and Brierly is so secluded, besides Isabel having the child always with her, that I have no satisfaction in _that_ quarter. What comfort have I in my girls' marriages? You must make up to me for these sad disappointments, Bell. You shall marry Lord Selgrave, when you are both introduced into life." "Lord Selgrave, mamma! I never saw him in my life." "So much the better: the introduction rests with me. Lord Farnborough will not leave Shropshire, and Selgrave, the boy, will be amongst us. Farnborough Stacey will be the favourite residence, even when he becomes Duke of Forfar. You shall be Lady Selgrave, Bell, the future Duchess of Forfar: does not that title raise your little vanity, and produce ambitious wishes?" "No, indeed, mamma, I would rather be comfortable in the library, reading to papa." "If there is any thing I detest," exclaimed Lady Wetheral, with great asperity, "it is a slothful and mean mind, content to grovel in lowliness--untouched by ambition--crouching in dullness, and blind to prosperity. Leave my presence, Bell. Go to your chamber, and let me see you no more." Christobelle prepared to obey the harsh injunction. She lighted her taper, and turned to utter "good-night." Her mother waved her hand. "Say nothing. I do not choose to be disturbed to-morrow by your appearance. I have no regard for blind obstinacy--pass on in silence, if you please." Christobelle quitted the boudoir in tears. Why was her early life to be embittered with reproaches concerning those things which might never take place? and why was her mind to be tortured into projects which could not affect her heart, or her time of life? She rushed to her father's study, and threw herself into his arms, weeping. He was surprised at the movement, and still more so at her words:--"Oh, papa, don't let me be obliged to marry. Don't make me think of Lord Selgrave; for I never saw him, and I cannot marry him." "My dear Chrystal," he exclaimed, in astonishment, "I cannot understand you." Christobelle explained to him her mother's wishes, and her anger at her disclaiming matrimony with Lord Selgrave. He smiled. "This is sad folly, my dear child; I ought not to allow myself to feel entertained at your alarm, for I see the pernicious effects of education extending to yourself: but do not weep, Chrystal. No one shall take you from me, without your consent." "I may always live with you, papa, and stay at Wetheral?" she asked, as the tears coursed down her cheeks.