“ISABELLA MACLAUGHLAN.”

The letter ended, a volley of applause ensued, which at length gave place to consultation.  “Of course we all go—­at least as many as the carriage will hold:  we have no engagements, and there can be no objections.”

Lady Juliana had already frowned a contemptuous refusal, but in due time it was changed to a sullen assent, at the pressing entreaties of her husband, to whom any place was now preferable to home.  In truth, the mention of a party had more weight with her than either her husband’s wishes or her aunts’ remonstrances; and they had assured her that she should meet with a large assemblage of the very first company at Lochmarlie Castle.

The day appointed for the important visit arrived; and it was arranged that two of the elder ladies and one of the young ones should accompany Lady Juliana in her barouche, which Henry was to drive.

At peep of dawn the ladies were astir, and at eight o’clock breakfast was hurried over that they might begin the preparations necessary for appearing with dignity at the shrine of this their patron saint.  At eleven they reappeared in all the majesty of sweeping silk trains and well-powdered toupees.  In outward show Miss Becky was not less elaborate; the united strength and skill of her three aunts and four sisters had evidently been exerted in forcing her hair into every position but that for which nature had intended it; curls stood on end around her forehead, and tresses were dragged up from the roots, and formed into a club on the crown; her arms had been strapped back till her elbows met, by means of a pink ribbon of no ordinary strength or doubtful hue.

Three hours were past in all the anguish of full-dressed impatience; an anguish in which every female breast must be ready to sympathise.  But Lady Juliana sympathised in no one’s distresses but her own, and the difference of waiting in high dress or in deshabille was a distinction to her inconceivable.  But those to whom to be dressed is an event will readily enter into the feelings of the ladies in question as they sat, walked, wondered, exclaimed, opened windows, wrung their hands, adjusted their dress, etc. etc., during the three tedious hours they were doomed to wait the appearance of their niece.

Two o’clock came, and with it Lady Juliana, as if purposely to testify her contempt, in a loose morning dress and mob cap.  The sisters looked blank with disappointment; for having made themselves mistresses of the contents of her ladyship’s wardrobe, they had settled amongst themselves that the most suitable dress for the occasion would be black velvet, and accordingly many hints had been given the preceding evening on the virtues of black velvet gowns.  They were warm, and not too warm; they were dressy, and not too dressy; Lady Maclaughlan was a great admirer of black velvet gowns; she had one herself with long sleeves, and that buttoned behind; black velvet gowns were very much wore; they knew several ladies who had them; and they were certain there would be nothing else wore amongst the matrons at Lady Maclaughlan’s, etc. etc.