that when Mademoiselle came into the
chapel, by-and-bye, fuming about Louisa, Lucy replied, with the greatest
coolness, "Oh, we have been here ever so long."

Shortly after this, Isabel received the following epistle from Lucy:

DEAREST ISABEL,--I am at school again, instead of being in London
enjoying myself as I expected. I am cooped up in this abominable
place. I suppose Mamma thinks me too wild. Heigho! But, never
mind; Ada and Charles are going to remain three years in London,
so you see I still have a chance. Ah, me! I think I should die of
_ennui_ in this dismal place (which was once an abbey, or a
convent, or something of the sort, I believe,) but, fortunately
for me, an event has occurred which has just put new life in my
drooping spirits. We have // who in the name of wonder do you think
the parties were? Arthur Barrington and Louisa Aubray. Oh, what a
rage Lady Ashton will be in! Don't be shocked, my pet, when I tell
you that I went into the affair with all my heart and soul, and
was bridesmaid at the interesting ceremony. Oh, Isabel, Arthur is
so thoroughly nice that I almost envied Louisa her husband. We
managed everything so beautifully that they were married and off
upon their travels before Madame found out that there was anything
in the wind. And the best of the fun was that Arthur brought a
clergyman friend with him, and they were married in the school
chapel at four o'clock in the morning. Of course this sweet little
piece of fun is not known, and is never likely to be. I enjoyed
the whole thing immensely. Of course they don't know that I had
anything to do with the affair. Woe betide me if they did! If
Louisa had had a father and mother, I would not have had anything
to do with it; but, under present circumstances, I thought it was
the best thing she could do. So I helped them all I could--in fact
I contrived it all for them--when I once found out what they were
up to.

Yours, at present, in the most exuberant spirits,
LUCY MORNINGTON.

P.S.--The happy pair have gone to Switzerland or Italy.

"Here, Emily," said Isabel, when Emily came in, "I think this will amuse
you."

"I think Arthur and Louisa did very wrong," she resumed, when Emily had
finished reading.

"Ah, well, I have not much fancy for secret marriages, but in this case
it was unavoidable, if they were to mar