ken
to, after all the notice I have taken of her.'

'Hush, hush! I tell you, she would never have originated the notion, but
it has been put into her, and when she thinks a thing right nothing will
stop her.'

'We will see that!' said Georgina. 'Come and dine with us to-night, and
then we are going to "Der Freischutz". Come--'

'That is impossible, thank you. We have given up the dinner at the
Delavals', and I do not intend to go out in the evening any more. I came
here to take care of her, and I mean to do so thoroughly.'

'Not to go out any more!' cried Georgina, horrified. 'I honour
Theodora,' said Jane. 'Such devotion is like her, and must win her
brother's gratitude.'

'No devotion at all. I like a rational evening with her much better than
a cram like last night's.'

'With her alone?' said Jane, slyly.

Theodora crimsoned. Percy had instigated Violet's opposition, and she
was in no charity with him. Jane saw there was annoyance, and turned
the subject before her sister could open on it. With all her quiet ways,
Jane had the mastery over the impetuous Georgina, whom she apparently
flattered and cherished as a younger sister, but in reality made
subservient to her own purposes. Indeed, Jane was like the Geraldine
of Christabel; without actually speaking evil she had the power of
insinuating her own views, so that even the lofty and sincere nature
of Theodora was not proof against her. Poor Violet! while she perilled
herself, and sacrificed her friend's good opinion, her sister's mind was
being hardened and poisoned against her.

'I am afraid,' said Jane, 'that it is of no use then to talk to you of
what Georgina and I have been planning.'

'Oh! Theodora must come to that at any rate,' cried Georgina, 'or I will
never forgive her nor Mrs. Martindale neither. Do you remember our old
birthday treat to Richmond?'

'To be sure I do!' cried Theodora. 'It was one of the most delightful
days I ever had in my life. I have loved cowslips doubly for the treat
the sight of them was, in the midst of London and masters, seven years
ago. Why, you will be twenty-four next week, Georgina.'

'Growing to an unmentionable age,' said Georgina. 'Well, I have set my
heart on a picnic to Richmond again. Mark is to take a steamer for us,
and I know of plenty of people who will make a charming party!'

'I should like it better without the people,' said Theodora.

'Oh, nonsense; one can't babble of green fields and run after c