Claude’s speech had become much more serious than he intended, and he felt quite guilty when he had finished, so that it was not at all an undesirable interruption when Phyllis and Adeline asked for the story of the brewery of egg-shells.

Emily and Lilias kindly avoided looking at Jane, who, after fidgeting on her chair and turning very red, succeeded in regaining outward composure.  She resolved to let the matter die away, and think no more about it.

When Mr. Mohun and William came home, they brought the news that Lady Rotherwood had invited the whole party to dinner.

‘I am very glad we are allowed to see them,’ said Emily, ’I am quite tired of being shut up.’

‘If it was not for the Westons we might as well live in Nova Zembla,’ said Jane.

‘I am glad you damsels should know a little more of Florence,’ said Mrs. Mohun.

‘Yes,’ said Claude, ‘cousins were made to be friends.’

‘In that case one ought to be able to choose them,’ said William.

‘And know them,’ said Emily.  ’We have not seen Florence since she was eleven years old.’

‘Cousin or not,’ said Lilias, ’Florence can hardly be so much my friend as Alethea.’

‘Right, Lily,’ said William, ’stand up for old friends against all the cousins in the universe.’

‘Has Alethea a right to be called an old friend?’ said Emily; ’does three quarters of a year make friendship venerable?’

‘No one can deny that she is a tried friend,’ said Lilias.

‘But pray, good people,’ said Claude, ’what called forth those vows of eternal constancy? why was my innocent general observation construed into an attack upon Miss Weston?’

‘Because there is something invidious in your tone,’ said Lily.

‘What kind of girl is that Florence?’ asked William.

‘Oh! a nice, lively, pleasant girl,’ said Claude.

‘I cannot make out what her pursuits are,’ said Lily; ’Rotherwood never talks of her reading anything.’

’She has been governessed and crammed till she is half sick of all reading,’ said Claude, ‘of all study—­ay, and all accomplishments.’

‘So that is the friend you recommend, Lily!’ said William.

‘Well, Claude, that is what I call a great shame,’ said Emily.

‘Stay,’ said Claude, ’you have heard but half my story, I say that this is the reaction.  Florence has no lack of sense, and if you young ladies are wise, you may help her to find the use of it.’

Claude’s further opinion did not transpire, as dinner was announced, and nothing more was said about Lady Florence till the girls had an opportunity of judging for themselves.  She had a good deal of her brother’s vivacity, with gentleness and grace, which made her very engaging, and her perfect recollection of the New Court, and of childish days, charmed her cousins.  Lady Rotherwood was very kind and affectionate, and held out hopes of many