of Arnold, and set, with the future all smooth before them, not thinking
happily.

"Why, Blanche! Blanche!" cried Sir Patrick, "one would think he had gone
for a voyage round the world. You silly child! he will be back again the
day after to-morrow."

"I wish he hadn't gone with that man!" said Blanche. "I wish he hadn't
got that man for a friend!"

"There! there! the man was rude enough I own. Never mind! he will leave
the man at the second station. Come back to the ball-room with me. Dance
it off, my dear--dance it off!"

"No," returned Blanche. "I'm in no humor for dancing. I shall go up
stairs, and talk about it to Anne."

"You will do nothing of the sort!" said a third voice, suddenly joining
in the conversation.

Both uncle and niece looked up, and found Lady Lundie at the top of the
summer-house steps.

"I forbid you to mention that woman's name again in my hearing," pursued
her ladyship. "Sir Patrick! I warned you (if you remember?) that the
matter of the governess was not a matter to be trifled with. My worst
anticipations are realized. Miss Silvester has left the house!"


CHAPTER THE EIGHTH.