Gratian smiled, and, turning to Mr. Dacres, said: "I mean to go; it will be like a scene in Spain." How the discussion would have ended, and whether Gratian would have carried her point or not, I do not know, had not the bishop's servant approached him with a card, which was followed almost immediately by Lord Maythorne. "Pray pardon an early visit, my lord, but I am come to see my sister, and conduct her to the bull-baiting, for which, I hear, your city is celebrated." Mrs. Arundel coloured with vexation as the bishop rose from his chair at the head of the table, and said, reading the name on the card: "Pardon me, my lord, I have not the honour of your acquaintance." "My step-brother, my lord." Mrs. Arundel hastened to say. "I do not know whether you ever heard of my father's second marriage." "My sister will give you my imprimatur, you see, my lord, if _not_ a welcome." This was said with the insolent assurance which the courtly bishop at once discerned. "My lord," he said, "any relation of my dear friend, Mrs. Arundel, is welcome to the palace. Now, ladies, will you adjourn to the gallery; for I have some pressing matters of business to-day after cathedral service, for which a special form is provided; but if you desire to brave the tumults without, horses and carriages are at your disposal." Gratian meantime had gone up to Lord Maythorne, saying: "The very thing I wanted. I will go and prepare for the bull-baiting now. Come, Miss Dacres, come, Mrs. Pearsall," turning to two quietly dressed ladies, "won't you come with us?" "Well, we must be quick if we want to secure our places. The windows are commanding a good price, I assure you," said Lord Maythorne. "I wish you had not come here, Maythorne;" Mrs. Arundel said, "you gave me no warning of your intention." "My dear Bella, I never give any warning about anything. I thought you knew that. I suppose I have as much right to look at a bull-baiting as his lordship. Evidently he is not going to offer me hospitality. What a party of old fogies he has assembled; no one worth looking at! By-the-bye, does not Gilbert's innamorata live near Wells?" Mrs. Arundel evaded a reply by turning to Gratian, who had speedily got ready for the expedition. "I fear it is very imprudent, Gratian, to go out in the crowd. Mr. Dacres thinks so." "Well, if under good care, I do not know that there is much fear," said Mr. Dacres, "in fact; I will accompany Miss Anson, if she will allow me, and just point out the best place to see the bull pass down under the Chain Gate from East Wells." "Ah! I _thought_ you would not be able to resist it, Mr. Dacres," Gratian said. "I _knew_ you wanted to see the fun, though you were afraid to say so." "Really," began poor Mr. Dacres; "really, I--I am only desirous of being of service."