ast rude if I preferred to have dinner
in my room.

I don't want to have dinner in my room. Think of the stuffiness of it! And
perhaps hearing laughter going on down-stairs.

I can always amuse myself watching faces, however dull they are. I thanked
her, and said it would not be at all necessary, as I must get accustomed
to seeing people. I could not count upon always meeting hostesses with
such kind thoughts as hers, and I might as well get used to it.

She said "Yes," but not cordially.

To-morrow Mrs. Mackintosh, the eldest daughter, is arriving with her four
children. I remember her wedding five years ago. I have never seen her
since.

She was very tall and thin, and stooped dreadfully, and Mrs. Carruthers
said Providence had been very kind in giving her a husband at all. But
when Mr. Mackintosh tittuped down the aisle with her, I did not think so.

A wee, sandy fellow about up to her shoulder!

Oh, I would hate to be tied to that! I think to be tied to anything could
not be very nice. I wonder how I ever thought of marrying Mr. Carruthers
offhand!

I feel now I shall never marry, for years. Of course one can't be an old
maid, but for a long time I mean to see life first.

TRYLAND,

Thursday, _November 10th._

BRANCHES,

_Wednesday._

DEAR MISS TRAVERS,--

I regret exceedingly I was unable to come over to Tryland
to-day, but hope to do so before you leave. I trust you are
well, and did not catch cold on the drive.

Yours, very truly,

CHRISTOPHER CARRUTHERS.

_This_ is what I get this morning! Pig!

Well, I sha'n't be in if he does come. I can just see him pulling
himself together once temptation (it makes me think of Malcolm!) is out
of his way; he no doubt feels he has had an escape, as I am nobody very
grand.

The letters come early here, as everywhere, but in a bag which only Mr.
Montgomerie can open, and one has to wait until every one is seated at
breakfast before he produces the key and deals them all out.

Mr. Carruthers's was the only one for me, and it had "Branches" on the
envelope, which attracted Mr. Montgomerie's attention, and he began to
"burrrr," and hardly gave me