"I regret," she went on hurriedly, "that I have not been able to fall in with Mr.Tombey's plans." "Ah!" said Lady Holmhurst; "I am sorry, for some things.

Mr.Tombey is such a very nice young man, and so very gentlemanlike.

I thought that perhaps it might suit your views, and it would have simplified your future arrangements.

But as to that, of course, while you are in New Zealand, I shall be able to see to that.

By-the-way, it is understood that you come to stay with us for a few months at Government House, before you hunt up your cousin." "You are very good to me, Lady Holmhurst," said Augusta, with something like a sob.
"Suppose, my dear," answered the great lady, laying her little hand upon Augusta's beautiful hair, "that you were to drop the 'Lady Holmhurst' and call me 'Bessie ?' it sounds so much more sociable, you know, and, besides; it is shorter, and does not waste so much breath." Then Augusta sobbed outright, for her nerves were shaken: "You don't know what your kindness means to me," she said; "I have never had a friend, and since my darling died I have been so very lonely!".