‘As much improved as the inhabitant.  Where are the other natives?’

’Granny and Isabel are walking, and will end by picking up Jem coming out of school.  We used to wait for him so often, that at last he said we should be laughed at, so there’s a law against it which no one dares to transgress but granny.’

‘So I conclude that you are a happy family.’

’After all, it was worth spending two years at school to enjoy properly the having it over.’

’I give Jem credit for having secured a first-rate governess for you.’

’That she is!  Why, with her I really do like reading and drawing all the morning!  I almost believe that some day I shall wake up and find myself an accomplished young lady!  And, Louis, have you read the last Western Magazine?’

‘I have read very little for sport lately.’

’Then I must tell you.  Jem was bemoaning himself about having nothing to give to the new Blind Asylum, and the next evening Isabel brought out the prettiest little manuscript book, tied with blue ribbon, and told him to do as he pleased with it.  It was a charming account of her expedition to the Hebrides, written out for her sisters, without a notion of anything further; but Jem sent it to this Magazine, and it is accepted, and the first part is out.  She will have quite a sum for it, and all is to go to the Blind Asylum!’

’Capital!—­Let me take it home to night, Clara, and I will stand an examination on it to-morrow.’

‘We ask her whether she projects a sketch of the Paris Revolution,’ said Clara, laughing.  ’She has a famous heap of manuscripts in her desk, and one long story about a Sir Roland, who had his name before she knew Jem, but it is all unfinished, she tore out a great many pages, and has to make a new finish; and I am afraid the poor knight is going to die of a mortal wound at his lady’s feet.  Isabel likes sad things best;—­but oh! here they come, and I’m talking dreadful treason.’

Three more joyous-looking people could hardly have been found than those who entered the room, welcoming Louis with delight, and asking what good wind had brought him.

‘Partly that Inglewood is crying out for the master’s eye,’ said Louis; ’and partly that my father fancied I looked fagged, and kindly let me run down for a holiday.’

‘I am of his mind,’ said Mrs. Frost, tenderly; ’there is an M.P. expression gathering on your brows, Louis.’

’For you to dispel, Aunt Kitty.  I told him you were the best dissipation, and Virginia was of the same mind.  Isabel, she says Dynevor Terrace is the only place she ever wishes to see again.’

‘Do you often see Virginia?’ asked Isabel.

’Not unless I go early, and beg for her; and then she generally has some master.  That last onset of accomplishments is serious!’

‘Yes,’ said Isabel, ’the sense of leisure and tranquillity here is marvellous!’