had
been deferred to please her. It now stood fixed for February--"A good
time to start for Rome and the Easter festivals," she had pleaded. Mr.
Brotherton was kindness itself in consideration for her wishes, but her
own family felt that poor Julia was making a long agony of what, if it
were to be done at all, were best done quickly. When Mr. Cecil Burleigh
went to Ryde, he expected to find the preparations for the wedding very
forward, but nothing seemed to have been begun. The young ladies were
out walking, but Mrs. Gardiner, who had written him word that the 10th
of December was the day, now told him almost in the first breath that it
was put off again until the New Year.

"We shall all be thankful to have it over. I never knew dear Julia so
capricious or so little thoughtful for others," said the poor languid,
weary lady.

Mr. Cecil Burleigh heard the complaint with a miserable compassion, and
when Julia came in, and her beautiful countenance broke into sunshine
at the sight of him, he knew what a cruel anticipation for her this
marriage really was. He could have wished for her sake--and a little for
his own too--that the last three months were blotted from their history;
but when they came to talk together, Julia, with the quick discernment
of a loving woman, felt that the youthful charms of Miss Fairfax had
warmly engaged his imagination, though he had so much tenderness of
heart still left for herself.

He did not stay long, and when he was going he said that it would have
been wiser never to have come: it was a selfish impulse brought him--he
wanted to see her. Julia laughed at his simple confession; her sister
Helen was rather angry.

"Now, I suppose you will be all unsettled again, Julia," said she,
though Julia had just then a most peaceful face. Helen was observant of
her: "I know what you are dreaming--while there is the shadow of a
chance that Cecil will return to you, Mr. Brotherton will be left
hanging between earth and heaven."

"Oh, Nellie, I wish you would marry Mr. Brotherton yourself. Your
appreciation of his merits is far higher than mine."

"If I were in your place I would not use him as you do: it _is_ a shame,
Julia."

"It is not you who are sentenced to be buried alive, Nellie. I dare not
look forward: I dread it more and more--"

"Of course. That is the effect of Cecil's ill-judged visit and Mary
Burleigh's foolish letter. Pray, don't say so to mamma; it would be
enough to lay her u