impossible, as she had promised Emily to be bridesmaid.

"Then you don't think it would do to say that," Emily said inquiringly.

"It would seem childish" returned Isabel.

"And have no effect," added Grace.

"Coaxing would be better you think."

"Decidedly," said Isabel laughing.

"The begging and praying style, might answer" returned Grace scornfully,
"he always likes to be made a fuss with, and all that nonsense, if the
children do but kiss him, and call him a dear kind brother and such like
rubbish, he will do almost anything."

Now Grace don't say the children, when you mean me, interposed Emily,
I will not hear a word against Evvie, so don't be cross. I know you
always were a little jealous of his partiality for me."

"I am not cross, nor did I say anything against Everard," retorted Grace
haughtily "and as for partiality, where is the favouritism now."

"Oh well, I shall write such a letter that he can't but come."

"I wish you success with all my heart," returned Grace more good
naturedly, while Isabel gazed silently out of the window.

* * * * * * * *

"No answer to my letter yet, is it not strange said Emily as she joined
Isabel in her favourite retreat, the conservatory, "what do you think
about it, it makes me positively unhappy."

"Shall I tell you what I think" asked Isabel passing her arm round Emily
and continuing her walk.

"Do please, for you can't think how disagreeable it is, when Harry asks,
when Everard is coming, to have to give the same stupid answer, I expect
to hear every day."

"I don't think you will."

"Oh Isabel."

"No, I do not think he will write, but just quietly walk in one of these
days!"

"Do you really think so," asked Emily, her face radiant.

Isabel gave an affirmative nod.

"What makes you think so, Isabel?"

"I don't know, but I feel sure he will," she replied, turning away her
face.

"Isabel."

"Well, dear," said Isabel, with heightening color, still keeping her
face turned away, "tell me, was it because of you that Everard would not
come home."

"I don't know."

"Then you think, perhaps, it may be."

"It is very foolish to think so."

"Then you do think so," said Emily, archly.

"Oh, miss, I have found you out at last. What a sly one you are. I have
been watching you a long time, and thought you all unconscious how it
was with a certain party who shall be nameless. Oh I'm so glad."

"Glad that your brother is so unhappy?