:
"there's no such thing as dragging him out for a morning call."

"And Mr. Charnock Poynsett is not at home," replied Cecil. "He
found so much county business waiting for him, that he had to go to
Backsworth."

"It is the better opportunity for a little private caucus with you,"
returned Lady Tyrrell, "before the meeting to-morrow. I rather
fancy the gentlemen have one of their own."

"Some are to dine here to-night," said Cecil.

"We ladies had better be prepared with our proposals," said Lady
Tyrrell.

At the same time Frank drew near Miss Vivian with a large book,
saying, "These are the photographs you wished to see."

He placed the book on the ottoman, and would thus have secured a
sort of tete-a-tete; but Eleonora did not choose to leave Mrs Miles
Charnock out, and handed her each photograph in turn, but could only
elicit a cold languid "Thank you." To Anne's untrained eye these
triumphs of architecture were only so many dull representations of
'Roman Catholic churches,' and she would much rather have listened
to the charitable plans of the other two ladies, for the houseless
factory women of Wil'sbro'.

The bazaar, Lady Tyrrell said, must be first started by the Member's
wife; and there should be an innermost committee, of not more than
three, to dispose of stalls and make arrangements.

"You must be one," said Cecil. "I know no one yet."

"You will, long before it comes off. In fact, I am as great a
stranger as yourself. Ah! there's an opportunity!" as the bell
pealed. "The Bowaters, very likely; I saw their Noah's ark as I
passed the Poynsett Arms, with the horses taken out. I wonder how
many are coming--worthy folks!"

Which evidently meant insufferable bores.

"Is there not a daughter?" asked Cecil.

"You need not use the singular, though, by the bye, most of them are
married."

"Oh, pray stay!" entreated Cecil, as there were signs of leave-
taking.

"I should do you no good. You'll soon learn that I am a sort of
Loki among the Asagotter."

Cecil laughed, but had time to resume her somewhat prim dignity
before the lengthened disembarkation was over, and after all,
produced only four persons; but then none were small--Mrs. Bowater
was a harsh matron, Mr. Bowater a big comely squire, the daughters
both tall, one with an honest open face much like Herbert's, only
with rather less youth and more intelligence, the other a bright
dark glowing gipsy-faced young girl.

Eleonora Vivian