r longer than Charles liked
to wait in the carriage, it was settled that Philip should drive her
there in the pony phaeton, and Guy accompany them and drive back, thus
having an opportunity of seeing Philip's print of the 'Madonna di San
Sisto,' returning some calls, and being introduced to Mr. Lascelles,
whilst she was shopping. They appointed an hour and place of meeting,
and kept to it, after which Mrs. Edmonstone took Guy with her to call on
Mrs. Deane, the wife of the colonel.

It was currently believed among the young Edmonstones that Mamma and
Mrs. Deane never met without talking over Mr. Morville's good qualities,
and the present visit proved no exception. Mrs. Deane, a kind,
open-hearted, elderly lady was very fond of Mr. Morville, and proud
of him as a credit to the regiment; and she told several traits of his
excellent judgment, kindness of heart, and power of leading to the right
course. Mrs. Edmonstone listened, and replied with delight; and no
less pleasure and admiration were seen reflected in her young friend's
radiant face.

Mrs. Edmonstone's first question, as they set out on their homeward
drive, was, whether they had seen Mr. Lascelles?

'Yes,' said Guy, 'I am to begin to morrow, and go to him every Monday
and Thursday.'

'That is prompt.'

'Ah! I have no time to lose; besides I have been leading too smooth
a life with you. I want something unpleasant to keep me in order.
Something famously horrid,' repeated he, smacking the whip with a
relish, as if he would have applied that if he could have found nothing
else.

'You think you live too smoothly at Hollywell,' said Mrs. Edmonstone,
hardly able, with all her respect for his good impulses, to help
laughing at this strange boy.

'Yes. Happy, thoughtless, vehement; that is what your kindness makes
me. Was it not a proof, that I must needs fly out at such a petty
provocation?'

'I should not have thought it such a very exciting life; certainly not
such as is usually said to lead to thoughtlessness; and we have been
even quieter than usual since you came.'

'Ah, you don't know what stuff I am made of,' said Guy, gravely,
though smiling; 'your own home party is enough to do me harm; it is so
exceedingly pleasant.'

'Pleasant things do not necessarily do harm.'

'Not to you; not to people who are not easily unsettled; but when I
go up-stairs, after a talking, merry evening, such as the night before
last, I find that I have enjoyed it too muc