Browne called Maggie up
stairs, to examine what clothes would be needed for Edward. And when they
were up, she tried on the black satin gown, which had been her visiting
dress ever since she was married, and which she intended should replace
the old, worn-out bombazine on the day of the visit to Combehurst.

"For Mrs. Buxton is a real born lady," said she; "and I should like to be
well dressed, to do her honor."

"I did not know there was a Mrs. Buxton," said Maggie. "She is never at
church."

"No; she is but delicate and weakly, and never leaves the house. I think
her maid told me she never left her room now."

The Buxton family, root and branch, formed the _piece de resistance_ in the
conversation between Mrs. Browne and her children for the next week. As the
day drew near, Maggie almost wished to stay at home, so impressed was she
with the awfulness of the visit. Edward felt bold in the idea of a new
suit of clothes, which had been ordered for the occasion, and for school
afterwards. Mrs. Browne remembered having heard the rector say, "A woman
never looked so lady-like as when she wore black satin," and kept her
spirits up with that observation; but when she saw how worn it was at the
elbows, she felt rather depressed, and unequal to visiting. Still, for her
children's sake, she would do much.

After her long day's work was ended, Nancy sat up at her sewing. She had
found out that among all the preparations, none were going on for Margaret;
and she had used her influence over her mistress (who half-liked and
half-feared, and entirely depended upon her) to obtain from her an old
gown, which she had taken to pieces, and washed and scoured, and was now
making up, in a way a little old-fashioned to be sure; but, on the whole,
it looked so nice when completed and put on, that Mrs. Browne gave Maggie
a strict lecture about taking great care of such a handsome frock and
forgot that she had considered the gown from which if had been made as
worn out and done for.

CHAPTER II.

At length they were dressed, and Nancy stood on the court-steps, shading
her eyes, and looking after them, as they climbed the heathery slope
leading to Combehurst.

"I wish she'd take her hand sometimes, just to let her know the feel of
her mother's hand. Perhaps she will, at least after Master Edward goes to
school."

As they went along, Mrs. Browne gave the children a few rules respecting
manners and etiquette.

"Maggie! you must si