cloud the honest face of the
Hiltonbury coachman by depriving his horses of their day of rest. Owen
would far rather take a cab than so affront Grey! Pleased with his
bright manner, Honora had yet reason to fear that expense was too
indifferent to both brother and sister, and that the Charteris household
only encouraged recklessness. Wherever she went she heard of the
extravagance of the family, and in the shops the most costly wares were
recommended as the choice of Mrs. Charteris. Formerly, though Honor had
equipped Lucilla handsomely for visits to Castle Blanch, she had always
found her wardrobe increased by the gifts of her uncle and aunt. The
girl had been of age more than a year, and in the present state of the
family, it was impossible that her dress could be still provided at their
expense, yet it was manifestly far beyond her means; and what could be
the result? She would certainly brook no interference, and would cast
advice to the winds. Poor Honor could only hope for a crash that would
bring her to reason, and devise schemes for forcing her from the effects
of her own imprudence without breaking into her small portion. The great
fear was lost false pride, and Charteris influence, should lead her to
pay her debts at the cost of a marriage with the millionaire; and Honor
could take little comfort in Owen's assurance that the Calthorp had too
much sense to think of Cilly Sandbrook, and only promoted and watched her
vagaries for the sake of amusement and curiosity. There was small
satisfaction to her well-wishers in hearing that no sensible man could
think seriously of her.

Anxiously was that Sunday awaited in Woolstone-lane, the whole party
feeling that this was the best chance of seeing Lucilla in a reasonable
light, and coming to an understanding with her. Owen was often enough
visible in the interim, and always extremely agreeable; but Lucilla
never, and he only brought an account of her gaieties, shrugging his
shoulders over them.

The day came; the bells began, they chimed, they changed, but still no
Sandbrooks appeared. Mr. Parsons set off, and Robert made an excursion
to the corner of the street. In vain Miss Charlecote still lingered;
Mrs. Parsons, in despair, called Phoebe on with her as the single bell
rang, and Honor and Robert presently started with heads turned over their
shoulders, and lips laying all blame on Charteris' delays of breakfast.
A last wistful look, and the church porch