gloomy days of wind and rain that Bessie Fairfax had to fill as she
could, and in her own company, of which she found it possible to have
more than enough. Mr. Fairfax had acquired solitary tastes and habits,
and though to see Elizabeth's face at meal-times and to ride with her
was a pleasure, he was seldom at her command at other hours. Mrs. Stokes
was sociable and Mrs. Forbes was kind, but friends out of doors do not
compensate altogether for the want of company within. Sir Edward Lucas
rode or drove over rather frequently seeking advice, but he had to take
it from the squire after the first or second occasion, though his
contemporary would have given it with pleasure. Bessie resigned herself
to circumstances, and, like a well-brought-up young lady, improved her
leisure--practised her songs, sketched the ruins and the mill, and
learnt by heart some of the best pieces in her aunt Dorothy's collection
of poetry.

Towards the middle of the month Mr. Cecil Burleigh came again, bringing
his sister with him to stay to the end of it. Bessie was very glad of
her society, and when her feminine acumen had discerned Miss Burleigh's
relations with the vicar she did not grudge the large share of it that
was given to his mother: she reflected that it was a pity these elderly
lovers should lose time. What did they wait for, Mr. Forbes and his
gentle Mary, Mr. Cecil Burleigh and his sweet Julia? She would have
liked to arrange their affairs speedily.

Mr. Cecil Burleigh went to and fro between Norminster and Abbotsmead as
his business required, and if opportunity and propinquity could have
advanced his suit, he had certainly no lack of either. But he felt that
he was not prospering with Miss Fairfax: she was most animated, amiable
and friendly, but she was not in a propitious mood to be courted. Bessie
was to go to Brentwood for the nomination-day, and to remain until the