rch porch, and you haven't told him yet. Run to him, but
promise first."

"What?"

"That you will write."

"I promise."

CHAPTER XXI.

HONORIA'S LETTERS.

1.

"CARWITHIEL, Oct. 25, 18--."

"MY DEAR TAFFY,--Your letter was full of news, and I read it
over twice: once to myself, and again after dinner to George
and Sir Harry. We pictured you dining in the college hall.
Thanks to your description, it was not very difficult: the long
tables, the silver tankards, the dark panels and the dark
pictures above, and the dons on the dais, aloof and very
sedate. It reminded me of Ivanhoe--I don't know why; and no
doubt if ever I see Magdalen, it will not be like my fancy in
the least. But that's how I see it; and you at a table near
the bottom of the hall, like the youthful squire in the
story-books--the one, you know, who sits at the feast below the
salt until he is recognised and forced to step up and take his
seat with honour at the high table. I began to explain all
this to George, but found that he had dropped asleep in his
chair. He was tired out after a long day with the pheasants."

"I shall stay here for a week or two yet, perhaps. You know how
I hate Tredinnis. On my way over, I called at the Parsonage
and saw your mother. She was writing that very day, she said,
and promised to send my remembrances, which I hope duly reached
you. The Vicar was away at the church, of course. There is
great talk of the Bishop coming in February, when all will be
ready. George sends his love; I saw him for a few minutes at
breakfast this morning, before he started for another day with
the pheasants."

"Your friend,"
"HONORIA."

2.

"CARWITHIEL, Nov. 19, 18--."

"MY DEAR TAFFY,--Still here, you see! I am slipping this into a
parcel containing a fire-screen which I have worked with my
very own hands; and I trust you will be able to recognise the
shield upon it and the Magdalen lilies. I send it, first, as a
birthday present; and I chose the shield--well, I dare say that
going in for a demy-ship is a matter-of-fact affair to you, who
have grown so exceedingly matter-of-fact; but to me it seems a
tremendous adventure; and so I chose a shield--for I suppose
the dons would frown if you wore a co