amily have connected themselves.'

The ladies were sorry for each other--one ashamed and one amused,
neither venturing to look up, and Albert had no opportunity for the bow
he intended for Miss Martindale.

'By the bye,' continued he, 'who is this Fotheringham that was to settle
with Fanshawe? I thought he was Lord Martindale's solicitor; but my
uncle knows nothing about him.'

Violet coloured crimson, and wished herself under the table; Theodora
made violent efforts to keep from an explosion of laughing.

'No,' said Violet, rather indignantly; 'he is--he is--he is--' she
faltered, not knowing how to describe one so nearly a relation, 'a great
friend of--'

Theodora having strangled the laugh, came to her rescue, and replied,
with complete self-possession, 'His sister, who died, was engaged to my
eldest brother.'

'Oh! I beg your pardon. You look on him as a sort of family connection.
I suppose, then, he is one of the Fotheringhams of Worthbourne? Matilda
fancied he was the literary man of that name; but that could not be.'

'Why not?' said Theodora, extremely diverted.

'A poet, an author! I beg your pardon; but a lady alone could suppose
one of that description could be employed in a practical matter. Is not
it Shakespeare who speaks of the poet's eye in a fine frenzy rolling?
Eh, Violet? I shall never forget the gove--my father's indignation
when he detected your humble servant in the act of attempting a slight
tribute to the Muses. I believe the old gentleman looked on my fate as
sealed.'

'Albert!' said Violet, feeling as if she must stop his mouth, 'you are
quite mistaken. Mr. Fotheringham does belong to the family you mean, and
he did write "The Track of the Crusaders". He has been attached to
the embassy in Turkey, and is waiting for another appointment.' Then,
looking at Theodora, 'You never told me how far you went to-day.'

Theodora detailed her long pursuit of the chenille, and her successful
discovery of it at last. Albert's gratitude was extreme; his sister
would be delighted and flattered, the work would receive an additional
value in the eyes of all, and he might well say so, he was a party
concerned, the material was for a waistcoat, to be worn on an
occasion--but his sister would explain.

Violet thought he had exposed himself quite enough; and as dessert was
on the table, she rose with as good a smile as she could, saying, 'Very
well, I'll explain; you will find your way to the drawing-ro