ll was
the same which they brought with them from Stickborough Gorse into
Gobblegoose Wood. So the battle raged, and the ladies no doubt were
much interested;--as would have been the bishop had he been there, or
the political economist.

After this Ayala was taken up into her room, and left to sit there by
herself for a while till Lady Albury should send her maid. "My dear,"
said Lady Albury, "there is something on the bed which I expect you
to wear to-night. I shall be broken-hearted if it doesn't fit you.
The frock is a present from Sir Harry; the scarf comes from me. Don't
say a word about it. Sir Harry always likes to make presents to young
ladies." Then she hurried out of the room while Ayala was still
thanking her. Lady Albury had at first intended to say something
about the Colonel as they were sitting together over Ayala's fire,
but she had made up her mind against this as soon as she saw their
manner towards each other on entering the house. If Ayala had
accepted him at a word as they were travelling together, then there
would be need of no further interference in the matter. But if not,
it would be better that she should hold her peace for the present.

Ayala's first instinct was to look at the finery which had been
provided for her. It was a light grey silk, almost pearl colour, as
to which she thought she had never seen anything so lovely before.
She measured the waist with her eye, and knew at once that it
would fit her. She threw the gauzy scarf over her shoulders and
turned herself round before the large mirror which stood near the
fire-place. "Dear Lady Albury!" she exclaimed; "dear Lady Albury!"
It was impossible that she should have understood that Lady Albury's
affection had been shown to Jonathan Stubbs much rather than to her
when those presents were prepared.

She got rid of her travelling dress and her boots, and let down her
hair, and seated herself before the fire, that she might think of
it all in her solitude. Was she or was she not glad,--glad in sober
earnest, glad now the moment of her mirth had passed by, the mirth
which had made her return to Stalham so easy for her,--was she or was
she not glad that this change had come upon the Colonel, this return
to his old ways? She had got her friend again, but she had lost her
lover. She did not want the lover. She was sure of that. She was
still sure that if a lover would come to her who would be in truth
acceptable,--such a lover as would ena