It seems to me that the uncle and aunt are a good deal shrewder than the London public; it is borne in upon me by various indications that they know exactly what their niece's popularity depends on, and that it very possibly may not be a long-lived one.

Accordingly, they have determined on two things: first, that she shall make as much money for the family as can by any means be made; and, secondly, that she shall find her way into London society, and secure, if possible, a great _parti_ before the enthusiasm for her has had time to chill.

One hears various stories of the uncle, all in this sense; I cannot say how true they are.
'However, the upshot of the supper-party was that next day Wallace, Forbes, and I met at Mrs.Stuart's house, and formed a Sunday League for the protection of Miss Bretherton from her family; in other words, we mean to secure that she has occasional rest and country air on Sunday--her only free day.

Mrs.Stuart has already wrung out of Mrs.
Worrall, by a little judicious scaring, permission to carry her off for two Sundays--one this month and one next--and Miss Bretherton's romantic side, which is curiously strong in her, has been touched by the suggestion that the second Sunday should be spent at Oxford.
'Probably for the first Sunday--a week hence--we shall go to Surrey.

You remember Hugh Farnham's property near Leith Hill?
I know all the farms about there from old shooting days, and there is one on the edge of some great commons, which would be perfection on a May Sunday.