She is engaged to marry the Rev.Augustus Smirkie, the rector of Plum-cum-Pippins near Woodbridge in this county.

We all like Mr.Smirkie very much indeed, and think _that Julia has been most fortunate in her choice_.' (These words were underscored doubly by way of showing how very much superior was Mr.Augustus Smirkie to Mr.John Caldigate.) 'I may perhaps as well mention, to avoid anything disagreeable at present, that Julia is at this time staying with Mr.Smirkie's mother at Ipswich .-- Your affectionate aunt, 'MARYANNE BABINGTON.' Caldigate was at first inclined to send, in answer to this letter, a reply which would not have been agreeable to his aunt, but was talked into a better state of mind by his wife.

'Telling me that she will forgive me! The question is whether I will forgive her!' 'Let that be the question,' said his wife, 'and do forgive her.

She wants to come round, and, of course, she has to make the best of it for herself.

Tell her from me that I shall be delighted to see her whenever she chooses to come.' 'Poor Julia!' said Caldigate, laughing.
'Of course you think so, John.