His visit had been an event; and they made no great attempt at settling again that day to any of their usual employments. In the first place, Nancy came in to hear and discuss all the proposed plans. Ned, who was uncertain whether to like or dislike the prospect of school, was very much offended by the old servant's remark, on first hearing of the project. "It's time for him. He'll learn his place there, which, it strikes me, he and others too are apt to forget at home." Then followed discussions and arrangements respecting his clothes. And then they came to the plan of spending a day at Mr. Buxton's, which Mrs. Browne was rather shy of mentioning, having a sort of an idea of inconstancy and guilt connected with the thought of mingling with the world again. However, Nancy approved: "It was quite right," and "just as it should be," and "good for the children." "Yes; it was on their account I did it, Nancy," said Mrs. Browne. "How many children has Mr. Buxton?" asked Edward. "Only one. Frank, I think, they call him. But you must say Master Buxton; be sure." "Who is the little girl, then," asked Maggie, "who sits with them in church?" "Oh! that's little Miss Harvey, his niece, and a great fortune." "They do say he never forgave her mother till the day of her death," remarked Nancy. "Then they tell stories, Nancy!" replied Mrs. Browne (it was she herself who had said it; but that was before Mr. Buxton's call). For d'ye think his sister would have left him guardian to her child, if they were not on good terms?" "Well! I only know what folks say. And, for sure, he took a spite at Mr. Harvey for no reason on earth; and every one knows he never spoke to him." "He speaks very kindly and pleasantly," put in Maggie. "Ay; and I'm not saying but what he is a very good, kind man in the main. But he has his whims, and keeps hold on 'em when he's got 'em. There's them pies burning, and I'm talking here!" When Nancy had returned to her kitchen, Mrs. Browne called Maggie up stairs, to examine what clothes would be needed for Edward. And when they were up, she tried on the black satin gown, which had been her visiting dress ever since she was married, and which she intended should replace the old, worn-out bombazine on the day of the visit to Combehurst. "For Mrs. Buxton is a real born lady," said she; "and I should like to be well dressed, to do her honor." "I did not know there was a Mrs. Buxton," said Maggie. "She is never at church." "No; she is but delicate and weakly, and never leaves the house. I think her maid told me she never left her room now."