uch. Oh, mother!
mother, that you were here!" Indeed, she felt as if Helen were there--by
her actually, though invisibly. A halo of happiness beamed from her.

She moved with a different step, and bloomed with a new beauty. Arthur
saw the change; and the old Lady Rockminster remarked it with her shrewd
eyes.

"What a sly demure little wretch you have been," she whispered to
Laura--while Pen, in great spirits, was laughing, and telling his story
about Huxter--"and how you have kept your secret!"

"How are we to help the young couple?" said Laura. Of course Miss Laura
felt an interest in all young couples, as generous lovers always love
other lovers.

"We must go and see them," said Pen.

"Of course we must go and see them," said Laura. "I intend to be very
fond of Fanny. Let us go this instant. Lady Rockminster, may I have the
carriage?"

"Go now!--why, you stupid creature, it is eleven o'clock at night. Mr.
and Mrs. Huxter have got their nightcaps on, I dare say. And it is time
for you to go now. Good night, Mr. Pendennis."

Arthur and Laura begged for ten minutes more.

"We will go to-morrow morning, then. I will come and fetch you with
Martha."

"An earl's coronet," said Pen, who, no doubt, was pleased himself,
"will have a great effect in Lamb Court and Smithfield. Stay--Lady
Rockminster, will you join us in a little conspiracy?"

"How do you mean conspiracy, young man?"

"Will you please to be a little ill to-morrow; and when old Mr. Huxter
arrives, will you let me call him in? If he is put into a good humour at
the notion of attending a baronet in the country, what influence won't
a countess have on him? When he is softened--when he is quite ripe, we
will break the secret upon him; bring in the young people, extort the
paternal benediction, and finish the comedy."

"A parcel of stuff," said the old lady. "Take your hat, sir. Come away,
miss. There--my head is turned another way. Good night, young people."
And who knows but the old lady thought of her own early days as she went
away on Laura's arm, nodding her head and humming to herself?

With the early morning came Laura and Martha according to appointment;
and the desired sensation was, let us hope, effected in Lamb Court,
whence the three proceeded to wait upon Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Huxter, at
their residence in Charterhouse Lane.

The two ladies looked at each other with great interest, and not a
little emotion on Fanny's part. She had not seen