, while he denied it to her companion; but she scorned to enter
into an explanation, or make any disavowal, and found the few displeased
words she spoke were received with compassion, as at the dictation of the
stern monitress.

Horatia, on the other hand, could not easily resign the comical version
that Lucilla's inordinate opinion of her own attractions had made her
imagine Mr. Calthorp's valet in the street, and discover his master in
the chance inquirer whom the waiter had mentioned; and as Cilly could not
aver that the man had actually told her in so many words that it was Mr.
Calthorp, Horatia had a right to her opinion, and though she knew she had
been a young lady a good many years, she could not easily adopt the
suggestion that she could pass for Cilly's cruel duenna.

Lucilla grew sullen, and talked of going home by the next steamer; Rashe,
far from ready for another sea voyage, called herself ill used, and
represented the absurdity of returning on a false alarm. Cilla was
staggered, and thought what it would be, if Mr. Calthorp, smoking his
cigar at his club, heard that she had fled from his imaginary pursuit.
Besides, the luggage must be recovered, so she let Horatia go on
arranging for an excursion for the Monday, only observing that it must
not be in Dublin.

'No, bonnets are needful there. What do you think of Howth and Ireland's
Eye, the place where Kirwan murdered his wife?' said Rashe, with great
gusto, for she had a strong turn for the horrid murders in the newspaper.

'Too near, and too smart,' sulked Lucy.

'Well then, Glendalough, that is wild, and far off enough, and may be
done in a day from Dublin. I'll ring and find out.'

'Not from that man.'

'Oh! we shall see Calthorps peopling the hill-sides! Well, let us have
the landlord.'

It was found that both the Devil's Glen and the Seven Churches might be
visited if they started by the seven o'clock train, and returned late at
night, and Lucilla agreeing, the evening went off as best it might, the
cousins being glad to get out of each other's company at nine, that they
might be up early the next morning. Lucy had not liked Ratia so little
since the days of her infantine tyranny.

The morning, however, raised their spirits, and sent them off in a more
friendly humour, enjoying the bustle and excitement that was meat and
drink to them, and exclaiming at the exquisite views of sea and rugged
coast along beautiful Kilmeny Bay. When they