It is very wicked of me, isn't it?
but I have an engagement that I must keep.

It is most tiresome." Geoffrey, sipping his tea, smiled grimly behind the shelter of his cup.
"She does it uncommonly well," he thought to himself.
"Does your little girl go with you, Lady Honoria ?" asked Elizabeth.
"Well, no, I think not.

I can't bear parting with her--you know how hard it is when one has only one child.

But I think she would be so bored where I am going to stay, for there are no other children there; and besides, she positively adores the sea.

So I shall have to leave her to her father's tender mercies, poor dear." "I hope Effie will survive it, I am sure," said Geoffrey laughing.
"I suppose that your husband is going to stay on at Mrs.Jones's," said the clergyman.
"Really, I don't know.