, I
should like to see you again. Come back before Christmas,
at any rate.

"Yours, dear Marian, in solitude,
"NED."

The answer came two days later than return of post, and ran thus:

"Melbourne House, Sark,
"Sunday.
"My dear Ned

"How very provoking about the servants! I do not mind Matilda so
much; but I do think it hard that we could not depend on Armande,
considering all the kindness we have shewn her. I can scarcely
believe that she would have acted so badly unless she were led away
by Matilda, whom I will pack off the moment I return. As to
Armande, I will give her another chance; but she shall have a sharp
talking to. I am quite sure that a great deal more mischief has
been done than you noticed. If the carpet was danced on for three
nights by men in heavy boots, it must be in ribbons. It is really
too bad. I do not want any money. Indeed the twenty pounds you sent
me last was quite unnecessary, as I have nearly sixteen left. What
a rogue Madame is to try and make you pay for my lace! I am sorry
you paid the bill. She had no business to call for her money: she
is _never_ paid so soon by _anybody_. We have had great fun down
here. It has been one continual garden party all through; and the
weather is still lovely. Mr. McQuinch is very colonial: but I think
his ways make the house pleasanter than if he were still English.
Carbury is quite stupid in comparison to this place. I have danced
more than I ever did in my life before; and now we are so tired of
frivolity that if any one ventures to strum a waltz or propose a
game, we all protest. We tried to get up some choral music; but it
was a failure. On Friday, George, who is looked on as a great man
here, was asked to give us a Shakespeare reading. He was only too
glad to be asked; for he had heard Simonton, the actor, read at a
bazaar in Scotland, and was full of Richard the Third in
consequence. He was not very bad; but his imitation of Simonton was
so obvious and so queerly mixed with his own churchy style that he
seemed rather monotonous and affected. At least I thought so. I was
dreadfully uncomfortable during the reading because of Marmaduke,
who behaved scandalously. There were some schoolboys present; and
he not only encourage