nd in despair. "I know someone else to whom
that epithet would apply uncommonly well. This is worse than I
expected! I'll give him one more chance, and then--" But at the third
hearing Mr Newcome was discoursing on "allegorical figures and pseudo-
classic statues," whereupon Raymond dashed off into the house and
horrified his sisters by an account of his experiences.

"What a shame to listen like that! Lettice would be furious if she
knew."

"It was for her own good. Poor little soul! I'm sorry for her. What
on earth made him choose tombstones as a topic of conversation."

"I know. He has been staying in Canterbury. Lettice told me that he
had written to her about the Cathedral," said Norah dolefully. "I
wonder if I ought to go and join them! She asked me, and pinched my arm
to make me say yes, but I thought Arthur looked as if he didn't want me.
Can't we make an excuse and call her in? She looks _so_ tired."

"Well, they are the funniest pair of lovers I have ever seen!" said
Raymond, nodding his head with a knowing look, as if he had had an
extensive knowledge of engaged couples, whereas he had never been in the
house with one before. And just at that moment in marched Lettice, her
fair face disfigured by a weary, irritable expression.

"I think you are all very unkind! I asked you to come into the garden.
It's very mean to leave me all alone, when I have only a f-f-fortnight
more at home!" The last word in a burst of tears, and she ran hurriedly
upstairs to her own room.

What was to be the end of it all? Her sisters stared at each other with
wide, frightened eyes, too miserable and uneasy to speak.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

BEFORE THE WEDDING.

A week before the wedding Miss Carr came down from London, and with her
came also Mr Herbert Rayner, who had paid frequent visits to
Westmoreland during the last few years, and was now regarded as a family
friend who could not be spared on such an historical occasion. His
lameness was not any better for the lapse of time, but Hilary's
exhortations had taken effect, for he was much less sensitive about his
inability to do as the other men did, while as for the rest, he had
every reason to be cheerful nowadays, for his writings were so highly
praised that Mr Bertrand affected jealousy, and declared that his own
sun was eclipsed. There was a very warm friendship between the two men;
both declared that they gained inspiration from the other, and Raymo