Lady Vargrave at heart is a child still, and will be so even when as old as I am." "It is very true," said Mrs.Merton.

"Don't you fear that the girls will catch cold?
The dew is falling, and the grass must be wet." "I have thought," continued Mrs.Leslie, without heeding the latter part of Mrs.Merton's speech, "that it would be a kind thing to invite Evelyn to stay with you a few months at the Rectory.

To be sure, it is not like London; but you see a great deal of the world.

The society at your house is well selected, and at times even brilliant; she will meet young people of her own age, and young people fashion and form each other." "I was thinking myself that I should like to invite her," said Mrs.
Merton; "I will consult Caroline." "Caroline, I am sure, would be delighted; the difficulty lies rather in Evelyn herself." "You surprise me! she must be moped to death here." "But will she leave her mother ?" "Why, Caroline often leaves me," said Mrs.Merton.
Mrs.Leslie was silent, and Evelyn and her new friend now joined the mother and daughter.
"I have been trying to persuade Evelyn to pay us a little visit," said Caroline; "she could accompany us so nicely; and if she is still strange with us, dear grandmamma goes too,--I am sure we can make her at home." "How odd!" said Mrs.Merton; "we were just saying the same thing.

My dear Miss Cameron, we should be so happy to have you." "And I should be so happy to go, if Mamma would but go too." As she spoke, the moon, just risen, showed the form of Lady Vargrave slowly approaching the house.