CHAPTER XXIV.
TO the opinion of her sister-in-law, Mrs.Markland made no dissent.
She was, also, favourably impressed with Mr.Willet, and looked forward with pleasure to making the acquaintance of his mother and sisters.
On the following morning the carriage was ordered, and about eleven o'clock Mrs.Markland, Aunt Grace, and Fanny, were driven over to "Sweetbrier," the fanciful name which Mr.Ashton, the former owner, had given to the beautiful seat, now the property of Mr.Willet.
The day was cloudless, the air cool and transparent, the sky of the deepest cerulean.

These mirrored themselves in the spirits of our little party.

Mrs.Markland looked calm and cheerful; Fanny's thoughts were drawn out of herself, and her heart responded to the visible beauty around her.

Even Aunt Grace talked of the sky, the trees, and the flowers, and saw a new charm in every thing.
"I presume we shall not meet Mr.Willet," she remarked, as the carriage drove within the elegant grounds of their neighbour.
"He probably goes to the city every day," said Mrs.Markland.

"I believe he is engaged in business." "Yes; I think I heard Edward say that he was." "Our visit might be a pleasant one in some respects," observed Mrs.
Markland, "if he were at home.