_. Read
tracts presented by Lady Mary. Made acquaintance. Lovely orphan's
travelling companion or governess discovered to be live sister of
defunct travelling companion or governess of Lady Mary. Result, warm
friendship. Ralph, like a dutiful nephew, appears on the scene.
Fortnight of fine weather. Interesting expeditions. Romantic attachment,
cemented by diamond and pearl ring from Hunt & Roskell's. There is the
whole story for you."

Evelyn Derrick joined us as he finished speaking. She was a tall
graceful girl, gentle and dignified in manner, with a pale refined face.
She was pretty in a way, but not to compare to Aurelia. Evelyn had an
anxious look about her, too. Now I do not approve of a girl looking
grave; she ought to be bright and happy, with a smile for every one. It
is all very well for us men, who have the work of the world to do, to
look grave at times, but with women it is different; and a woman always
looks her best when she smiles--at least, I think so.

Then Aurelia came down, perfectly dazzling in white satin; then Sir
George, then Ralph, giving an arm to Lady Mary, who suffered from
rheumatism in her foot. Then came the gong, and there was a rustle down
of more people, young and old, friends of the family who had come to
act, or to see their sons and daughters act. As I never could get even
their names right, I shall not attempt to give any account of them,
especially as they are not of importance in any way.

After dinner, on entering the drawing-room, I found that great
excitement prevailed among the ladies respecting Sir John's jewels.
About his sad fate and costly legacy they all seemed fully informed. I
had myself almost forgotten the reason of my visit in my interest in my
new surroundings, not having even as yet given up the jewels to Sir
George Danvers or Ralph; but, at the urgent request of all the ladies at
once, Ralph begged me to bring them down, to be seen and admired then
and there, before the rehearsal began.

"They will all be yours, you know," Ralph said to Aurelia. "You shall
wear them on your wedding-day."

"You are always talking about being married," said Aurelia, with a
little pout. "I wish you would try and think of something else to say. I
was quite looking forward to it myself until I came here, and now I am
quite, _quite_ tired of it beforehand."

Ralph laughed delightedly, and Sir George reminding me that every one
was dying of anxiety, himself included, I ran up-stai