ol.
The rest of the family lived, during the three summer months, in a
smaller house down the road; but she herself always stayed at the
cottage, to 'mind' the Belfast lady's children.

When I looked at the pink floor of the kitchen and the view from the
windows, I would have given anything in the world to outbid, yes, even
to obliterate the Belfast lady; but this, unfortunately, was not only
illegal and immoral, but it was impossible. So, calling the mother in
from the stables, I succeeded, after fifteen minutes' persuasion, in
getting permission to occupy the house for one week, beginning with
the next morning, and returned in triumph to my weary constituents, who
thought it an insane idea.

"Of course it is," I responded cheerfully; "that is why it is going to
be so altogether charming. Don't be envious; I will find something mad
for you to do, too. One of us is always submitting to the will of the
majority; now let us be as individually silly as we like for a week,
and then take a long farewell of freakishness and freedom. Let the third
volume die in lurid splendour, since there is never to be a fourth."

"There is still Wales," suggested Francesca.

"Too small, Fanny dear, and we could never pronounce the names. Besides,
what sort of adventures would be possible to three--I mean, of course,
two--persons tied down by marital responsibilities and family cares?
Is it the sunset or the reflection of the pink house that is shining on
your pink face, Salemina?"

"I am extremely warm," she replied haughtily.

"I don't wonder; sitting on the damp grass under a hedge is so
stimulating to the circulation!" observed 'young Miss Fan.'

Chapter XXVII. The three chatelaines of Devorgilla.

'Have you been at Devorgilla,
Have you seen, at Devorgilla,
Beauty's train trip o'er the plain,--
The lovely maids of Devorgilla?'
Adapted from Edward Lysaght.

The next morning the Old Hall dropped like a ripe rowan berry into our
very laps. The landlord of the Shamrock Inn directed us thither, and
within the hour it belonged to us for the rest of the summer. Miss
Peabody, inclined to be severe with me for my desertion, took up
her residence at once. It had never been rented before; but Miss
Llewellyn-Joyce, the owner, had suddenly determined to visit her sister
in London, and was glad to find appreciative and careful tenants. She
was taking her own maid with her, and thus on