utton-maker's sister, in
Manchester.'

This arrow was well shot.

'But don't be frightened: you are richer as well as younger; and, no doubt,
will have your chance first, my dear; and in the meantime, I dare say,
those verses, like Falstaff's _billet-doux,_ you know, are doing double
duty.'

I laughed, but the button-maker was a secret trouble to me; and I would
have given I know not what that Captain Oakley were one of the company,
that I might treat him with the refined contempt which his deserts and my
dignity demanded.

Cousin Monica busied herself about Milly's toilet, and was a very useful
lady's maid, chatting in her own way all the time; and, at last, tapping
Milly under the chin with her finger, she said, very complacently--

'I think I have succeeded, Miss Milly; look in the glass. She really is a
very pretty creature.'

And Milly blushed, and looked with a shy gratification, which made her
still prettier, on the mirror.

Milly indeed was very pretty. She looked much taller now that her dresses
were made of the usual length. A little plump she was, beautifully fair,
with such azure eyes, and rich hair.

'The more you laugh the better, Milly, for you've got very pretty
teeth--very pretty; and if you were my daughter, or if your father would
become president of a college of magicians, and give you up to me, I
venture to say I would place you very well; and even as it is we must try,
my dear.'

So down to the drawing-room we went; and Cousin Monica entered, leading us
both by the hands.

By this time the curtains were closed, and the drawing-room dependent on
the pleasant glow of the fire, and the slight provisional illumination
usual before dinner.

'Here are my two cousins,' began Lady Knollys: 'this is Miss Ruthyn, of
Knowl, whom I take the liberty of calling Maud; and this is Miss Millicent
Ruthyn, Silas's daughter, you know, whom I venture to call Milly; and they
are very pretty, as you will see, when we get a little more light, and they
know it very well themselves.'

And as she spoke, a frank-eyed, gentle, prettyish lady, not so tall as I,
but with a very kind face, rose up from a book of prints, and, smiling,
took our hands.

She was by no means young, as I then counted youth--past thirty, I
suppose--and with an air that was very quiet, and friendly, and engaging.
She had never been a mere fashionable woman plainly; but she had the ease
and polish of the best society, and seemed to take