pudding."

"Yes, Madam. They say, Madam, the Prince was nigh heart-broke that he
couldn't come on."

"Ah, I dare say. Poor young gentleman!" said Mrs Newton. "Dear Mrs
Desborough, do excuse me, but where did you meet with that lovely crewel
fringe on your curtains? It is so exactly what I wanted and could not
get anywhere."

"I got it at Cooper and Smithson's--Holborn Bars, you know," said
Grandmamma. "This is sad news, indeed. But your curtains, my dear,
have an extreme pretty trimming."

"Oh, tolerable," said Mrs Newton, gathering up her hoop.

Away they went, with another lament over the Prince and the news; and I
sat wondering whether everybody in this world were as hollow as a
tobacco-pipe. I do think, in London, they must be.

Then my thoughts went back to my Aunt Kezia's letter.

"Grandmamma," I said, after a few minutes' reflection, "may I have a
chair this afternoon? I want to go and see Hatty."

Grandmamma nodded. She had come, I think, to an awkward place in her
tatting.

"Take Caesar with you," was all she said.

So after dinner I sent Caesar for the chair, and, dressed in my best,
went over to Charles Street to see Hatty. I sent in my name, and waited
an infinite time in a cold room before any one appeared. At last
Charlotte bounced in--I cannot use another word, for it was just what
she did--saying,--

"O Cary, you here? Emily is coming, as soon as she can settle her
ribbons. Isn't it fun? They are all coming out in red now."

"I don't think it is fun at all," said I. "It is very sad."

"Oh, pother!--what do you and I care?" cried she.

"You do not care much, it seems," said I: but Charlotte was off again
before I had finished.

A minute later, the door opened much more gently, and Amelia entered in
her calm, languid way. But as soon as she saw me, her eyes lighted up,
and she closed the door and sat down.

Amelia spoke in a hurried whisper as she kissed me.

"One word, before any one comes," she said. "Insist on seeing Hatty.
Don't go without it."

"Will they try to prevent me?" I replied.

Before she could answer, Mrs Crossland sailed in, all over
rose-coloured ribbons.

"Why, Miss Caroline, what an unexpected pleasure!" said she, and if she
had added "an unwelcome one," I fancy she would have spoken the truth.
"Dear, what was Cicely thinking of to put you in this cold room? Pray
come up-stairs to the fire."

"Thank you," said I, and rose to follow her.

T