The blinds are drawn, which, adding to the gloom of the day, the vast
apartment is in semi-darkness, and it is some time before you can
descry the figures. On a sofa sits Mrs. Kennyfeck in a kind of
travelling-dress, with her bonnet beside her; fragments of ribbons and
stray articles of dress litter the sofa and the table, several trunks
are strewn about, and a maid and a man are performing a _pas de deux_ on
an "imperial," which, in its efforts to close at the lock, is giving
way simultaneously at the hinges. Miss Kennyfeck stands at the chimney
burning notes and letters, of which, as she glances from time to time,
her features betray the tenor; and, lastly, Olivia is lying on a sofa,
her face concealed between her hands, and only the quick palpitation of
her bosom showing that her agitation is not lulled in slumber.

"What does he say? I can't hear him with all that stamping," said Mrs.
Kennyfeck; and her voice was not of the dulcet order.

"He says the post-horses have come, mamma, and wishes to know when he's
to come round with the carriage."

"When I give orders for it; not till then," said she, imperiously; and
the man, abashed in such a presence, departed.

"There, Pearse, leave it so; I cannot bear that noise any longer.
Frances, you need n't wait; I 'll send for you if I want you;" and the
servants withdrew.

"He's at least two hours away, now," said she, addressing her eldest
daughter.

"Very nearly. It wanted only a few minutes to eleven when Mr. Cashel
sent for him."

"I hope, Caroline, that he will remember what is due, not to himself,--I
cannot say that,--but to me, on this occasion. It is impossible that
Cashel can avoid the acknowledgment of his attentions; nothing but your
father's incompetence could permit of his escape."

"It's too late, mamma,--altogether too late. When Aunt Fanny--"

"Don't speak of her; don't even mention her name in my presence," cried
Mrs. Kennyfeck, with an accent of bitter anguish.

"I was merely going to observe, mamma, that her conduct has involved
us in such ridicule, that reparation of the mischief is out of the
question."

"I wish we were away; I cannot bear to stay another day here," said
Olivia, with a deep sigh.

"If Aunt--"

"Don't call her your aunt, Caroline,--I forbid it; she is no sister of
mine; she has been the evil genius of our family all her life long.
But for her and her wiles I had never been married to your father!
Just fancy what a positio