During his absence at Castle Marling, news had arrived from them--they had acceded to all his terms, and would enter upon East Lynne as soon as it was convenient.

Miss Carlyle was full of congratulations; it was off their hands, she said; but the fist letter Mr.Carlyle wrote was--to decline them.

He did not tell this to Miss Carlyle.

The final touches to the house were given, preparatory to the reception of its inhabitants, and three maids and two men servants hired and sent there, upon board wages, until the family should arrive.
One evening three weeks subsequent to Mr.Carlyle's visit to Castle Marling, Barbara Hare called at Miss Carlyle's, and found them going to tea much earlier than usual.
"We dined earlier," said Miss Corny, "and I ordered tea as soon as the dinner went away.

Otherwise, Archibald would have taken none." "I am as well without tea.