face and person, and with plenty to say for himself on all subjects, was
esteemed highly and regarded much by those who knew him, in spite of
those little foibles which marred his character; and I must beg the
reader to take the world's opinion about him, and not to estimate him
too meanly thus early in this history of his adventures.

If this tale should ever be read by any lady who, in the course of her
career, has entered a house under circumstances similar to those which
had brought Florence Burton to Clavering rectory, she will understand
how anxious must have been that young lady when she encountered the
whole Clavering family in the hall. She had been blown about by the
wind, and her cloaks and shawls were heavy on her, and her hat was a
little out of shape--from some fault on the part of Harry, as I
believe--and she felt herself to be a dowdy as she appeared among them.
What would they think of her, and what would they think of Harry in that
he had chosen such an one to be his wife? Mrs. Clavering had kissed her
before she had seen that lady's face; and Mary and Fanny had kissed her
before she knew which was which; and then a stout, clerical gentleman
kissed her who, no doubt, was Mr. Clavering, senior. After that, another
clerical gentleman, very much younger and very much slighter, shock
hands with her. He might have kissed her, too, had he been so minded,
for Florence was too confused to be capable of making any exact
reckoning in the matter. He might have done so--that is, as far as
Florence was concerned. It may be a question whether Mary Clavering
would not have objected; for this clerical gentleman was the Rev. Edward
Fielding, who was to become her husband in three days' time.

"Now, Florence," said Fanny, "come up stairs into mamma's room and have
some tea, and we'll look at you. Harry, you needn't come. You've had her
to yourself for a long time, and can have her again in the evening."