how is that to be helped? No, don't come out with that stupid
thing.'

'Commonplace because it is reasonable. You would have plenty of
excitement in the engagement, and then no end of change, and settle down
into a blooming little matron, with all the business of the world on your
hands. You have got him into excellent training by keeping him dangling
so long; and it is the only chance of keeping your looks or your temper.
By the time I come and stay with you, you'll be so agreeable you won't
know yourself--'

'Blessings on that hideous post-horn for stopping your mouth!' cried
Lucilla, springing up. 'Not that letters ever come to me.'

Letters and Mr. and Mrs. Charteris all entered together, and Rashe was
busy with her own share, when Lucilla came forward with a determined
face, unlike her recent listless look, and said, 'I am wanted at home. I
shall start by the diligence to-night.'

'How now?' said Charles. 'The old lady wanting you to make her will?'

'No,' said Lucilla, with dignity. 'My brother's wife is very ill. I
must go to her.'

'Is she demented?' asked Charles, looking at his sister.

'Raving,' was the answer. 'She has been so the whole morning. I shall
cut off her hair, and get ice for her head.'

'I tell simple truth,' returned Cilla. 'Here is a letter from Honor
Charlecote, solving the two mysteries of last summer. Owen's companion,
who Rashe would have it was Jack Hastings--'

'Ha! married, then! The cool hand! And verily, but that Cilly takes it
so easily, I should imagine it was her singing prodigy--eh? It was,
then?'

'Absurd idiot!' exclaimed Charles. 'There, he is done for now!'

'Yes,' drawled Eloisa; 'one never could notice a low person like that.'

'She is my sister, remember!' cried Lucilla, with stamping foot and
flashing eye.

'Cunning rogue!' continued Horatia. 'How did he manage to give no
suspicion? Oh! what fun! No wonder she looked green and yellow when he
was flirting with the little Fulmort! Let's hear all, Cilly--how, when,
and where?'

'At the Registrar's, at R---, July 14th, 1854,' returned Lucilla, with
defiant gravity.

'Last July!' said Charles. 'Ha! the young donkey was under age--hadn't
consent of guardian. I don't believe the marriage will hold water. I'll
write to Stevens this minute.'

'Well, that would be luck!' exclaimed Rashe.

'Much better than he deserves,' added Charles, 'to be such a fool as to
run into the noose and marry