could bring herself to marry either of the young men. It was a pity
that she should feel herself compelled to refuse offers so excellent.
But it was a matter for her own judgment, and one in which he would
not interfere. For two days this almost led to a coldness between the
man and his wife, during which the sufferings of poor Mrs. Dosett
were heartrending.

Not many days after Ayala's return her sister Lucy came to see her.
Certain reasons had caused Lady Tringle to stay at Glenbogie longer
than usual, and the family was now passing through London on their
way to Merle Park. Perhaps it was the fact that the Trafficks had
been effectually extruded from Glenbogie, but would doubtless turn up
at Merle Park, should Lady Tringle take up her residence there before
the autumn was over. That they should spend their Christmas at Merle
Park was an acknowledged thing;--to mamma Tringle an acknowledged
benefit, because she liked to have her daughter with her; to papa
Tringle an acknowledged evil, because he could not endure to be made
to give more than he intended to give. That they should remain there
afterwards through January, and till the meeting of Parliament, was
to be expected. But it was hoped that they might be driven to find
some home for themselves if they were left homeless by Sir Thomas for
awhile. The little plan was hardly successful, as Mr. Traffick had
put his wife into lodgings at Hastings, ready to pounce down on Merle
Park as soon as Lady Tringle should have occupied the house a few
days. Lady Tringle was now going there with the rest of the family,
Sir Thomas having been in town for the last six weeks.

Lucy took advantage of the day which they passed in London, and
succeeded in getting across to the Crescent. At this time she had
heard nothing of Colonel Stubbs, and was full indeed of her own
troubles.

"You haven't seen him?" she said to her sister.

"Seen who?" asked Ayala, who had two "hims" to her bow,--and thought
at the moment rather of her own two "hims" than of Lucy's one.

"Isadore. He said that he would call here." Ayala explained that she
had not seen him, having been absent from town during the last ten
days,--during which Mr. Hamel had in fact called at the house.
"Ayala," continued Lucy, "what am I to do?"

"Stick to him," said Ayala, firmly.

"Of course I shall. But Aunt Emmeline thinks that I ought to give him
up or--"

"Or what?"

"Or go away," said Lucy, very gravely.

"Wher