devise for getting rid of an
infidel governess!' said John.

And as they dispersed, he stood looking after his sister, thinking that
there was more excuse for her inconsistencies than he had yet afforded
her, and that, in fact, she deserved credit for being what she was. His
aunt had done even more harm than the ruin of his happiness.

Theodora triumphed, and carried Arthur off, but Violet found the reality
of the expedition less formidable than the anticipation. She knew her
mother would have enjoyed seeing her well dressed, and setting forth
in that style; the drive was agreeable, and Lady Martindale kind and
gracious. Alone with her, she lost much of her dread, and felt better
acquainted; but all froze up into coldness when they came home.

The ladies at Rickworth had not been at home; and as they did not arrive
on the Wednesday till Violet had gone to dress, she had time to frighten
herself by imagining an heiress on the pattern of Lady Martindale, and
an earl's daughter proportionably unapproachable. Her trepidation was
increased by Arthur's not coming in, though she heard guests arriving,
and when at last he appeared, it was so late, that he desired her to go
down and say he was 'just ready.'

It was a serious thing to encounter alone that great saloon full of
strangers, and with cheeks of the brightest carnation Violet glided in,
and after delivering her message to Lord Martindale, was glad to find
herself safely seated on an ottoman, whence she looked for the chief
guests. In the distance, beside Lady Martindale, sat a quiet elderly
lady in black; Theodora was paying a sort of scornful half-attention
to a fine showy girl, who was talking rather affectedly; and, thought
Violet, no one but an heiress could wear so many bracelets.

Her survey completed, she became conscious that a small, fair-haired,
pale girl was sitting near her, looking so piteously shy and
uncomfortable, that she felt bound to try and set her at ease, and
ventured an observation on the weather. It was responded to, and
something about the harvest followed; then, how pretty the country, and,
thereupon, Violet said it only wanted mountains to be beautiful.

'Ah! when one has once seen a mountain one cannot forget it.'

'Never!' said Violet. 'I miss Helvellyn every morning when I look out of
window.'

'Do you know the Lake country?' said the young lady.

'My home--my old home--is within sight of the Westmoreland hills. Have
you been the