of
laughing at them,' said Bertha. 'Nay, just worthy enough'--she said it
spitefully--'not even to give the relief of a good grumble.'

'Well, I think you may be thankful!'

'Exactly what one doesn't want to be!' said Bertha. 'I like sensations.
Now Letitia is going to come down with a prediction that they are to
become the blessings of our lives, so I am off!'

And as the door closed on her, Lady Adela sighed, and Mrs. Bury said--

'Poor Birdie; is she always in that tone?'

'Yes,' said Lady Adela; 'there seems to be always a bitter spot in her
heart. I am glad she should try to work it out.'

'I suppose living here with her father tended to brooding. Yet she has
always done a good deal.'

'Not up to her powers. Lord Northmoor never ceased to think her a mere
girl, and obstructed her a good deal; besides, all his interest being in
horses, she never could get rid of the subject, and wounds were
continually coming back on us--on her.'

'On you as well, poor Addie.'

'He did not understand. Besides, to me these things were not the raw
scene they were to her. It has been a very sad time for her. You see,
there is not much natural softness in her, and she was driven into
roughness and impatience when he worried her over racing details and
other things. And then she was hurt at his preferring to have me with
him. It has been very good and generous in her not to have been jealous
of me.'

'I think she was glad he could find comfort in you. And you have never
heard of Captain Alder?'

'Never! In justice, and for the sake of dear Arthur's wishes, I should
be glad to explain; but I wonder whether, as she is now, it would be well
that they should meet.'

'If it is so ordained, I suppose they will. What's that?'

It was Lord and Lady Northmoor, formally announced, and as formally
introduced, to Mrs. Bury.

They had come, the lady said, when they were seated, with a message from
'Old Swan,' to ask for a bit of my lady's plaster for his back to ease
his rheumatism at night. His daughter was only just come in from work,
so they had ventured to bring the message.

'Is any one coming for it?'

'I said we would bring it back,' replied Mary, 'if you would kindly let
us have it.'

'Why, it is a mile out of your way!'

'It is moonlight, and we do so enjoy a walk together,' she answered.

'Well, Adela,' said Mrs. Bury, when they were gone with the roll of
plaster, 'I agree that they might be worse--and