"Ah!--if one could always be fortunate when one loved!" said Mr.
Emilius, casting his eyes across to Lizzie Eustace. It was evident to
them all that he did not wish to conceal his passion.

It was the object of Mrs. Carbuncle that the lovers should not be
left alone together, but that they should be made to think that they
were passing the evening in affectionate intercourse. Lucinda hardly
spoke, hardly had spoken since her disagreeable struggle with Sir
Griffin. He said but little, but with Mrs. Carbuncle was better
humoured than usual. Every now and then she made little whispered
communications to him, telling that they would be sure to be at the
church at eleven to the moment, explaining to him what would be the
extent of Lucinda's boxes for the wedding tour, and assuring him that
he would find Lucinda's new maid a treasure in regard to his own
shirts and pocket-handkerchiefs. She toiled marvellously at little
subjects, always making some allusion to Lucinda, and never hinting
that aught short of Elysium was in store for him. The labour was
great; the task was terrible; but now it was so nearly over! And to
Lizzie she was very courteous, never hinting by a word or a look that
there was any new trouble impending on the score of the diamonds.
She, too, as she received the greasy compliments of Mr. Emilius with
pretty smiles, had her mind full enough of care.

At last Sir Griffin went, again kissing his bride as he left. Lucinda
accepted his embrace without a word and almost without a shudder.
"Eleven to the moment, Sir Griffin," said Mrs. Carbuncle, with her
best good humour. "All right," said Sir Griffin as he passed out of
the door. Lucinda walked across the room, and kept her eyes fixed on
his retreating figure as he descended the stairs. Mr. Emilius had
already departed, with many promises of punctuality, and Lizzie
now withdrew for the night. "Dear Lizzie, good night," said Mrs.
Carbuncle, kissing her.

"Good night, Lady Eustace," said Lucinda. "I suppose I shall see you
to-morrow?"

"See me!--of course you will see me. I shall come into your room with
the girls, after you have had your tea." The girls mentioned were
the four bridesmaids, as to whom there had been some difficulty,
as Lucinda had neither sister nor cousins, and had contracted no
peculiarly tender friendships. But Mrs. Carbuncle had arranged it,
and four properly-equipped young ladies were to be in attendance at
ten on the morrow.

Then Luc