The appeal was injudicious, only confirming her impression that it was
a separation from Jack Bluebell dreaded, and she mentally put on another
week to her banishment.

"There's no hurry," said the lady, decidedly; "a change will do you good.
She shall walk over to-morrow, Mrs. Leigh; and I am very glad I thought
of it."

Bluebell, thinking all was lost, tried not to show her dismay, which
would have grieved her mother and done no good; but she remembered, with
a sinking heart, that Du Meresq was to dine out that night, and she might
get no opportunity of speaking to him alone before changing her quarters.

"I must be off home," said Mrs. Leigh. "Several little things to be done
in your room, Bluebell. The stove-pipe has got choked at the elbow, and I
must have the sweep in."

Her daughter longed to suggest that it might be more convenient to
postpone her appearance for a day; but as Mrs. Rolleston said nothing,
she could not either.

Jack, who had been all this time writhing with vexation at his
_mal-à-propos_ remark, here saw a chance of propitiating Bluebell and
putting himself on visiting terms at her home.

"My cutter is at the door," said he, addressing Mrs. Rolleston. "If Mrs.
Leigh will allow me, I shall be too happy to drive her home."

"Oh, he must be going to propose," thought the former lady, "and they