ith outstretched hands, and warm unconstrained welcome. 'How kind of
you to come! I'm sorry you have been so long alone, but I did not know
it,' said she, kissing her sister-in-law, and giving a kind silent
greeting to the dumb boy.

Disconcerted at her waste of preparation, Theodora stood for a moment,
fancying Violet triumphant in having spoilt Arthur's holiday by what
must have been an exaggerated trifle. She was almost ready to make no
inquiry for Johnnie, but 'conventional instinct' prevailed, and his
parents were so full of him, and of each other, that it set them off
into an eager conversation, such as made her, in her present mood,
believe herself neglected for the sake of Arthur's weak, tyrannical,
exacting idol. She resolved to take Charles at once to her father's
house. If it would not have been an insult to her brother, she would
have slept there herself. She surprised the others by rising from her
seat, and taking up the boy's cap.

'Oh!' exclaimed Violet, 'I had forgotten him, poor little fellow. I will
take him to Susan to have some tea.'

'Thank you, I am going to take him to the maid at our house.'

'O, pray do not,' said Violet, imploringly; 'there's plenty of room
here, and we can see about him so much better.'

'I had rather,' persisted Theodora.

'But see, it is getting dark. The lamps are lighted. You can't go now.'

'I shall not lose my way,' said Theodora, taking by the hand the poor
boy, who seemed unwilling to leave the fire and Mrs. Martindale's kind
looks.

'Now, Arthur! you wont let her go!' said Violet, distressed.

'What's the row?' said Arthur. 'Setting out on your travels again,
Theodora!'

'Only to take Charlie to Belgrave-square.'

'I sha'n't come with you.'

'I can go by myself.'

'Nonsense. You have rattled the poor child about enough for one day.
Stay at home like a rational woman, and Violet will see to him.'

The dumb child gazed as if he read their faces, and was begging to
remain; he gladly allowed Violet to take his hand, and she led him
away, inviting Theodora to come and give her own directions about him to
Susan, the girl from Brogden.

So sweet was the manner, so kind the welcome, and so pretty the
solicitude for her comfort, that pride and prejudice had much difficulty
in maintaining themselves. But Theodora thought that she did not like
blandishments, and she was angry at the sensation of being in the
inferior situation of Violet's guest, at a moment of