e the house, though she graciously intimated her intention
of making acquaintance with her before she did so. Secondly, she was
evidently in a hurry to come. Thirdly, she congratulated herself on
Rhoda's approaching marriage, because it would get rid of her, and leave
the way open for Phoebe. And lastly, she threatened Phoebe with "a good
match." Phoebe thought, with a sigh, that "the time was out of joint,"
and heartily wished that the stars would go back into their courses.

Mrs Latrobe managed to wind all up in a surprisingly short time. She
reached her early home in the cool of a summer evening, Rhoda having
sent the family coach to meet her at Tewkesbury. Phoebe had said
nothing to her cousin of any approaching change, which she thought it
best to leave to her mother; so she contented herself by saying that
Mrs Latrobe wished to make the acquaintance of her niece. Lady Betty
kindly came up to help the inexperienced girls in making due preparation
for the arrival of the lady of the manor. When the coach rolled up to
the front door, Phoebe was standing on the steps, Lady Betty and Rhoda
further back in the hall.

Mrs Latrobe was attired in new and stylish mourning.

"Ah, child, here you are!" was her first greeting to Phoebe. "The old
place is grown greyer. Those trees come too near the windows; I shall
cut some of them down. Where is your cousin?"

Rhoda heard the inquiry, and she stepped forward.

"Let us look at you, child," said Mrs Latrobe, turning to her. "Ah,
you are like Kitty--not so good-looking, though."

"Mother," said Phoebe, gently, "this is my Lady Betty Morehurst. She
was so kind as to help us in getting ready for you."

Mrs Latrobe appraised Lady Betty by means of one rapid glance. Then
she thanked her with an amount of effulgence which betrayed either
subservience or contempt. Lady Betty received her thanks with a quiet
dignity which refused to be ruffled, kissed Rhoda and Phoebe, and took
her leave, declining to remain even for the customary dish of tea. Mrs
Latrobe drew off her gloves, sat down in Madam's cushioned chair, and
desired Phoebe to give her some tea.

"Let me see, child!" she said, looking at Rhoda. "You are near
one-and-twenty, I suppose?"

Rhoda admitted the fact.

"And what do you think of doing?"

Rhoda looked blankly first at her aunt, then at her cousin. Phoebe came
hastily to the rescue.

"She is shortly to be married, Mother; did you forget?"