solute pertness. Every conscientious
interference on her part was regarded as duenna-like harshness, and her
restrictions as a grievous yoke, and Lucilla made no secret that it was
so, treating her to almost unvaried ill-humour and murmurs.

Little did Lucilla know, nor even Horatia, how much of the charms that
produced so much effect were due to these very restraints, nor how the
droll sauciness and womanly airs were enhanced by the simplicity of
appearance, which embellished her far more than the most fashionable air
set off her companions. Once Lucilla had overheard her aunt thus
excusing her short locks and simple dress--'It is Miss Charlecote's
doing. Of course, when so much depends on her, we must give way.
Excellent person, rather peculiar, but we are under great obligations to
her. Very good property.'

No wonder that sojourn at Castle Blanch was one of the most irksome
periods of Honora's life, disappointing, fretting, and tedious. There
was a grievous dearth of books and of reasonable conversation, and both
she and Owen were exceedingly at a loss for occupation, and used to sit
in the boat on the river, and heartily wish themselves at home. He had
no companion of his own age, and was just too young and too enterprising
to be welcome to gentlemen bent more on amusing themselves than pleasing
him. He was roughly admonished when he spoilt sport or ran into danger;
his cousin Charles was fitfully good-natured, but generally showed that
he was in the way; his uncle Kit was more brief and stern with him than
'Sweet Honey's' pupil could endure; and Honor was his only refuge. His
dreariness was only complete when the sedulous civilities of his aunt
carried her beyond his reach.

She could not attain a visit to Wrapworth till the Sunday. The carriage
went in state to the parish church in the morning, and the music and
preaching furnished subjects for _persiflage_ at luncheon, to her great
discomfort, and the horror of Owen; and she thought she might venture to
Wrapworth in the afternoon. She had a longing for Owen's church, 'for
auld lang syne'--no more. Even his bark church in the backwoods could
not have rivalled Hiltonbury and the brass.

Owen, true to his allegiance, joined her in good time, but reported that
his sister was gone on with Ratia. Whereas Ratia would probably
otherwise not have gone to church at all, Honor was deprived of all
satisfaction in her annoyance, and the compensation of a _tete