at her town life was not to
begin till after Christmas, and now she was unable to prevail. She and
the family were in this uncomfortable condition when Mrs. Montacute
Jones' letter came for her consolation. As it contained tidings, more
or less accurate, concerning many persons named in this chronicle, it
shall be given entire. Mrs. Montacute Jones was a great writer of
letters, and she was wont to communicate many details among her friends
and acquaintances respecting one another. It was one of the marvels of
the day that Mrs. Jones should have so much information; and no one
could say how or whence she got it.

"CURRY HALL, _December 12, 187--_."

Curry Hall was the name of Mr. Jones' seat in Gloucestershire, whereas,
as all the world knew, Killancodlem was supposed to belong to Mrs.
Jones herself.

"DEAREST LADY GEORGE,--We have been here for the last six weeks,
quite quiet. A great deal too quiet for me, but for the three or
four winter months, I am obliged to give way a little to Mr.
Jones. We have had the Mildmays here, because they didn't seem to
have any other place to go to. But I barred the Baroness. I am
told that she is now bringing an action against Aunt Ju, who
unfortunately wrote the letter which induced the woman to come
over from--wherever she came from. Poor Aunt Ju is in a terrible
state, and wants her brother to buy the woman off,--which he will
probably have to do. That's what comes, my dear, of meddling with
disabilities. I know my own disabilities, but I never think of
interfering with Providence. Mr. Jones was made a man, and I was
made a woman. So I put up with it, and I hope you will do the
same.

"Mr. and Mrs. Green are here also, and remain till Christmas when
the Giblets are coming. It was the prettiest wedding in the world,
and they have been half over Europe since. I am told he's the
happiest man in the world, and the very best husband. Old Gossling
didn't like it at all, but every stick is entailed, and they say
he's likely to have gout in his stomach, so that everything will
go pleasantly. Lord Giblet himself is loud against his father,
asking everybody whether it was to be expected that in such a
matter as that he shouldn't follow his own inclination. I do hope
he'll show a little gratitude to me. But it's an ungrateful world,
and they'll probably both f