raggling carved mantelpiece of inlaid oak, aided by the
blaze given out by two immense logs of wood burning beneath, thoroughly
illuminated it. The walls were oak-panelled, containing many pictures,
several of them of great value; and the floor also was of polished oak,
over the centre of which, however, was spread a thick richly-colored
Turkey carpet. Opposite the door was a large mullioned bay-window, then,
however, concealed behind an ample flowing crimson curtain. On the
farther side of the fireplace stood a high-backed and roomy armchair,
almost covered With Kate's embroidery, and in which Mrs. Aubrey had
evidently, as usual, been sitting till the moment of their arrival--for
on a small ebony table beside it lay her spectacles, and an open volume.
Nearly fronting the fireplace was a recess, in which stood an
exquisitely carved black ebony cabinet, inlaid with white and red ivory.
This, Miss Aubrey claimed as her own, and had appropriated it to her own
purposes ever since she was seven years old. "You dear old thing!" said
she, throwing open the folding-doors--"Everything just as I left it!
Really, dear mamma, I could skip about the room for joy! I wish Charles
would never leave Yatton again!"

"It's rather lonely, my love, when _none_ of you are with me," said Mrs.
Aubrey. "I feel getting older"----

"Dearest mamma," interrupted Miss Aubrey, quickly, and embracing her
mother, "_I_ won't leave you again! I'm quite tired of town--I am
indeed!"

Though fires were lit in their several dressing-rooms, of which they
were more than once reminded by their respective attendants, they all
remained seated before the fire in carriage costume, (except that Kate
had thrown aside her bonnet, her half-uncurled tresses hanging in
negligent profusion over her thickly-furred pelisse,) eagerly conversing
about the little incidents of their journey, and the events which had
transpired at Yatton since they had quitted it. At length, however, they
retired to perform the refreshing duties of the dressing-room, before
sitting down to supper. Of that comfortable meal, within twenty minutes'
time or so, they partook with a hearty relish. What mortal, however
delicate, could resist the fare set before them--the plump capon, the
delicious grilled ham, the poached eggs, the floury potatoes, home-baked
bread, white and brown--custards, mince-pies, home-brewed ale, as soft
as milk, as clear as amber--mulled claret--and so forth? The travellers