lendid marriage feast, and not unfrequently of
subsidiary presents from the opulent papa,--presents which are
subsidiary to the grand substratum of settled dowry,--generously
extends itself to luxurious provision for a month or two. That Mr.
and Mrs. Traffick should come back to Queen's Gate for the six weeks
intervening between Easter and Whitsuntide had been arranged, and
arranged also that the use of Merle Park, for the Whitsun holidays,
should be allowed to them. This last boon Augusta, with her sweetest
kiss, had obtained from her father only two days before the wedding.
But when it was suggested, just before the departure to Merle Park,
that Mr. Traffick's unnecessary boots might be left at Queen's Gate,
because he would come back there, then Sir Thomas, who had thought
over the matter, said a word.

It was in this way. "Mamma," said Augusta, "I suppose I can leave a
lot of things in the big wardrobe. Jemima says I cannot take them to
Merle Park without ever so many extra trunks."

"Certainly, my dear. When anybody occupies the room, they won't want
all the wardrobe. I don't know that any one will come this summer."

This was only the thin end of the wedge, and, as Augusta felt, was
not introduced successfully. The words spoken seemed to have admitted
that a return to Queen's Gate had not been intended. The conversation
went no further at the moment, but was recommenced the same evening.
"Mamma, I suppose Septimus can leave his things here?"

"Of course, my dear; he can leave anything,--to be taken care of."

"It will be so convenient if we can come back,--just for a few days."

Now, there certainly had been a lack of confidence between the
married daughter and her mother as to a new residence. A word had
been spoken, and Augusta had said that she supposed they would go
to Lord Boardotrade when they left Queen's Gate, just to finish the
season. Now, it was known that his lordship, with his four unmarried
daughters, lived in a small house in a small street in Mayfair. The
locality is no doubt fashionable, but the house was inconvenient. Mr.
Traffick, himself, had occupied lodgings near the House of Commons,
but these had been given up. "I think you must ask your papa," said
Lady Tringle.

"Couldn't you ask him?" said the Honourable Mrs. Traffick. Lady
Tringle was driven at last to consent, and then put the question to
Sir Thomas,--beginning with the suggestion as to the unnecessary
boots.

"I suppose Sept