ld as necessarily be one of Lizzie's retainers. Mrs. Carbuncle
assented at last to finding the double livery,--but, like a prudent
woman, arranged to get her quid pro quo. "You can add something,
you know, to the present you'll have to give Lucinda. Lucinda shall
choose something up to forty pounds." "We'll say thirty," said
Lizzie, who was beginning to know the value of money. "Split the
difference," said Mrs. Carbuncle, with a pleasant little burst of
laughter,--and the difference was split. That the very neat and
even dandified appearance of the groom who rode out hunting with
them should be provided at the expense of Mrs. Carbuncle was quite
understood; but it was equally well understood that Lizzie was to
provide the horse on which he rode, on every third day. It adds
greatly to the comfort of friends living together when these things
are accurately settled.

Mr. Emilius remained longer than had been anticipated, and did not
go till Lord George and Sir Griffin took their departure. It was
observed that he never spoke of his wife; and yet Mrs. Carbuncle was
almost sure that she had heard of such a lady. He had made himself
very agreeable, and was, either by art or nature, a courteous
man,--one who paid compliments to ladies. It was true, however,
that he sometimes startled his hearers by things which might have
been considered to border on coarseness if they had not been said
by a clergyman. Lizzie had an idea that he intended to marry Miss
Macnulty. And Miss Macnulty certainly received his attentions with
pleasure. In these circumstances his prolonged stay at the castle was
not questioned;--but when towards the end of November Lord George and
Sir Griffin took their departure, he was obliged to return to his
flock.

On the great subject of the diamonds Lizzie had spoken her
mind freely to Mrs. Carbuncle early in the days of their
friendship,--immediately, that is, after the bargainings had been
completed. "Ten thousand pounds!" ejaculated Mrs. Carbuncle, opening
wide her eyes. Lizzie nodded her head thrice, in token of reiterated
assurance. "Do you mean that you really know their value?" The ladies
at this time were closeted together, and were discussing many things
in the closest confidence.

"They were valued for me by jewellers."

"Ten thousand pounds! And Sir Florian gave them to you?"

"Put them round my neck, and told me they were to be mine,--always."

"Generous man!"

"Ah, if you had but known him!