CHAPTER XII.

Oh weariness beyond what asses feel,
That tread the circuit of the cistern-wheel,
A dull rotation, never at a stay,
Yesterday's face twin image of to-day.

COWPER.

WO rainy days interrupted the intercourse

Two

between the two families, and Norah was quite pleased by Ellen's evident restlessness under the privation, not aware that it was chiefly due to her anxiety to learn how matters lay between Lady Harriet and Sir Charles. 'I dare say the rain will not keep Lord John at home,' Norah said, hopefully, on Monday; but the day wore away, and he never came. Late in the afternoon, however, Ellen received a communication from Cecil, which she read with eager curiosity.

'MY DEAREST ELLEN,

I am longing for a talk, and had nearly sent the carriage for you, but it will be wanted to fetch Mary and Papa from the station, and cannot go out twice in this rain. Johnny and I have both got colds, and Johnny is sitting over the fire, reading French novels and looking deplorable; but I have no doubt we shall both make

a recovery for the ball to-morrow. My predictions were so accurate that they leave me little to tell. Sir Charles came that evening and talked to no one but Harriet; and when the party broke up, we went up to Mamma's room, Johnny and all, and had a scene. Mamma said that the marriage could not be, and Harriet was tearful and submissive, and retreated to her own room to cry in peace. Then Johnny and I protested; he was delightfully eloquent and inconsequent, proving Sir Charles's riches and Harriet's preference for poverty in the same breath. I ventured the hit of inexpensive tastes,' and suppressed the fact that Mr. Vane had been entertaining me all the evening with an account of the hunters in the Allonby stables. Very soon Mamma relented so far as to say, that she was sure Papa would never give his consent; which means that she will insist on his doing so. In the meanwhile, of course Sir Charles is not admitted, and Harriet wanders about like a restless ghost, retiring at intervals to her own room, and coming back with very red eyes, which provoke Mrs. Lewis to ask her if she has not caught cold also. I have no doubt that it will be satisfactorily settled; Sir Charles must sell his commission, and his hunters, and settle down as a prudent country gentleman; and I shall go and stay with them, and think my brother-in-law a little dull, and the Lincolnshire society rather heavy. Good bye, ma mie; keep this to yourself until we meet. A thousand loves from Harriet, and believe me always your

6 CECIL.'

I

Ellen was grateful to Norah for not inquiring what the contents of such a long note could be, and for appearing so happily unconscious of the excitement into which it had thrown her. The sensation of coming in contact with a real and living romance was altogether new and delightful; especially as it diverted her thoughts from speculations of which she was weary, on the true nature of her relations with Lord John.

'There is Colonel Oliphant arriving,' said Phil, from the window; he has chosen the seediest cab and horse he could pick off the stand.'

'I am glad he has come back,' said Norah; 'I was afraid that he might have stayed in town in order to avoid the ball. He will be another partner for you, Nelly.'

Ellen was also glad; not so much for the sake of the ball, as because Hugh's return must enliven their evenings with the Aymers, which had latterly been rather tedious. She went to dress less unwillingly than usual, and did not often remonstrate with Norah for bestowing so much time and care on braiding her long, fair hair.

The last week had increased Ellen's selfpossession; she could shake hands with Colonel Oliphant without blushing; and she made no attempt to take refuge behind Norah's chair. It had added also to her beauty; at least Hugh had never been so much struck with it.

'I hope,' he said to Ellen, as they went down to dinner, that this week has passed more agreeably with you than with me.'

'Oh yes, thank you; we have ridden almost every day.'

'And that is a definition of happiness?' said Hugh, with a smile.

Of pleasure, at least. I have enjoyed it so very much.'

'I wonder,' said Hugh, whether Phil can be induced to let me have my chesnut one day; I have never been out with the grey pony, and I want to see how they go together.'

'Phil will condescend to ride the grey when he can have nothing better,' said Ellen; and she was a little puzzled, when Hugh answered drily:

"Thank you; I shall be glad of his company.' "I hope,' said Norah, 'that we may have fine weather at Houghton, that Ellen may pursue her riding.'

'At Houghton! Are you going there?' said Colonel Oliphant, in a tone of surprise.

Even so, Colonel Oliphant,' rejoined Norah, gaily; 'your astonishment is not very complimentary.'

'I did not mean to be uncivil, but this sudden intimacy is astonishing. You had not seen Lady Calton when I went away.'

'No; but in the interval we have made good use of our time. We have seen at least as much of her as of you; from which I conclude, that if you had a country house, we must not expect to be hospitably received.'

'I do not attempt to defend myself, Mrs. Kerr. You yourself warned me not to argue with a lady.'

'Or with a gentleman either when you have the worst of it,' retorted Norah. She spoke with perfect good humour; but Hugh looked less placid, presently asking in an aggrieved tone when the visit was to take place.

'Next Wednesday,' said Norah; 'do you not wish that you were included in the invitation ?’

'Certainly not. I was very much bored with my last visit to Houghton. One Oakleigh at a time is very well; but collectively, their high spirits and vivacity become very oppressive.'

'A week's solitude has made you more morose than usual, Hugh,' observed his sister.

'The ball will put him on good terms with the world again,' said Norah; ' Ellen and I were quite uneasy, lest you should not come back for it.'

'Were you?' said Hugh, and his face brightened; 'I mean to go through it like other disagreeable duties; and Janet may call on me for a quadrille every time she sees me yawn.'

'Do you really mean not to dance at all?' said Mrs. Aymer.

That must depend on Miss Kerr. Any dance she pleases to name shall be at her disposal.'

'I am engaged for the first,' said Ellen; adding with playful daring, 'Lady Cecil expects you to dance with her.'

'Lady Cecil is always engaged three deep. If I dance with any of the Calton party, it will be with Miss Mortimer, who is apt to be neglected.'

Ellen thought that Lady Harriet would have triumphed in her discernment if she had heard this.