.'

'It wasn't my fault (

(she wouldn't.'

'Indeed, I wasn't a wilful heathen; Mr. Parsons, it was he--'

'It was she who chose to take the by-ways, and make us late. Rush into
church before a whole congregation, reeking from a six-miles walk! I've
more respect for the Establishment.'

'You walked!' cried five voices.

'See her Sabbatarianism!'

'Nonsense! I should have driven Charlie's cab.'

'Charlie has some common sense where his horse is concerned.'

'He wanted it himself, you _know_.'

'She grew sulky, and victimized me to a walk.'

'I'm sure it was excellent fun.'

'Ay, and because poor Calthorp had proffered his cab for her to drive to
Jericho, and welcome, she drags me into all sorts of streets of
villainous savours, that he might not catch us up.'

'Horrid hard mouth that horse of his,' said Lucilla, by way of dashing
the satisfaction on Miss Charlecote's face.

'I do not wonder you were late.'

'Oh! that was all Owen's doing. He vowed that he had not nerve to face
the pew-opener!'

'The grim female in weeds--no, indeed!' said Owen. 'Indeed, I objected
to entering in the guise of flaming meteors both on reverential and
sanatory grounds.'

'Insanatory, methinks,' said Miss Charlecote; 'how could you let her
sleep, so much heated, in this thorough draught!'

'Don't flatter yourself,' said Cilly, quaintly shaking her head; 'I'm not
such a goose as to go and catch cold! Oh! Phoebe, my salmon-flies are
loveliness itself; and I hereby give notice, that a fine of three pairs
of thick boots has been proclaimed for every pun upon sisters of the
angle and sisters of the angels! So beware, Robin!'--and the comical
audacity with which she turned on him, won a smile from the grave lips
that had lately seemed so remote from all peril of complimenting her
whimsies. Even Mr. Parsons said 'the fun was tempting.'

'Come and get ready for luncheon,' said the less fascinated Honora,
moving away.

'Come and catch it!' cried the elf, skipping up-stairs before her and
facing round her 'Dear old Honeyseed.' 'I honour your motives; but
wouldn't it be for the convenience of all parties, if you took _Punch's_
celebrated advice--"don't"?'

'How am I to speak, Lucy,' said Honora, 'if you come with the avowed
intention of disregarding what I say?'

'Then hadn't you better not?' murmured the girl, in the lowest tone,
drooping her head, and peeping under her eyelashes, as she sat wit