a plan of
the estate, and the old housekeeper had prepared a collation in honour
of her lord and master.

Then they inspected the kitchen and stables, about both of which Sir
Francis was rather interested, and Captain Strong was for examining
the gardens; but the Baronet said, "D---- the gardens, and that sort of
thing!" and finally he drove away from the house as unconcernedly as he
had entered it; and that night the people of Clavering learned that Sir
Francis Clavering had paid a visit to the Park, and was coming to live
in the county.

When this fact came to be known at Chatteris, all the folks in the place
were set in commotion: High Church and Low Church, half-pay captains and
old maids and dowagers, sporting squireens of the viciniage, farmers,
tradesmen, and factory people--all the population in and round about
the little place. The news was brought to Fairoaks, and received by the
ladies there, and by Mr. Pen, with some excitement. "Mrs. Pybus says
there is a very pretty girl in the family, Arthur," Laura said, who was
as kind and thoughtful upon this point as women generally are: "a Miss
Amory, Lady Clavering's daughter by her first marriage. Of course, you
will fall in love with her as soon as she arrives."

Helen cried out, "Don't talk nonsense, Laura." Pen laughed, and said,
"Well, there is the young Sir Francis for you."

"He is but four years old," Miss Laura replied. "But I shall console
myself with that handsome officer, Sir Francis's friend. He was at
church last Sunday, in the Clavering pew, and his mustachios were
beautiful."

Indeed the number of Sir Francis's family (whereof the members have all
been mentioned in the above paragraphs) was pretty soon known in his
town, and everything else, as nearly as human industry and ingenuity
could calculate, regarding his household. The Park avenue and grounds
were dotted now with town folks of the summer evenings, who made their
way up to the great house, peered about the premises, and criticised
the improvements which were taking place there. Loads upon loads of
furniture arrived in numberless vans from Chatteris and London; and
numerous as the vans are, there was not one but Captain Glanders knew
what it contained, and escorted the baggage up to the Park House.

He and Captain Edward Strong had formed an intimate acquaintance by this
time. The younger Captain occupied those very lodgings at Clavering,
which the peaceful Smirke had previously tenante