thing we prized like this, for it belonged to my mamma. It is
Jem's present too, for he went out and bought the black velvet.'

'Clasp it on for me, dear Clara. There!' and Isabel kissed the fingers
which obeyed. 'It shall never leave my arm.'

Clara's face burnt with surprise and pleasure amounting to
embarrassment, as Isabel expressed hopes of meeting again, and engaged
her to write from school. She looked for her brother to take his share
of thanks; but he was determinately doing his duty in cutting chicken
and cake for those who desired supper, and he did not come in their way
again till all the guests were gone, and good-night and good-bye were
to be said at once.

Lady Conway was warm in expressing her hopes that Walter would enjoy
the same advantages another holidays, and told Mr. Dynevor she should
write to him. But Jem made little answer, nothing like a promise.
Clara thought he had become stiff from some unknown affront, perhaps
some oppressive present, for he seemed to intend to include all the
young ladies in one farewell bow. But Isabel advanced with
outstretched hand and flushing cheek, and her murmured 'Thank you' and
confiding pressure drew from him such a grasp as could not easily be
forgotten.

Clara's heart was all the lighter because she was sure that Fitzjocelyn
had forgiven, and, what was more, forgotten. She had spoken naturally
to him once more, and was ready for anything now--even though they had
missed all confidential discussions upon school.

She gave Charlotte Tom Madison's letter. The little maiden took it,
and twirled it about rather superciliously. 'What business had my
young Lord,' she thought, 'to fancy she cared for that poor fellow?
Very likely he was improved, and she was glad of it, but she knew what
was genteel now. Yes, she would read it at once; there was no fear
that it would make her soft and foolish--she had got above that!'

CHAPTER XVII.

THE RIVALS.

'Which king, Bezonian?'--Henry IV.

Sir Roland of Provence remained in suspense whether to be a novice or
an irrevocably pledged Hospitalier. The latter was most probable; and
when Adeline's feelings had been minutely analysed, Miss Conway
discovered that she had better not show her morning's work to her
sisters.

Clara and Louis pronounced Jem to be as savage as a bear all through
the journey. Clara declared it was revenge for having been civil and
amiable all through the vacation; and Louis