told me laughingly that there was much to do at Crown Anstey before I
could take my wife home.

"Remember," she said, "that before your sister came there had been no
ladies at the Hall for some years. The late Lady Trevelyan died sixteen
years ago."

I saw that she had completely forgotten the existence of mademoiselle,
and did not care to remind her of it.

"You will want to refurnish a suite of rooms for Agatha," she continued;
"and there will really be so much to do that if we say Christmas for the
wedding, that will be quite soon enough."

"It seems like an eternity!" I said, discontentedly.

"It is the most picturesque season of the year for a wedding," said Lady
Thesiger, "I like the holly and evergreens even better than summer
flowers."

So it was settled; Clare agreed with Lady Thesiger that Crown Anstey
required preparation for a bride.

"Those reception rooms want refurnishing," said my sister. "Of course,
after your marriage you will give parties and balls. You will have to
show hospitality to all the county, Edgar."

Half to my consternation, she said this before Coralie. I looked at her
hastily, wondering how she would take it. Her beautiful face was quite
calm, and wore an expression of pleased interest.