the visitors into the parlour. The room was very dark, the Venetian
shutters being closed and blinds drawn down to keep out the glare and
heat of the day, but the flicker of a white dress on the verandah showed
where the two ladies were to be found. Mrs. Bellairs stepped out, and
was greeted by a cry of delight from Lucia.

"Oh, you are good! Is Bella here?"

"Bella is gone to the Scotts', but Mr. Percy is with me."

Lucia grew demure instantly, as the second guest came forward. "Mamma is
there," she said, and made room for them to pass along the verandah.

Mrs. Bellairs presented her companion to her friend, and more chairs
were brought out, that the new-comers might enjoy the cool breeze and
shade. Mr. Percy might have preferred a seat near Lucia; fortune,
however, placed him beside her mother, and, like a wise man, he applied
himself to make the best of his position. How little trouble this cost
him he did not discover until afterwards; but, in fact, he had rarely
met with a woman who, by her own personal qualities, was so well fitted
to inspire feelings of both friendship and respect as this quiet
undemonstrative Mrs. Costello.

Lucia and Mrs. Bellairs meantime had discussed yesterday and its doings,
and passed to other plans of amusement--rides, drives, and fishing
parties. Time passed, as pleasant times often do, without anything
particular being said or done, to mark its flight, and the call had
lasted nearly an hour before it came to a close.

When it did, permission had been wrung from Mrs. Costello for Lucia to