"I do not feel its necessity now at all, dear mother," observed Julia, affectionately pressing Lady Ennismore's hand, and looking beseechingly in her face. "My dear father and Chrystal take away all inclination to sleep." "I will not lose my daughter for all the world can offer," exclaimed the Dowager, throwing her arms round Julia. "My dear Julia, will you not oblige me?" "But, dearest Lady Ennismore, this _one_ evening, just to talk of Wetheral!" "My love, I trust your father is intending to honour us some days. Ennismore and myself are uneasy. You will not give us disquietude, Julia? Sir John will not advocate an abrupt change of system, I feel assured. Oblige us, my dearest Julia." Julia arose to give pleasure; when did she ever resist solicitation! She gave her father an affectionate salute: "Dear papa, I shall not be long away from you. Lady Ennismore is so fearful of my health, that a _siesta_ is considered indispensable. Perhaps Chrystal will lull me to sleep by tales of Wetheral. Come with me, Chrystal." The Countess caught Christobelle's hand as she rose to accompany Julia. "My dear young friend, I fear I must appear a monster, but I am apprehensive; my Julia must repose, not converse with dear and near relations. It is too exciting for her. My dear Julia never gives disquietude--she is aware of my alarms. Oblige me and Ennismore, dear Julia." Julia retired with unwilling steps. Lord Ennismore gave his arm to his lady, and escorted her to the door of her dressing-room; he then returned to his mother's side. She watched him for some moments with an anxious expression; and, while Sir John examined some exquisite paintings, Christobelle heard the following dialogue between Lady Ennismore and her son; it took place in a low tone of voice, as if it was not intended to reach other ears. "My dear Augustus, have you taken your dinner pill?" "Yes; and the powder half an hour previous to the pill." "I hope and believe Julia reminded you of it; I am glad she was so thoughtful, dear girl." "No, my dear mother, it was your hint; don't you remember saying this afternoon something about dinner pills? It put me in mind of taking one." "Was it my hint, my dear son? Mothers are foolishly attentive creatures, Augustus; they are always so apprehensive. I often fear I am wearisome!" "You never can be wearisome in attending to my pills, my dear mother. I should be very unwell without them." "My darling Julia forgets, Augustus; it is not, I am sure, intentional." "But _you_ never forget. Julia did not pour out my soda-water this morning. I was quite ill for half an hour." "Young wives are thoughtless creatures, Augustus. A mother, you know, has an old, reflecting head upon her shoulders." "I am very glad you did not leave us, my dear mother; Julia would have poisoned me by this time."