'Do you think it will be the place?'

'Yes; Guy thinks it would suit Mr. Wellwood, because he has friends at
St. Mildred's, so he gave his vote for it. He expects to hear how it is
settled to-day or to-morrow.'

Coming out on the lawn, they found the three ladies sitting under the
acacia, with their books and work. Laura did, indeed, look older than
her real age, as much above twenty as Amy looked under nineteen. She
was prettier than ever; her complexion exquisite in delicacy, her fine
figure and the perfect outline of her features more developed; but the
change from girl to woman had passed over her, and set its stamp on the
anxious blue eye, and almost oppressed brow. Mary thought it would be
hard to define where was that difference. It was not want of bloom,
for of that Laura had more than any of the others, fresh, healthy,
and bright, while Amy was always rather pale, and Lady Eveleen was
positively wan and faded by London and late hours; nor was it loss of
animation, for Laura talked and laughed with interest and eagerness; nor
was it thought, for little Amy, when at rest, wore a meditative, pensive
countenance; but there was something either added or taken away, which
made it appear that the serenity and carelessness of early youth had
fled from her, and the air of the cares of life had come over her.

Mary told her plans,--Church service at four, followed by a tea-drinking
in the fields; tea in the garden for the company, and play for the
school children and all who liked to join them. Every one likes such
festivals, which have the recommendation of permitting all to do as they
please, bringing friends together in perfect ease and freedom, with
an object that raises them above the rank of mere gatherings for the
pleasure of rich neighbours.

Mrs. Edmonstone gladly made the engagement and Lady Eveleen promised to
be quite well, and to teach the children all manner of new games, though
she greatly despised the dullness of English children, and had many
droll stories of the stupidity of Laura's pupils, communicated to
her, with perhaps a little exaggeration, by Charles, and still further
embellished by herself, for the purpose of exciting Charlotte's
indignation.

Mary proceeded to her consultation about the singing, and was
conducted by Guy and Amy to the piano, and when her ears could not be
indoctrinated by their best efforts, they more than half engaged to walk
to East-hill, and have a conversation wit