orward to the fire, and
travelling gear and newspapers lay about untidily. Altogether there was
something unsatisfactory to the feelings of both Theodora and Violet,
though Mrs. Finch was very affectionate in her impetuous way, and Miss
Gardner gently kind to Violet, asking many questions about her little
boy.

Violet soon took leave, and Mr. Finch went down with her to the
carriage.

'That is a fresh complexion that does one good to see!' cried Mrs.
Finch, when she was gone. 'I am glad to see her in better looks and
spirits.'

'She understands the art of dress,' said Miss Gardner. Theodora was on
the point of making a sharp answer. It was the consequence of having
once allowed her brother's wife to be freely canvassed, and she was glad
that an opening door checked the conversation.

There entered a tall fashionable-looking man, with a glossy brown
moustache, and a very hairy chin, but of prepossessing and gentlemanlike
appearance. He leant over the sofa, and said a few words in a low voice
to Mrs. Finch, who answered with nods, and a display of her white teeth
in smiles. Raising himself, as if to go, he said, 'Ah! by the bye, who
is that pretty friend of yours that I met Finch escorting down-stairs? A
most uncommon style of beauty--'

'That was Mrs. Martindale,' said Miss Gardner, rather in haste.

'Arthur Martindale's village maid? Ha! Jane, there's jealousy; I thought
you told me--'

'Georgina!' exclaimed Jane, 'you should have introduced Mark to Miss
Martindale.'

As Theodora moved her stately neck she felt as if a thunder-bolt had
fallen; but the gentleman's manner was particularly pleasing.

'It is Jane's concern,' said Mrs. Finch, laughing. 'I leave you to infer
why she checks his communications.'

'There is nothing more awkward than "You told me so,"' said Mr. Gardner,
'since the days of "Who is your next neighbour, sir?" I may be allowed
some interest in the matter, for your brother is an old school-fellow of
mine.'

'Come!' exclaimed Georgina, 'if you stay dawdling here, my letter won't
be written, and my vases won't come. Fancy, Theodora, such delicious
Sevres vases, big enough to hold the Forty Thieves, sky blue, with
medallions of Mars and Venus, and Cupids playing tricks--the loveliest
things imaginable--came from Versailles--absolutely historical.'

'Lauzun is supposed to have been hidden in one,' said Mr. Gardner.

'I vowed I would have them, and I never fail. Mark has been through fire