r uncle's, going into
details, such as that of Tom's unfortunate passion for his cousin,
had less effect upon Lucy, as it did not speak with so much authority
as that from Sir Thomas. What Sir Thomas said would surely be done;
whereas Aunt Emmeline was only a woman, and her letter, unsupported,
might not have carried conviction. But, if Sir Thomas wished it,
surely it must be done. Then, at last, came Ayala's letter;--

Rome, Thursday.

DEAREST, DEAREST LUCY,

Oh, I have such things to write to you! Aunt Emmeline has
told it all to Uncle Reginald. You are to come and be the
princess, and I am to go and be the milkmaid at home. I am
quite content that it should be so because I know that it
will be the best. You ought to be a princess and I ought
to be a milkmaid.

It has been coming almost ever since the first day that I
came among them,--since I told Augusta to go upstairs for
the scrap-book. I felt from the very moment in which the
words were uttered that I had gone and done for myself.
But I am not a bit sorry, as you will come in my place.
Augusta will very soon be gone now, and Aunt Emmeline
is not bad at all if you will only not contradict her.
I always contradicted her, and I know that I have been a
fool. But I am not a bit sorry, as you are to come instead
of me.

But it is not only about Augusta and Aunt Emmeline. There
has been that oaf Tom. Poor Tom! I do believe that he is
the most good-natured fellow alive. And if he had not so
many chains I should not dislike him so very much. But he
will go on saying horrible things to me. And then he wrote
me a letter! Oh dear! I took the letter to Aunt Emmeline,
and that made the quarrel. She said that I had--encouraged
him! Oh, Lucy, if you will think of that! I was so angry
that I said ever so much to her,--till she sent me out of
the room. She had no business to say that I encouraged
him. It was shameful! But she has never forgiven me,
because I scolded her. So they have decided among them
that I am to be sent away, and that you are to come in my
place.

My own darling Lucy, it will be ever so much better. I
know that you are not happy in Kingsbury Crescent, and
that I shall bear it very much better. I can sit still and
mend sheets.

Poor Ayala, how little she knew herself!

And you will make a beautiful grand lady, quiescent and
dign