But now do go to that wretched Mrs Jenkins, and leave the poor girl to me, and Mr and Mrs Jonathan to Mr Rowland.

I hope you have been studying the antiquities of Wales at Oxford, Mr Rowland ?' This was said as Mrs Prothero left the room; and Rowland was startled from a rather earnest gaze on Miss Gwynne's very handsome and animated face, by this sudden appeal to him, and by meeting that young lady's eyes as they turned towards him.

A slight blush from the lady and a very deep one from the gentleman were the result.

The lady was indignant with herself for allowing such a symptom of female weakness to appear, and said somewhat peremptorily,-- 'Will you be so good as to tell Jones to take the horses home, and to let my father know that he must not wait luncheon, or even dinner for me ?' 'Excuse me, Miss Gwynne,' said the young man, recovering his composure, 'but I do not think my mother would be justified in allowing you to attend upon that poor girl.' 'Allowing me! Really I do not mean to ask her.

I choose to do it, thank you, and I will speak to the servant myself.' It was now Miss Gwynne's turn to grow very red, as, with haughty port, she swept past Rowland, leaving him muttering to himself.
'What a pity that one so noble should be so determined and absolute.