t. Poor folks get
a heap of children about them, and then ask for pity. I should say it
would be more just if they asked for blame."

"Well, there the tickets are, bought and paid for, so they may as well
be used. You will go with me, Cornelia."

"And stick ourselves there upon empty benches, like two geese, and sit
staring and counting the candles! A pleasant evening?"

"You need not fear empty benches. The Mount Severns are going, and West
Lynne is in a fever, racing after tickets. I suppose you have got a--a
cap," looking at the nondescript article decorating his sister's head,
"that will be suitable to go in, Cornelia; if not you had better order
one."

This suggestion put up Miss Carlyle. "Hadn't you better have your
hair curled, and your coat tails lined with white satin, and a gold
opera-glass, and a cocked hat?" retorted she. "My gracious me! A fine
new cap to go to their mess of a concert in, after paying ten shillings
for the tickets! The world's coming to something."

Mr. Carlyle left her and her grumbling to return to the office. Lord
Mount Severn's carriage was passing at the moment, and Isabel Vane
was within it. She caused it to stop when she saw Mr. Carlyle, and he
advanced to her.

"I have been to Mr. Kane's myself for the tickets," said she, with a
beaming look. "I came into West Lynne on purpose. I told the coachman to
find out where he lived, and he did. I thought if the people saw me and
the carriage there, they would guess what I wanted. I do hope he will
have a full concert."

"I am sure he will," replied Mr. Carlyle, as he released her hand. And
Lady Isabel signed to the carriage to drive on.

As Mr. Carlyle turned away, he met Otway Bethel, a nephew of Colonel
Bethel's, who was tolerated in the colonel's house because he had no
other home, and appeared incapable to making himself one. Some persons
persisted in calling him a gentleman--as he was by birth--others a
_mauvais sujet_. The two are united sometimes. He was dressed in a
velveteen suit, and had a gun in his hand. Indeed, he was rarely seen
without a gun, being inordinately fond of sport; but, if all tales
whispered were true, he supplied himself with game in other ways than
by shooting, which had the credit of going up to London dealers. For the
last six months or near upon it, he had been away from West Lynne.

"Why, where have you been hiding yourself?" exclaimed Mr. Carlyle. "The
colonel has been inconsolable."

"Come, no