Frank's faint remonstrances were rejected without a hearing; the days and hours of rehearsal were carefully noted down on the covers of the parts; and the Marrables took their leave, with a perfect explosion of thanks--father, mother, and daughter sowing their expressions of gratitude broadcast, from the drawing-room door to the garden-gates.
As soon as the carriage had driven away, Magdalen presented herself to the general observation under an entirely new aspect.
"If any more visitors call to-day," she said, with the profoundest gravity of look and manner, "I am not at home.

This is a far more serious matter than any of you suppose.

Go somewhere by yourself, Frank, and read over your part, and don't let your attention wander if you can possibly help it.

I shall not be accessible before the evening.

If you will come here--with papa's permission--after tea, my views on the subject of Falkland will be at your disposal.