"I believe there is no harm in the book, cousin," said Lady Peckham. "Winifred read it aloud to me some three years ago. It appeared to me to be a remarkable book to come from such a source, and to contain a great deal of truth." "Well, I dare say you are right! I would as soon have your notion of a book as the bishop's. But I wish you would give me your best advice, for I am at my wits' end and that is the truth!" "Suppose you let my young cousin go home with me for a while," said Lady Peckham, after a little consideration. "My household will be but a dull one for a young lady, but Paulina will have Winifred for a companion, and as you say she has not yet finished her studies, she can perfect herself in work and housewifery under my good Alwright, and I will myself instruct both her and Winifred in what accomplishments I possess." Lady Corbet joyfully accepted the offer, and proceeded to acquaint her daughter with it. Paulina was equally pleased. She liked the prospect of having a change and seeing something new, and she was overjoyed at leaving Bristol, where, she fancied, every one stared and pointed at her. Winifred was delighted not to be separated from Paulina, to whom she was greatly attached, and, in fine, every one was pleased except poor Doctor Mercer and the twins. The latter were indeed inconsolable at the thought of losing Winifred and Paulina both at once, and were hardly to be comforted by the promise that they should also go to visit Cousin Margaret in her new home. CHAPTER XVII. THE PRINCE. "GOOD evening to you, madam! So you have absolutely condescended, for as great lady as you are, to come and visit the house of your father's own brother! That is more than I expected. Girl, this is my lady's adopted daughter, a lady of quality. Why do you not make your reverences at once, and acknowledge the honor she does us!" Such was the affectionate greeting which Dame Evans bestowed on her husband's niece, who had hastened to come and see her as soon as she heard through a neighbor of their return to Bristol. In truth, the poor woman's narrow soul was boiling over with envy and spite at her niece's change of fortune. She was one of those unlucky people who regard every piece of preferment falling to any one else as just so much taken from themselves. Simon Evans had given his full and free consent when Lady Peckham had informed him, on occasion of her visit to Holford, of her intentions with regard to Winifred, adding that Winifred was half a lady by birth, and wholly so in her bringing up; and much better, suited to be a companion to Lady Peckham than a household help to such as they were. "I trust Winifred has not failed in her duty to you or to her aunt," said Lady Peckham. "By no means, my lady! She has been everything that she should be, and more!"