Lady Susan was a great help to her in London, and
she feels the comfort of their honesty. They brought her to church
with them one or two mornings, but it knocked her up to walk so
early. Insensibly, I think they do Lady Tyrrell's work in shutting
her up from any of us."

"Spite of croquet, which seems perpetual."

"Chronic and sporadic parties make it so. There are few days
without that or something else. Cricket or the band at the
barracks."

"People say the neighbourhood has never been so gay since Camilla
Vivian's marriage. I sometimes wonder whether anything can be going
to happen," said Jenny with a sigh, not guessing at what Julius was
thinking of; then changing her tone: "Surely Herbert does not go to
it all, and leave you alone? O, Julius! you should not let him."

"Never mind, Jenny, there's no more work now in the holidays than I
am sufficient for; and for him, it is quite as guileless play as
ever he had twenty years ago. It will soon be over, or I should
take it more seriously."

"But it is at such a time!"

"Yes, that is the worst of it. I have thought it over; but while he
is in this mood, the making him feel victimized and interfered with
has a worse effect than the letting him have his swing."

"What is he doing now, I wonder? Here's his sermon-paper on the
table, and a Greek Testament, and Hints on Decorating Churches, with
'Constance Strangeways' on the first leaf--no other book. How long
will this saturnalia last?"

"Up to the Ordination, I fear. You know the good people have
contrived to put bazaar, races, and ball, all into the Ember Week,
and they are the great object of the young ladies' visit. Could you
have him home for a quiet week first?"

"It would not be a quiet week; Edith is in the way of most of these
affairs; besides, to open fire about these young ladies might just
be putting nonsense into an innocent head. Now, I've not seen your
Rectory!"

The said Rectory was in a decided state of fresh, not to say raw,
novelty outside, though the old trees and garden a little softened
its hard grays and strong reds; but it promised to look well when
crumbling and weather-stain had done their work. At the door they
met the pretty young nurse, with a delicate sea-green embroidered
cashmere bundle in her arms.

"Little Lady Green Mantle," exclaimed Jenny.

"Erin-go-bragh," said Julius. "Rose clung to her colours in spite
of all predictions about 'the good people.' Asl