For she really wanted her grandmother's decision in order to frame her own conduct by it.

Madam was not, however, in a hurry to give it.
"What do you think ?" she asked Ethel.
"I have known Dora for many years; she has always told me everything." "But nothing about Fred ?" "Nothing." "Nothing to tell, perhaps ?" "Perhaps." "Where does her excellent husband come in ?" "She says he is very kind to her in his way." "And his way is to drag her over the world to see the cathedrals thereof, and to vary that pleasure with inspecting schools and reformatories and listening to great preachers.

Upon my word, I feel sorry for the child! And I know all about such excellent people as the Stanhopes.

I used to go to what they call 'a pleasant evening' with them.

We sat around a big room lit with wax candles, and held improving conversation, or some one sang one or two of Mrs.Hemans' songs, like 'Passing Away' or 'He Never Smiled Again.' Perhaps there was a comic recitation, at which no one laughed, and finally we had wine and hot water--they called it 'port negus'-- and tongue sandwiches and caraway cakes.