er mother's letter had not been
propitious to the movement. If the places were taken, of course she
must come. So said the Countess. It was not simply that the money
should not be lost, but that the people at Yoxham must not be allowed
to think that her daughter was over anxious to stay. "Does your mamma
want to have you back?" asked aunt Julia. Lady Anna would not say
that her mother wanted her back, but simply pleaded again that the
places had been taken.

When the morning came for her departure, the carriage was ordered to
take her into York, and the question arose as to who should go with
her. It was incumbent on the rector, who held an honorary stall in
the cathedral, to be with the dean and his brother prebendaries on
that day, and the use of his own carriage would be convenient to him.

"I think I'll have the gig," said the rector.

"My dear Charles," pleaded his sister, "surely that will be foolish.
She can't hurt you."

"I don't know that," said the rector. "I think she has hurt me very
much already. I shouldn't know how to talk to her."

"You may be sure that Frederic means to go on with it," said Mrs.
Lovel.

"It would have been better for Frederic if he had never seen her,"
said the rector; "and I'm sure it would have been better for me."

But he consented at last, and he himself handed Lady Anna into the
carriage. Mrs. Lovel accompanied them, but Aunt Julia made her
farewells in the rectory drawing-room. She managed to get the girl to
herself for a moment or two, and thus she spoke to her. "I need not
tell you that, for yourself, my dear, I like you very much."

"Oh, thank you, Miss Lovel."

"I have heartily wished that you might be our Frederic's wife."

"It can never be," said Lady Anna.

"I won't give up all hope. I don't pretend to understand what there
is amiss between you and Frederic, but I won't give it up. If it is
to be so, I hope that you and I may be loving friends till I die.
Give me a kiss, my dear." Lady Anna, whose eyes were suffused with
tears, threw herself into the arms of the elder lady and embraced
her.

Mrs. Lovel also kissed her, and bade God bless her as she parted from
her at the coach door; but the rector was less demonstrative. "I hope
you will have a pleasant journey," he said, taking off his clerical
hat.

"Let it go as it may," said Mrs. Lovel, as she walked into the close
with her husband, "you may take my word, she's a good girl."

"I'm afraid she's sly," s