e forced so
to do, if it be intended that any further doubt should be
raised. In such case he desires to be free to hold his
former opinion. Therefore pray write to us, and tell us
what you wish to have done. I can assure you that we are
at present very uncomfortable.

Believe me to be,
My dear Frederic,
Your most affectionate aunt,

JULIA LOVEL.

The Earl received this before his interview with Sir William, but
left it unanswered till after he had seen that gentleman. Then he
wrote as follows:--

Carlton Club, 5th September, 183--.

MY DEAR AUNT JULIA,

Will you tell my uncle that I think you had better get
Lady Anna to stay at the rectory as long as possible. I'll
let you know all about it very soon. Best love to aunt
Jane.

I am,
Your affectionate nephew,

LOVEL.

This very short epistle was most unsatisfactory to the rector, but
it was felt by them all that nothing could be done. With such an
injunction before them, they could not give the girl a hint that they
wished her to go. What uncle or what aunt, with such a nephew as Lord
Lovel, so noble and so poor, could turn out an heiress with twenty
thousand a year, as long as there was the slightest chance of a
marriage? Not a doubt would have rankled in their minds had they been
quite sure that she was the heiress. But, as it was, the Earl ought
to have said more than he did say.

"I cannot keep myself from feeling sometimes that Frederic does take
liberties with me," the rector said to his sister. But he submitted.
It was a part of the religion of the family,--and no little
part,--that they should cling to their head and chief. What would the
world have been to them if they could not talk with comfortable ease
and grace of their nephew Frederic?

During this time Anna spoke more than once to Mrs. Lovel as to her
going. "I have been a long time here," she said, "and I'm sure that
I am in Mr. Lovel's way."

"Not in the least, my dear. If you are happy, pray stay with us."

This was before the arrival of the brief epistle,--when they were
waiting to know whether they were to dismiss their guest from Yoxham,
or to retain her.

"As for being happy, nobody can be happy, I think, till all this is
settled. I will write to mamma, and tell her that I had better return
to her. Mamma is all alone."

"I don't know that I can advise, my dear; but as far as we are
concerned, we shall be very glad