"Well, my dear," said Mrs. Vincy, wheeling skilfully, "if she
_had_ some fortune left her,--a man marries his wife's relations,
and the Garths are so poor, and live in such a small way.
But I shall leave you to your studies, my dear; for I must go and do
some shopping."

"Fred's studies are not very deep," said Rosamond, rising with
her mamma, "he is only reading a novel."

"Well, well, by-and-by he'll go to his Latin and things,"
said Mrs. Vincy, soothingly, stroking her son's head. "There's a
fire in the smoking-room on purpose. It's your father's wish,
you know--Fred, my dear--and I always tell him you will be good,
and go to college again to take your degree."

Fred drew his mother's hand down to his lips, but said nothing.

"I suppose you are not going out riding to-day?" said Rosamond,
lingering a little after her mamma was gone.

"No; why?"

"Papa says I may have the chestnut to ride now."

"You can go with me to-morrow, if you like. Only I am going
to Stone Court, remember."

"I want to ride so much, it is indifferent to me where we go."
Rosamond really wished to go to Stone Court, of all other places.