spiritedness! It is not right to Sir
Murray, dear--it isn't, indeed; and I'm sure you have no cause to blame
yourself. But there, my own handsome darling, I know what it is: you
feel the step you are going to take, and no wonder; but try--pray try--
for his sake, to be brighter. He's coming to dinner, you know; and he's
a dear, nice fellow, in spite of his pride and so much of the Spanish
grandee. Think, too, how happy it makes Mr and Mrs Elstree to see you
so well provided for!--and without going right away. They're as proud
as can be, and the dear old rector is making out that he is
condescending wonderfully in letting Sir Murray have his darling. But
all the time he's reckoning upon your being Lady Gernon, and so is dear
aunt. But come, you have not shown me your present; and, look here, if
all your specimens are not lying upon the floor! I suppose you will
give up botany now you are taking to husbandry."

"The joke is old, Ada," said Marion, smiling, and, making an effort, she
rose from her chair, gathered together her flowers and mosses, and laid
them on the table, before turning the handsome gilt key of the morocco
case, to display, glittering in the light, a gorgeous suite of
sapphires: necklet, bracelets, earrings; and a large cross, a mingling
of the same gems with brilliants.

"Oh, what a lovely piece of vanity;" cried Ada, rapturously. "Oh, my
darling, how proud I shall feel of my friend Lady Gernon--that is, if
she does not grow too stilty for her old friend."

"For shame, Ada!" cried Marion.

"Oh, I don't know," said Ada. "I have my forebodings, too, and I think
I may as well say good-bye for good when you start to-morrow for your
tour."

"Do you wish to make me more unhappy?" said Marion, reproachfully.

"No, of course not," said Ada, kissing her. "But, mark my words, it
will be so," she continued, dreamily, as she clasped the jewels upon her
friend's arms and neck. "There, I declare they are quite regal, and
must have cost hundreds of pounds! I love sapphires; they are so much
like forget-me-nots--true blue, you know. There, how stupid I am,
setting you off again! But look, darling, are they not lovely? I never
saw a more beautiful suite. That cross, too--it's magnificent! But you
must take care not to lose it. The ring is slight, and it might come
detached. Now, then, bathe those eyes, while I put the present away.
Really I've a great mind to let you wear them at dinner to-night