The carriage was ordered as soon as Lady Wetheral arrived, and the Fairlee party were supplied by Miss Ponsonby with comfortable refreshment in the article of stockings and shoes. Every other apparel had been spared, by the thoughtful cares of Mrs. Ponsonby, who had wisely ordered a _depôt_ of cloaks and umbrellas on board. Lord Farnborough did not appear during their short rest at Clanmoray, and Captain Ponsonby led Christobelle to the carriage, after the ceremonies of leave-taking had concluded. Miss Ponsonby hoped to enjoy Miss Wetheral's society a little more exclusively at a future time; but she seemed to be the entire property of Arthur and Lord Farnborough at St. Mungo's Isle. There was policy in allowing novelty to exhaust its powers of pleasing; and she would reserve her society till it would fill up a chasm, formed by the secession of an admirer. "Depend upon it, all this cannot last, fair Christobelle, and, like me, you will some day search in vain for a Télémaque." "_I_ shall not live to see the day, Miss Wetheral," said her brother, as he led Christobelle forward. "Don't attach the smallest credit to Arthur's compliments," cried Miss Ponsonby, kissing her hand. "Mary is very incorrect in her statements, Miss Wetheral," said Captain Ponsonby, as they passed through the hall. "You will receive me with a smile, if I call at Fairlee to-morrow?" "With many smiles, Captain Ponsonby." "No, one little particular welcome smile is my hope--give your many smiles to Farnborough. Fare you well!" Christobelle entered the carriage, and Sir John Spottiswoode followed; but he seated himself by Lady Wetheral's side. Captain Ponsonby waved his hand, and stood in the rain, till the trees concealed him from sight. CHAPTER XXVI. Lady Wetheral spoke of the morning's entertainment with perfect approbation, as they drove home. "Every thing was so agreeably arranged--every body was so inclined to be amused, which constituted the charm of a party _al fresco_. Lord Farnborough, perhaps, was less disposed to consider himself at ease than the rest of the group; but circumstances did go a little '_à tort et à travers_' with poor Lord Farnborough. Some people were in the wrong place, assuredly, which might create a little uneasiness; but, considering the difficulty of selecting and arranging a large morning party, it had been admirably conducted. There was a little too much vivacity in Captain Ponsonby's manner: he was rather too _empressé_--but Lord Farnborough displayed the man of fashion in every movement." Christobelle did not argue against her mother's opinions, and Sir John Spottiswoode sat, determined to be silent. "Lord Farnborough," continued Lady Wetheral, "tells me he intends wandering round Lochleven some weeks longer." "At Clanmoray?" asked Christobelle.