Finally luncheon came to an end, and the three ladies went up to Ethelrida's sitting-room.

Mrs.
Radcliffe presently took her leave to catch a train, so the two were left alone.
"I am so looking forward to your party, dear Ethelrida," Lady Highford cooed.

"I am going back to Hampshire to-morrow, but at the end of the month I come up again and will be with you in Norfolk on the 2nd." "I was just wondering," said Lady Ethelrida, "if, after all, you would not be bored, Laura?
Your particular friends, the Sedgeworths, have had to throw us over--his father being dead.

It will be rather a family sort of collection, and not so amusing this year, I am afraid.

Em and Mary, Tristram and his new bride,--and Mr.Markrute, the uncle--and the rest as I told you." "Why, my dear child, it sounds delightful! I shall long to meet the new Lady Tancred! Tristram and I are such dear friends, poor darling boy! I must write and tell him how delighted I am with the news.