thur.

'I hope you don't mind it?' said Violet, looking anxiously at him.

'Ah, you will enjoy it,' said her ladyship, graciously regarding her
folly.

'Oh, yes, thank you,' said Violet, eagerly.

'Have you been to many balls?'

'Only to one;' and she blushed deeply, and cast down her eyes.

'And so the Brandons are coming to stay! For how long, mamma?' proceeded
Theodora.

'From Wednesday to Saturday,' said Lady Martindale. 'I have been writing
cards for a dinner-party for Wednesday; and your father says there are
some calls that must be returned; and so, my dear, will you be ready by
three?'

'You don't mean me, mamma?' said Theodora, as nobody answered.

'No; you are a resolute rebel against morning visits. You have no
engagement for this afternoon, my dear?'

Violet started, saying, 'I beg your pardon; I did not know you meant me.
Oh, thank you! I am very much obliged.'

'I suppose you will not go with us, Arthur?'

He looked as if he did not like it, but caught a beseeching glance from
his wife, and was beginning to consent, when Theodora exclaimed, 'Oh,
Arthur, don't; it will be such a famous opportunity for that ride.'

'Very well; you know where my cards are, Violet!'

'Yes,' she answered, submissively, though much disappointed, and in
dread of the drive and of the strangers.

'Really, I think you had better go, Arthur,' said John, greatly
displeased at Theodora's tone. 'It is the sort of occasion for doing
things regularly.'

'Indeed, I think so,' said Lady Martindale; 'I wish Arthur would go with
us this once. I doubt if it will be taken well if he does not.'

'You will find no one at home. His going won't make a bit of
difference,' said Theodora, who now regarded keeping him as a matter of
power.

'Surely your ride might wait,' said her mother. 'No, it won't, mamma. It
is to see that old man, Mary's father.'

'What Mary, my dear?'

'The scullery-maid. I want to speak to him about her confirmation; and
the only way is over Whitford Down--all manner of leaping places, so we
must go without Violet.'

Violet feared there was little hope for her, for Arthur looked much
invited by the leaping places, but John made another effort in her
favour, and a great one for him.

'Suppose you accept of me for your escort, Theodora?' Every one looked
astonished, Lady Martindale positively aghast.

'Were you ever on Whitford Down, John?' said Arthur.

'Why, yes,--in old times; I know the place, I