We'll fill up with country people!"

Six more distinguished names were soon supplied of ladies who would
give their patronage, provided neither toil nor care was required of
them; and still consulting, the two friends took their seats in the
carriage. The time of the bazaar was to be fixed by the opening of
the town-hall, which was to take place on the 12th of September--a
Thursday, the week before the races; and the most propitious days
appeared to be the Tuesday and Wednesday before the Great Backsworth
Cup Day, since the world would then be in an excited, pleasure-
seeking state, favourable to their designs.

"I shall have a party in the house," said Lady Tyrrell: "shall you
be able?"

"I can't tell; you know it does not depend on me, and I certainly
shall not ask it as a favour. Camilla, did I tell you that I tried
to make my father understand the state of things, and speak to
Raymond? But he would only say, that while I am so young and
inexperienced, it is a great advantage for me to live with Mrs.
Poynsett, and that I must be the greatest comfort to her. Papa is
an intense believer in Mrs. Poynsett, and when he once has taken up
a notion nothing will convince him."

"You can't even make capital of this purchase of a house of your
own?"

"I don't like to do that."

"My dear, I see your delicacy and forbearance, and I would not urge
you, if I did not see how deeply your happiness is concerned. Of
course I don't mean merely the authority over the wirthschaft,
though somehow the cares of it are an ingredient in female
contentment; but forgive me, Cecil, I am certain that you will never
take your right place--where you care for it more--till you have a
home of your own."

"Ah!" The responsive sound burst from the very depths of Cecil's
heart, penetrated as they had never been before; but pride and
reserve at once sprang up, and she answered coldly, "I have no
reason to complain."

"Right, my dear Cecil, I like you the better;" and she pressed her
hand.

"It is quite true," said Cecil, withdrawing hers.

"Quite, absolutely true. He would die rather than give you any
reason for the slightest murmur; but, Cecil, dearest, that very
heedfulness shows there is something he cannot give you."

"I don't know why you should say so," answered a proud but choked
voice.

"I say so," replied the clear tones, firmly, though with a touch of
pity, "because I see it. Cecil, poor child, they married you very