“I must say you have been rather hasty, my dear. Suppose you were to change your mode of life, what would you do?”

Then Miss Mackenzie, blushing slightly in the obscure corner of the carriage as she spoke, explained to Lady Ball that clause in her agreement with her brother respecting the five hundred pounds.

“Oh, indeed,” said Lady Ball.

The information thus given had been manifestly distasteful, and the conversation was for a while interrupted; but Lady Ball returned to her request before they were again at home.

“I really do think you might stop, Margaret. Now that we have all got to know each other, it will be a great pity that it all should be broken up.”

“But I hope it won’t be broken up, aunt.”

“You know what I mean, my dear. When people live so far off they can’t see each other constantly; and now you are here, I think you might stay a little longer. I know there is not much attraction—”

“Oh, aunt, don’t say that! I like being here very much.”

“Then, why can’t you stay? Write and tell Mrs Tom that she must keep Susanna at home for another week or so. It can’t matter.”

To this Miss Mackenzie made no immediate answer.

“It is not only for myself I speak, but John likes having you here with his girls; and Jack is so fond of you; and John himself is quite different while you are here. Do stay!”

Saying which Lady Ball put out her hand caressingly on Miss Mackenzie’s arm.

“I’m afraid I mustn’t,” said Miss Mackenzie, very slowly. “Much as I should like it, I’m afraid I mustn’t do it. I’ve pledged myself to go back with Susanna, and I like to be as good as my word.”

Lady Ball drew herself up.

“I never went so much out of my way to ask any one to stay in my house before,” she said.

“Dear aunt! don’t be angry with me.”

“Oh no! I’m not angry. Here we are. Will you get out first?”

Whereupon Lady Ball descended from the carriage, and walked into the house with a good deal of dignity.

“What a wicked old woman she was!” virtuous readers will say; “what a wicked old woman to endeavour to catch that poor old maid’s fortune for her son!”

But I deny that she was in any degree a wicked old woman on that score. Why should not the two cousins marry, and do very well together with their joint means? Lady Ball intended to make a baronet’s wife of her. If much was to be taken, was not much also to be given?

“You are going to stay, are you not?” Jack said to her that evening, as he wished her good-night. She was very fond of Jack, who was a nice-looking, smooth-faced young fellow, idolised by his sisters over whom he tyrannised, and bullied by his grandfather, before whom he quaked.

“I’m afraid not, Jack; but you shall come and see me at Littlebath, if you will.”