do lack gloves and kerchiefs."

"And what for thee, Blanche?" he asked in similar circumstances.

Before Blanche's eyes for a moment floated the vision of a new satin
dress and velvet hood. The old Blanche would have asked for them
without scruple. But the new Blanche glanced at her father's face, and
saw that he looked grave and worried.

"I thank you much, Father," she said. "There is nought I do really
lack, without it were three yards of blue ribbon for a girdle."

This would cost about a shilling. Sir Thomas smiled, blessed her, and
put a crown-piece in her hand; and Blanche danced down-stairs in her
delight,--evoked less by the crown-piece than by the little victory over
herself. It was to her that for which a despot is recorded to have
longed in vain--a new pleasure.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

AFTER ALL.

"For perhaps the dreaded future
Has less bitter than I think;
The Lord may sweeten the waters
Before I stoop to drink;
Or if Marah must be Marah,
He will stand beside the brink."

All was ready for the reception of the newcomers. The hall at Enville
Court was gay with spring flowers, and fresh rushes were strewn over the
floor. Sir Thomas and Dick had gone so far as Kirkham to meet the
visitors. Lady Enville, attired in her new kersey, which had cost the
extravagant price of five shillings per yard, [Note 1] sat by the hall
fire. Rachel, in the objectionable camlet, which had been declared too
shabby to sweep the house in, stood near the door; while Clare and
Blanche, dressed in their Sunday costume, were moving about the hall,
giving little finishing touches to things as they saw them needed.

"There be the horses!" said Blanche excitedly.

She was very curious to see her new sister.

In about ten minutes Sir Thomas entered, leading a masked lady by the
hand. Jack came lounging behind, his hands in his pockets, after his
usual fashion.

"Our new daughter,--the Lady Gertrude Enville." [A fictitious person.]

One glance, and Lady Enville almost fainted from pique. Lady Gertrude's
travelling costume was grander than her own very best new velvet.
Violet velvet, of the finest quality, slashed in all directions, and the
slashes filled with puffings of rich pale buff satin; yards upon yards
of the costliest white lace, literally strewn upon the dress: rich
embroidery upon the most delicate lawn, edged with deep lace, forming
the ruff; a hood of black velvet, decorated with pearls