oms which they
usually occupied. She, too, had been driven somewhat out of the
ordinary composure of her manner by the arrival of her lover,--even
though she had expected it, and had retired to her room, thinking
that she had better see Kate in private before they met in the
presence of the Captain. "I suppose you have seen my aunt since you
have been here?" said Kate.

"Oh dear, yes. I saw her, and she suggested that I had better walk
out and find you. I did find you, you know, though I didn't walk very
far."

"And have you seen your room?"

"Yes;--yes. She was kind enough to show me my room. Very nice indeed,
thank you;--looking out into the front, and all that kind of thing."
The poor fellow was no doubt thinking how much better was his lot at
Vavasor Hall than it had been at Oileymead. "I shan't stay long, Miss
Vavasor,--only just a night or so; but I did want to see your aunt
again,--and you, too, upon my word."

"My aunt is the attraction, Captain Bellfield. We all know that."

He actually simpered,--simpered like a young girl who is half elated
and half ashamed when her lover is thrown in her teeth. He fidgeted
with the things on the table, and moved himself about uneasily from
one leg to the other. Perhaps he was remembering that though he had
contrived to bring himself to Vavasor Hall he had not money enough
left to take him back to Norwich. The two girls left him and went to
their rooms. "I will go to my aunt at once," said Kate, "and find out
what is to be done."

"I suppose she means to marry him?"

"Oh, yes; she means to marry him, and the sooner the better now. I
knew this was coming, but I did so hope it would not be while you
were here. It makes me feel so ashamed of myself that you should see
it."

Kate boldly knocked at her aunt's door, and her aunt received her
with a conscious smile. "I was waiting for you to come," said Mrs
Greenow.

"Here I am, aunt; and, what is more to the purpose, there is Captain
Bellfield in the drawing-room."

"Stupid man! I told him to take himself away about the place till
dinner-time. I've half a mind to send him back to Shap at once;--upon
my word I have."

"Don't do that, aunt; it would be inhospitable."

"But he is such an oaf. I hope you understand, my dear, that I
couldn't help it?"

"But you do mean to--to marry him, aunt; don't you?"

"Well, Kate, I really think I do. Why shouldn't I? It's a lonely sort
of life being by myself; and, upon my word