for though they did not talk of it publicly, lest they should shock Mr.
Edmonstone, they meant to go home directly after their marriage.

To Oxford, then, went Guy; his second letter announced that he had done
tolerably well on his examination; and it came round to the Edmonstones,
that it was a great pity he had not gone up for honours, as he would
certainly have distinguished himself.

Redclyffe was, of course, in a state of great excitement at the news
that Sir Guy was going to be married. Markham was very grand with the
letter that announced it, and could find nothing to grumble about but
that the lad was very young, and it was lucky it was no worse.

Mrs. Ashford was glad it was so good a connection, and obtained all the
intelligence she could from James Thorndale, who spoke warmly of the
Hollywell family in general; and, in particular, said that the young
ladies looked after schools and poor people,--that Miss Edmonstone was
very handsome and clever--a very superior person; but as to Miss Amabel,
he did not know that there was anything to say about her. She was just
like other young ladies, and very attentive to her invalid brother.

Markham's enmity to Mr. Ashford had subsided at the bidding of his
master; and he informed him one day, with great cordiality, that Sir Guy
would be at home the next. He was to sleep that night at Coombe Prior,
and ride to Redclyffe in the morning; and, to the great delight of the
boys, it was at the parsonage door that he dismounted.

Mrs. Ashford looked up in his bright face, and saw no more of the shade
that had perplexed her last winter. His cheeks were deeper red as she
warmly shook hands with him; and then the children sprung upon him for
their old games,--the boys claiming his promise, with all their might,
to take them out to the Shag. She wondered when she should venture to
talk to him about Miss Amabel. He next went to find Markham, and met
him before he reached his house. Markham was too happy not to grant and
grumble more than ever.

'Well, Sir Guy; so here you are! You've lost no time about it, however.
A fine pair of young housekeepers, and a pretty example of early
marriages for the parish!'

Guy laughed. 'You must come and see the example, Markham. I have a
message from Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone, to ask you to come to Hollywell at
Whitsuntide.'

Grunt! 'You are making a fool of me, Sir Guy. What's a plain old man
like me to do among all your lords and ladies, a