Mr. Watson and Ralph virtually managed the farm, and Ralph held a good position and was greatly respected. Only one of the twins was left. The sea rolled over the bright hair of Bunny, on his second voyage. He was washed from the mast by a huge wave, off the coast of Africa, and engulfed in the stormy waters, never to rise again. This sorrow had told greatly on Mrs. Falconer, and she had aged very much since we saw her last. But she was touchingly gentle and tender to Joyce, and her children were the delight of her heart. Joyce's tap was answered by a sleepy "Come in." "We are just starting, Gratian," Joyce said; "I could not go without bidding you good-bye, and thanking you for a very pleasant visit." "What makes you start so early?" "Gilbert wished us to be off by ten o'clock. He says Bristol is likely to be in a ferment to-day, and he did not wish us to be late." "Late! Well I should think twelve would have been time enough to start. Bid mother and Piers good-bye for me. Is Melville down stairs?" "I have not seen him," Joyce said; "but perhaps he is in the study." "Good-bye again," Joyce said, stooping to kiss Gratian; "we have had a very happy fortnight. I do like my children to know the dear old place." "We are very glad to have you," Gratian replied; "and, Joyce, if you pay a visit at any of the best houses at Clifton, or near Bristol, notice if the curtains are flowered damask or watered, for new curtains we _must_ have in the dining room." Another yawn, and "Good-bye, love to Aunt Annabella," and Gratian's head, in the many-frilled night-cap, which scarcely hid a row of curl-papers, fell back upon the pillow. And now Falcon's voice was heard. "Mother, _do_ come; why doesn't Aunt Gratian get up? mother! How lazy she is!" "Hush! Falcon," for Joyce saw her brother issuing forth from his dressing-room in a magnificent loose dressing-gown, and a scarlet fez with a tassel on his head. "Why! Joyce, off already?" he said; "I must come down and see the last of the infants. Thank goodness they are not mine!" "I have been to bid Gratian good-bye, and thanked her for her kindness; we are a large party." "Oh! so much the better," said Melville, good-temperedly; "we are very glad to have you. What a regular family coach! Where did that come from?" "From the 'Swan.' Ralph ordered it yesterday." At last they were all packed in. Joyce was the last, and she was just about to step into the carriage when Mr. Paget came riding up. "Oh! you are off, Mrs. Arundel. I just called to tell you that there is news of disturbances in Bristol. A great mob collected in Queen's Square last night, and political feeling is exciting the people to madness. I suppose Arundel will ride out to meet you?" "He told me to start early, that we might get through Bristol before the afternoon." "Ah! Well, I daresay it will be all right. Upon my word, what a pretty party you are! A rose and her rosebuds--eh! Mrs. Falconer? Where is Ralph?"