reens. Nevertheless Mrs. Frost
thought the kitchen-clock was very slow.

Their 'walking together' was recognised. Martha was very angry with
Jane, and predicted that the young vagabone would never be heard of
more; and that the only benefit would be, that it would settle the
girl's mind, and hinder her from encouraging any more followers. And
even Mrs. Frost had her doubts. Her prudent counsel interfered with
Tom's wish to carry out poor little Charlotte as his wife; and they had
to content themselves with a betrothal until they should have 'saved
something,' exchanging brooches, each with a memorial lock of hair.
During the remaining week, the Lady of Eschalott neither ate nor slept,
and though she did her work, her tears never seemed to cease. She
defended herself by averring that Miss Ponsonby's pillow was soaked
every morning; but if Mary's heavy eyelids corroborated her, her
demeanour did not. Mary was busy in dismantling the house and in
packing up; speaking little, but always considerate and self-possessed,
and resolute in avoiding all excitement of feeling. She would not go
to Ormersfield, as the Earl proposed, even for one day, and a few books
connected with the happy lessons of last summer, were given into Mrs.
Frost's keeping, with the steady, calm word, 'I had better not take
them.' She made no outpouring even to that universal, loving
confidante, Aunt Catharine; and the final parting did not break down
her self-restraint, though, as the last bend of her head was given, the
last chimney of Northwold disappeared, her sensation of heartache
almost amounted to sickening.

She was going to Bryanston Square. Her aunt had been as kind as
possible, and had even offered to come to Northwold to fetch her home;
but Mary had been too considerate to allow her to think of so dreadful
a journey, and had in fact, been glad to be left only to her own Aunt
Catharine. The last letters which had passed between Mrs. Ponsonby and
Annt Melicent had been such as two sincere Christian women could not
fail to write in such circumstances as must soften down all asperities,
alleviate prejudice and variance, and be a prelude to that perfect
unity when all misunderstandings shall end for ever; and thus Mary had
the comfort of knowing that the two whom she loved so fondly, had
parted with all mutual affection and cordial honour.

She really loved the little prim stiff figure who stood on the stairs
to welcome her. The house