The library-door opened, and the "Countess-dowager" appeared, leaning upon Julia's arm. She bantered Christobelle and her son upon their long absence. "You are as partial to reading the titles of books as Dr. Johnson, if that has been your occupation. My lord has been very anxious to do the honours properly, Miss Wetheral." "We were not altogether talking of books," replied his lordship, mechanically offering his arm to Julia. "What could interest you so much, Miss Wetheral? If books were not your subject, let us also enjoy your remarks." The Countess fixed her eyes upon Christobelle with a searching expression. Christobelle coloured, but remained silent. "My dear mother, we were talking of you," said Lord Ennismore, taking her hand. "Of _me_, Augustus? I cannot think I can form a subject for Miss Wetheral's contemplation. Pray let us return into the drawing-room." This was spoken in a tone of slight displeasure. "I never think any one can speak of you, my dear mother, without pleasure. I like to talk of you." "I am sure, dearest mother, you are the subject of conversation to thousands," cried Julia, with tenderness, laying her hand upon her ladyship's arm. "My dear children, you are very flattering in your affection." Lady Ennismore's countenance resumed its bland expression. "I must feel happy in the love of two beings so dear to me. May we always continue united, my beloved children! Miss Wetheral, you are surprised at this little scene." The group returned into the drawing-room. Lady Ennismore arranged the whist party, as she arranged every thing connected with Bedinfield, and Christobelle sat near the table, reading her favourite Shakespeare. The whist party broke up to partake of a slight refreshment, and it was then time to separate for the night. Christobelle did hope Julia would have accompanied her to the tapestried chamber, but she retired with Lady Ennismore, after "good nights" were mutually expressed. Christobelle was escorted to her room by her father in silence. She wished much to speak to him, and inform him of her short colloquy with Lord Ennismore; she therefore begged him to stay with her a few minutes. "Come into my room, Chrystal; I have no lady's maid to overhear my words." Christobelle crossed the broad gallery, and entered the crimson chamber. It was hung with dark crimson satin, as gloomy but not so appalling as the tapestried apartment. She then told her father the substance of her conversation in the library, and also remarked upon Lady Ennismore's look of displeasure. He listened gravely to the disclosure, and observed, "Yes, I fancied so--I can see it all." "What do you see, papa?"