he spoke to him about his brother. But Charlie did not answer, or
Graeme did not hear, and in a little while she said again,--

"Is Mr Ruthven still in town?"

"Oh! yes. It is not likely he will leave again soon."

"And your uncle is really recovering from his last attack? What on
anxious time Miss Elphinstone must have had!"

"Yes, he seems better, and, contrary to all expectation, seems likely to
live for some time yet. But his mind is much affected. At least it
seems so to me."

"Poor Lilias!" said Graeme, "Is she still alone?"

"Oh, no. There is a houseful of them. Her aunt Mrs Roxbury is there,
and I don't know how many besides. I declare, I think those women enjoy
it."

Graeme looked shocked.

"Charlie means the preparations for the wedding," said Rose. "It is to
take place soon, is it not?"

"Within the month, I believe," said Charlie, gravely.

"So soon!" said Graeme; and in a little she added, "Is it not sudden?"

"No--yes, I suppose so. They have been engaged, or something like it
for some time; but the haste is because of Mr Elphinstone. He thinks
he cannot die happy till he sees his daughter safe under the care of her
husband. Just as if Allan would not be her friend all the same. It
seems to me like madness."

"And Lilias," said Rose, almost in a whisper, "is she content?"

"On the whole, I suppose so. But this haste and her father being so
ill, and all these horrid preparations are too much for her. She looks
ill, and anything but cheerful."

"We have not seen your brother for a long time," said Will.

"I have scarcely seen him, either. He did not find matters much to his
mind in C, I fear. Harry will have to keep his eyes open among those
people."

"How soon will Harry have to go?" asked Rose.

"The sooner the better, I suppose," said Charlie, rising and walking
about. "Oh! dear me. This is a miserable overturning that has come
upon us--and everything seemed to be going on so smoothly."

"Harry will not have to go before Arthur comes back, I hope," said Rose.

"I don't know, indeed. When does he come?"

"Charlie, man," said Harry, rising suddenly, "did I not hear you
promising Crofts to meet him to-night? It is eight o'clock."

"No. I don't care if I never see Crofts, or any of his set again. You
had much better stay where you are Harry."

"Charlie, don't be misanthropical. I promised if you didn't. Come
along. No? Well, good-night to you all. Will, i