le correspondence of the
family on her hands; for neither of her daughters liked to write, and
she gave the description of the various uncomfortable scenes that took
place. Lord de Courcy's stern and enduring displeasure, and his father's
fast subsiding violence; Lady Kilcoran's distress, and the younger
girls' excitement and amusement; but she said she thought the very
proper and serious way in which Charlotte viewed it, would keep it from
doing them much harm, provided, as was much to be feared, Lord Kilcoran
did not end by keeping the pair always at home, living upon him till Mr.
Fielder could get a situation. In fact, it was difficult to know what
other means there were of providing for them.

At last the wedding took place, and Mrs. Edmonstone wrote a letter,
divided between indignation at the foolish display that had attended it,
and satisfaction at being able at length to fix the day for the meeting
at Hollywell. No one could guess how she longed to be at home again, and
to be once more with Charlie.

Nor were Charles and Amabel less ready to go home, though they could
both truly say that they had much enjoyed their stay at Redclyffe.
Philip was to come with them, and it was privately agreed that he should
return to Redclyffe no more till he could bring Laura with him. Amabel
had talked of her sister to Mrs. Ashford, and done much to smooth the
way; and even on the last day or two, held a few consultations with
Philip, as to the arrangements that Laura would like. One thing,
however, she must ask for her own pleasure. 'Philip,' said she, 'you
must let me have this piano.'

His answer was by look and gesture.

'And I want very much to ask a question, Philip. Will you tell me which
is Sir Hugh's picture?'

'You have been sitting opposite to it every day at dinner.'

'That!' exclaimed Amy. 'From what I heard, I fully expected to have
known Sir Hugh's in a moment, and I often looked at that one, but I
never could see more likeness than there is in almost all the pictures
about the house.'

She went at once to study it again, and wondered more.

'I have seen him sometimes look like it; but it is not at all the strong
likeness I expected.'

Philip stood silently gazing, and certainly the countenance he recalled,
pleading with him to desist from his wilfulness, and bending over him
in his sickness, was far unlike in expression to the fiery youth before
him. In a few moments more, Amabel had run up-stairs, and