Glastonbury did not recognise me, grandmamma,' said Lord Montfort.

'These sweet children have all grown out of your sight, Mr.
Glastonbury,' said the duchess; 'but they are very good. And as for
Digby, I really think he comes to see his poor grandmother every day.'

The duke and duchess, and two young daughters, were now announced.

'I was so sorry that I was not at home when you called, Glastonbury,'
said his Grace; 'but I thought I should soon hear of you at
grandmamma's.'

'And, dear Mr. Glastonbury, why did you not come up and see me?' said
the younger duchess.

'And, dear Mr. Glastonbury, do you remember me?' said one beautiful
daughter.

'And me, Mr. Glastonbury, me? I am Isabella.'

Blushing, smiling, bowing, constrained from the novelty of his
situation, and yet every now and then quite at ease when his ear
recalled a familiar voice, dear Mr. Glastonbury was gratified and happy.
The duke took him aside, and they were soon engaged in conversation.

'How is Henrietta to-day, Digby?' enquired Isabella.

'I left her an hour ago; we have been riding, and expected to meet you
all. She will be here immediately.'

There was a knock, and soon the drawing-room door opened, and Miss
Temple was announced.

'I must make papa's apologies,' said Henrietta, advancing and embracing
the old duchess. 'I hope he may get here in the evening: but he bade
me remind your Grace that your kind invitation was only provisionally
accepted.'

'He is quite right,' said the old lady; 'and indeed I hardly expected
him, for he told me there was a public dinner which he was obliged
to attend. I am sure that our dinner is a very private one indeed,'
continued the old lady with a smile. 'It is really a family party,
though there is one member of the family here whom you do not know, my
dear Miss Temple, and whom, I am sure, you will love as much as all of
us do. Digby, where is------'

At this moment dinner was announced. Lord Montfort offered his arm to
Henrietta. 'There, lead the way,' said the old lady; 'the girls must
beau themselves, for I have no young men to-day for them. I suppose man
and wife must be parted, so I must take my son's arm; Mr. Glastonbury,
you will hand down the duchess.' But before Glastonbury's name was
mentioned Henrietta was half-way down stairs.

The duke and his son presided at the dinner. Henrietta sat on one side
of Lord Montfort, his mother on the other. Glastonbury sat on the right
hand of the duk