sympathy; but where's the use of wasting emotion? I can do nothing for
Squire Lorrimer, and it will only pain poor Nora to see him. Really,
really, Antonia is beyond anything afflicting. Now, my love, where are
you going?"

The latter part of this speech was addressed to Miss Bernard Temple, who
was leaving the room. "Where are you going, Antonia, my love?" repeated
her mother.

"Out, mother; to post this letter."

"I beg of you to do nothing of the kind. I can send it by William, when
next he goes for a message."

William was a very diminutive, and much overworked, page-boy.

"Thanks," said Antonia; "but I prefer to go myself."

She left the room, shutting the door rather noisily; and Mrs. Bernard
Temple looked for sympathy to the two girls.

"Is not she trying?" she repeated. "With my mind so preoccupied with
thoughts of my approaching marriage, and of dear Sir John, and those
sweet girls, Hester and Nan; it is really too much to be worried by
Antonia's whims."

"Oh, but she means everything splendidly," said Annie. "I admire her
beyond anything. If you will let me, Mrs. Bernard Temple, I will go out
with her."

"Oh, certainly, my dear. I see you are under her spell, so I have
nothing to say. Dear Nora and I will try to make ourselves happy
together."

Annie left the room, and met Antonia in the hall.

"Wait one moment, Antonia," she said; "I'll go with you."

She ran upstairs, fetched her hat and gloves, and joined Antonia. The two
girls went into the street.

"I'm determined that no pranks shall be played with this letter," said
Antonia; "so I intend not to post it, but to take it to the Carlton
myself."

"Antonia, is that right?"

"Right--what can there be wrong in it? There is no one who will eat me
at the Carlton. I shall simply give the letter to the hall-porter, and
desire him to put it into Mr. Lorrimer's hands the moment he appears.
Now, come on, if you are coming. You can stay in the street while I
interview the porter."

"But the post seems safer and easier," said Annie.

"Well, I don't think so. Come, come; what are you loitering for?"

As was universally the case, Antonia's strong will prevailed.

She knew London thoroughly, and followed by the somewhat breathless
Annie, in due course reached the Carlton Club.

She had run up the steps, entered the hall, interviewed the porter,
delivered her letter, and once more joined Annie, when the latter said
to her in a voice of suppress