doubt of that; but will they,
think you, recognise us?"

"We shall see," replied Edward, as they now approached within a few
yards of the window; for while they had been speaking the procession had
stopped.

"Is it possible," thought Edward, "that these can be the two girls in
russet gowns that I left at the cottage? And yet it must be. Well,
Chaloner, to all appearance, your good aunts have done justice to their
charge."

"Nature has done more, Edward. I never thought that they would have
grown into such lovely girls as they have, although I always thought
that they were handsome."

As they passed Edward caught the eye of Edith, and smiled.

"Alice, that's Edward!" said Edith, so loud as to be heard by the king,
and all near him.

Alice and Edith rose and waved their handkerchiefs, but they were
obliged to cease, and put them to their eyes.

"Are those your sisters, Edward?" said the king.

"They are, your majesty."

The king rose in his stirrups, and made a low obeisance to the window
where they were standing.

"We shall have some court beauties, Beverley," said the king, looking at
him over his shoulder.

As soon as the ceremonies were over, and they could escape from their
attendance on the king's person, Edward and his two friends went to the
house in which resided the Ladies Conynghame and his sisters.

We pass over the joy of this meeting after so many years' absence, and
the pleasure which it gave to Edward to find his sisters grown such
accomplished and elegant young women. That his two friends, who were,
as the reader will recollect, old acquaintances of Alice and Edith, were
warmly received, we hardly need say.

"Now, Edward, who do you think was here to-day--the reigning belle, and
the toast of all the gentlemen?"

"Indeed! I must be careful of my heart. Dear Edith, who is she?"

"No less than one with whom you were formerly well acquainted, Edward--
Patience Heatherstone."

"Patience Heatherstone," cried Edward, "the toast of all London!"

"Yes; and deservedly so, I can assure you: but she is as good as she is
handsome, and, moreover, treats all the gay gallants with perfect
indifference. She is staying with her uncle, Sir Ashley Cooper; and her
father is also in town, for he called here with her to-day."

"When did you hear from Humphrey, Edith?"

"A few days back. He has left the cottage now, altogether."

"Indeed! Where does he reside then?"

"At Arnwood. The house h