n there to interfere with the
arrangements of the family, and that she would mope herself to death
alone in that place.

Indeed, it would have been a very dismal abode for poor Laura, who was
not too happy either in Dr. Portman's household, and in the town where
too many things reminded her of the dear parent whom she had lost. But
old Lady Rockminster, who adored her young friend Laura, as soon as
she read in the paper of her loss, and of her presence in the country,
rushed over from Baymouth, where the old lady was staying, and insisted
that Laura should remain six months, twelve months, all her life with
her; and to her ladyship's house, Martha from Fairoaks, as femme de
chambre, accompanied her young mistress.

Pen and Warrington saw her depart. It was difficult to say which of the
young men seemed to regard her the most tenderly. "Your cousin is pert
and rather vulgar, my dear, but he seems to have a good heart," little
Lady Rockminster said, who said her say about everybody--"but I like
Bluebeard best. Tell me, is he touche au coeur?"

"Mr. Warrington has been long--engaged," Laura said, dropping her eyes.

"Nonsense, child! And good heavens, my dear! that's a pretty diamond
cross. What do you mean by wearing it in the morning?"

"Arthur--my brother, gave it me just now. It was--it was----"

She could not finish the sentence. The carriage passed over the bridge,
and by the dear, dear gate of Fairoaks--home no more.

CHAPTER LIX. Old Friends

It chanced at that great English festival, at which all London takes a
holiday upon Epsom Downs, that a great number of the personages to whom
we have been introduced in the course of this history, were assembled to
see the Derby. In a comfortable open carriage, which had been brought
to the ground by a pair of horses, might be seen Mrs. Bungay, of
Paternoster Row, attired like Solomon in all his glory, and having by
her side modest Mrs. Shandon, for whom, since the commencement of
their acquaintance, the worthy publisher's lady had maintained a steady
friendship. Bungay, having recreated himself with a copious luncheon,
was madly shying at the sticks hard by, till the perspiration ran off
his bald pate. Shandon was shambling about among the drinking tenants
and gipsies: Finucane constant in attendance on the two ladies, to
whom gentlemen of their acquaintance, and connected with the publishing
house, came up to pay a visit.

Among others, Mr. Archer came up