. That is one reason why I fear I shall
not see much of your mother; they are never tired, and I shall never
get out alone. The house is to be full of people, and we are to be
very gay."

She spoke with a tone that betrayed how little pleasure she
expected, though it strove to be uncomplaining; and Julius, who had
learnt something of poor Frank's state of jealous misery, heartily
wished the Strangeways family further, regarding the intimacy as a
manoeuvre of Lady Tyrrell's, and doubting how far all Eleonora's
evident struggles would keep her out of the net; and though while
talking to her he had not the slightest doubt of her sincerity, he
had not long set her down at the lodge before he remembered that she
was a Vivian.

Meantime Rosamond, carrying some medicament to old Betty Reynolds,
found the whole clan in excitement at the appearance of Joe in all
his buttons, looking quite as honest and innocent, though a good
deal more civilized, than when he was first discovered among the
swine.

"Only to think," said his great-grandmother, "that up in London all
they could gie to he was a bad penny."

"It is the bronze medal, my lady," said Joshua, with a blush; "the
second prize for crayons in our section."

"Indeed," cried Rosamond. "You are a genius, Joe, worthy of your
namesake. There are many that would be proud to have the grandson
you have, Betty."

"Tubby sure," added an aunt-in-law, "'tis cheap come by. Such
things to make a young lad draught. They ought to be ashamed of
themselves, they did oughter. Shut it up, Josh; don't be showing it
to the lady--'tis nothing but the bare back of a sweep."

"My lady and Miss Vivian have seen it," said Joshua, blushing.
"'Tis torso, my lady, from a cast from the museum."

"A black-looking draught," repeated the grandmother. "I tells Joe
if he drawed like King Geaarge's head up at Wil'sbro' on the sign,
with cheeks like apples, and a gould crown atop, he'd arn his
bread."

"All in good time, Betty. He can't colour till he can draw. I'm
glad to see him looking so well."

"Yes, my lady, he do have his health torrablish, though he lives in
a underground sort of a place; and they fine servants puts upon he
shameful."

"Granny!" muttered Joshua, in expostulation.

"He's a brave boy, and does not mind roughing it, so he can get on,"
said Rosamond.

"And the ladies are very good to me," said the boy.

"Show Lady Rosamond the draught you did of Miss Vivian, li