'He forgot it till there was an opportunity for wearing it. Is it not
pretty? And this is your silk, do you see?'

'Very pretty, that's the real thing. I am glad to find you in good trim.
I was afraid Theodora had taken you too far, and the heat would knock
you up, and the boy would roar till you were all manner of colours.'

'I was hot and tired, but John invited me into his nice cool room, and
only think! he showed me Helen's picture.'

'He has one, has he? She was nothing to look at; just like Percy--you
know he is come?'

'Yes, he came while I was in John's room. He is not at all like what I
expected.'

'No, ladies always expect a man to look like a hero or a brigand. She
had just that round face, till the last when I saw her in London, and
then she looked a dozen years older than John--enough to scare one.'

'See what he gave me.'

'Ha! was that hers? I remember, it was that my aunt kicked up such a
dust about. So he has given you that.'

'Helen said she should like some one to have it who would find as much
comfort in it as she did.'

'Comfort! What comfort do you want?'

'Only when I am foolish.'

'I should think so; and pray what is to be the comfort of a bit of coral
like that?'

'Not the coral, but the thoughts, dear Arthur,' said Violet, colouring,
and restoring the cross to its place within her dress.

'Well! you and John understand your own fancies, but I am glad you can
enter into them with him, poor fellow! It cheers him up to have some one
to mope with.'

CHAPTER 9

P. Henry.--But do you use me thus, Ned; must I marry your sister?
Poins.--May the wench have no worse fortune, but I never said so.

--K. Henry IV

Arthur met the new-comer, exclaiming, 'Ha! Fotheringham, you have not
brought me the amber mouth-piece I desired John to tell you of.'

'Not I. I don't bring Turks' fashion into Christian countries. You ought
to learn better manners now you are head of a family.'

Theodora entered, holding her head somewhat high, but there was a
decided heightening of the glow on her cheek as Mr. Fotheringham shook
hands with her. Lord Martindale gave him an affectionate welcome, and
Lady Martindale, though frigid at first, grew interested as she asked
about his journey.

The arriving guests met him with exclamations of gladness, as if he was
an honour to the neighbourhood; and John had seldom looked more cheerful
and more gratified than in watching his reception.

At le