"What is the cause ?" "The most dreadful voyage for her!" ejaculated Miss Deborah.

"The ship may go to the bottom before it gets there." "And not so much as time to _think_ of proper things for her, let alone getting them!" sobbed Miss Amilly.

"It's all a confused mass in my mind together--bonnets, and gowns, and veils, and wreaths, and trunks, and petticoats, and calico things for the voyage!" Lionel felt his lips grow pale.

They were too much engrossed to notice him; nevertheless, he covered his face with his hand as he stood by the mantel-piece.

"Where is she going ?" he quietly asked.
"To Melbourne, with Fred," said Miss Deborah.