He went away a second time very happy, thinking, "She is but a child.

If that fellow were but gone she would soon forget him, and be herself again." But, alas! "that fellow" showed no intention of going.

He came to the Cottage an hour or two later, not however alone, but with Mrs.Bellairs and Bella.

The former came to see Mrs.Costello, the latter had affairs of her own with Lucia.

Mr.Percy, for once, was decidedly _de trop_, but after awhile the two girls slipped away and shut themselves up in Lucia's bedroom.