ing conversation, entered the other:--

'I hope you will give us the pleasure of your company on Tuesday,' said
Lady Mary Nugent. 'We shall not be a large party.'

'And will come to us on Wednesday,' said Mr Gwynne. 'We must have some
more chess. I have never met with a fair opponent since--hem--I beg your
pardon, Lady Mary--Ah--yes--or, on Thursday. You see we did not like to
ask you whilst your mother was so ill; my daughter thought it would be
useless.'

Rowland coloured at the allusion to Freda, but did not even glance at
her.

'Thank you, Lady Mary; thank you, Mr Gwynne, very much indeed, but I
intend being in London on Tuesday. I have already outstayed my
prescribed fortnight.'

'My dear Rowland!' exclaimed his aunt, 'you do not mean this?'

'Yes, aunt; my fellow curate has been fortunate enough to get a living
given to him, and is to read himself in next Sunday, and I have promised
to take double duty.'

'But one day more or less,' suggested Lady Nugent, who did not imagine
it possible that Rowland Prothero _could_ refuse an invitation from her,
which was, in her opinion, quite a royal command. She, so exclusive!

'I am very much obliged to your ladyship, but I have promised to be in
London on Tuesday; and as my mother is really better, there is no longer
any necessity for my staying in the country.'

'Your uncleth foot?' suggested Miss Nugent.

'Two good dinners, and more agreeable company than you will meet with in
your East End parish!' said Colonel Vaughan.

'My uncle will easily find help,' said Rowland, turning to Miss Nugent,
'although I am sorry not to be able to give him more; and,' to Colonel
Vaughan, with a smile, 'had you ever tried the far East, you would know
that there is very good company there, as well as in the West. I should
be very glad to introduce you to some, if you would come and see me in
town.'

'That I certainly will,' said the colonel, heartily; 'and I shall be
able to tell you all about your sister, as I heard yesterday that her
husband has finally taken my place, and will be down here as soon as it
is put in first-rate order, furnished, etc.'

'You are not likely to leave us yet I hope, Colonel Vaughan?' said Lady
Mary Nugent.

'For a time, I must; but having found how pleasant you all are down
here, I shall hope to come again frequently, if Miss Gwynne will second
her papa's invitation.'

Freda just turned round, bowed, and smiled, and then resolutely resumed
her