The park and flower-gardens are the envy of all England." "You--will be very happy, sister," said Anne, "and--and like a queen." "Yes," was her sister's answer--"yes." And 'twas spoken with a deep in- drawn breath.
After the repast was ended she went back to the Panelled Parlour.
"You may sit with me till bedtime if you desire, Anne," she said; "but 'twill be but dull for you, as I go to sit at work.

I have some documents of import to examine and much writing to do.

I shall sit up late." And upon this she turned to the lacquey holding open the door for her passing through.

"If before half-past ten there comes a message from Sir John Oxon," she gave order, "it must be brought to me at once; but later I must not be disturbed--it will keep until morning." Yet as she spoke there was before her as distinct a picture as ever of what lay waiting and gazing in the room to which she went.
Until twelve o'clock she sat at her table, a despatch box by her side, papers outspread before her.

Within three feet of her was the divan, but she gave no glance to it, sitting writing, reading, and comparing documents.