ked so bright as she
walked to church leaning on his arm, that Phoebe had no regrets in
leaving her. Indeed, the damsel greatly preferred the Holt in his
absence. She did not understand his discursive comments on all things in
art or nature, and he was in a mood of flighty fitful spirits, which
perplexed her alike by their wild, satirical mirth, and their mournful
sentiment. She thought Miss Charlecote was worried and perplexed at
times by his tone; but there was no doubt of his affection and attention
for his 'Sweet Honey,' and Phoebe rejoiced that her own absence should be
at so opportune a moment.

Sir Bevil went to make his preparations at home, whence he was to come
and join the Fulmorts the day after their arrival in town. Mrs. Fulmort
was dragged out in the morning, and deposited at Farrance's in time for
luncheon, a few minutes before a compact little brougham set down Lady
Bannerman, jollier than ever in velvet and sable, and more scientific in
cutlets and pale ale. Her good-nature was full blown. She was ready to
chaperon her sisters anywhere, invited the party to the Christmas dinner,
and undertook the grand _soiree_ after the wedding. She proposed to take
Juliana at once out shopping, only lamenting that there was no room for
Phoebe, and was so universally benevolent, that in the absence of the
bride elect, Phoebe ventured to ask whether she saw anything of Robert.

'Robert? Yes, he called when we first came to town, and we asked him to
dinner; but he said it was a fast day; and you know Sir Nicholas would
never encourage that sort of thing.'

'How was he?'

'He looked odder than ever, and so ill and cadaverous. No wonder! poking
himself up in such a horrid place, where one can't notice him.'

'Did he seem in tolerable spirits?'

'I don't know. He always was silent and glum; and now he seems wrapped
up in nothing but ragged schools and those disgusting City missions; I'm
sure we can't subscribe, so expensive as it is living in town. Imagine,
mamma, what we are giving our cook!'

Juliana returned, and the two sisters went out, leaving Phoebe to extract
entertainment for her mother from the scenes passing in the street.

Presently a gentleman's handsome cabriolet and distinguished-looking
horse were affording food for their descriptions, when, to her surprise,
Sir Bevil emerged from it, and presently entered the room. He had come
intending to take out his betrothed, and in her absence trans