prepared: Lord Ridsdale married.

The first thing the new Lady Ridsdale did was to insist on the removal
of Miss Arleigh from school.

"Nearly eighteen," she said, "and still at school! My dear William, the
only wonder is that the poor girl has not fallen into some dreadful
mischief. She ought to have been presented last year. We must have her
home at once."

Lady Ridsdale was a woman of the world; she knew exactly how much eclat
and importance would accrue to her from the fact of being chaperone to a
wealthy heiress like Miss Arleigh.

"Is the girl pretty?" she asked her husband; and to do him justice, he
looked much confused.

"I hardly know what to answer you, Laura. I must confess the truth; I
have not seen her for two years and more. When my wife died I was quite
at a loss what to do with her, so I sent her to school. Miss Carleton
promised to take complete charge of her, and I have not seen her, as I
say, for more than two years."

"Was she a pretty girl then?" persisted Lady Ridsdale.

"I think so. Miss Carleton said she was beautiful. She had been crying
when I saw her, so that I could hardly judge."

"A beauty, and a wealthy heiress! We must have her at home at once,
William. We will fetch her without any delay."