and Mrs. Charteris walked about
together, the one cordial, the other stately and gorgeous, and Miss
Charlecote came in for her due and passing share of their politeness.
Rashe once invited Phoebe to shoot, but had too many on her hands to be
solicitous about one. Flirting no longer herself, Rashe's delight was in
those who did flirt, and in any assembly her extreme and unscrupulous
good-nature made her invaluable to all who wanted to have themselves
taken off their own hands, or pushed into those of others. She ordered
people about, started amusements, hunted gentlemen up, found partners,
and shook up the bashful. Rashe Charteris was the life of everything.
How little was wanting to make her kind-hearted activity admirable!

Lucilla never came in their way at all. She was only seen in full and
eager occupation embellishing the archery, or forcing the 'decidedly
pious' to be fascinated by her gracious self-adaptation. Robert was
equally inaccessible, always watching her, but keeping aloof from his
sister, and only consorting at times with Mr. Prendergast.

It was seven o'clock when this act of the drama was finally over, and the
parties staying in the house met round a hurried meal. Rashe lounging
and yawning, laughing and quizzing, in a way amazing to Phoebe; Lucilla
in the very summit of spirits, rattling and laughing away in full swing.
Thence the party dispersed to dress, but Honora had no sooner reached her
room than she said, 'I must go and find Lucy. I must do my duty by her,
little hope as I have. She has avoided me all day; I must seek her now.'

What a difference time and discipline had made in one formerly so timid
and gentle as to be alarmed at the least encounter, and nervous at
wandering about a strange house. Nervous and frightened, indeed, she
still was, but self-control kept this in check, and her dislike was not
allowed to hold her back from her duty. Humfrey's representative was
seldom permitted to be weak. But there are times when the difference
between man and woman is felt in their dealings with others. Strength
can be mild, but what is strained can seldom be gentle, and when she
knocked at Horatia Charteris's door, her face, from very unhappiness and
effort, was sorrowfully reproachful, as she felt herself an unwelcome
apparition to the two cousins, who lay on their bed still laughing over
the day's events.

Rashe, who was still in her morning dress, at once gave way, saying she
must