re?'

'Mamma and I once spent a month there, and enjoyed it exceedingly.'

'Oh! and did you go up Helvellyn!'

'Yes, that we did, in spite of the showers; and what a view we had!'

They were surprised to find that dinner had been announced. Violet was
placed next to Mr. Martindale, and was able to ask the name of her new
acquaintance.

'Miss Brandon, you mean.' 'O no, not Miss Brandon, but that light pale
girl in the lilac worked muslin, who was talking to me!'

'I saw you talking to Miss Brandon.'

'Could it be? She looked all astray and frightened, like me!'

'That description answers to Emma Brandon,' said John, smiling.

'Who would have thought it! I should never have begun talking to her
if I had guessed who she was. I only did it because she looked so
uncomfortable. I hope it was not being forward.'

'Not in the least. You know you are at home here,--it was a great
kindness.'

'Do you like her?' said Violet.

'I believe she is a very good kind of girl, and her mother is one of our
oldest friends. They are very excellent sensible people, and do a great
deal of good in their own parish.'

'And only think! She has been in Westmoreland! She has seen Helvellyn!'

Violet was the only person who ever spoke to John in that hearty
confidence of sympathy in rejoicing; and quite refreshed by her bright
looks, he led her into a history of an ascent of Helvellyn, which had,
until this spring, been the great event of her life.

On coming into the drawing-room, Miss Brandon shrank up to her mother's
side. Violet wished she had a mother to protect her; and not daring
to place herself among the great ladies, stood in the group of younger
ones, with whom Theodora was keeping up a cold formal converse. Country
neighbours thought much of being asked to Martindale; but the parties
there were of the grandest and stiffest. Moreover, every one had to give
their friends a description of the bride; and the young ladies were more
inclined to study her appearance than to find conversation, regarding
her as an object of curiosity, as well as with some of their general
dread of the house of Martindale.

After an awkward ten minutes, Lady Martindale came towards her, and
said, 'My dear, Lady Elizabeth Brandon wishes to be introduced to you.'

'To me!' and Violet followed her, blushed and bent, then found her hand
cordially shaken, and a most comfortable voice addressing her. Room was
made for her on the sofa, between Lady El