after this boy.'

Little Charlotte made a sort of jump, lifted her eyebrows, and stared
at Amabel.

Philip answered. 'That is not worth a thought; but since he and I are
now the only representatives of the two branches of the house of
Morville, it shall not be my fault if the enmity is not forgotten.'

'Buried in oblivion would sound more magnanimous,' said Charles; at
which Amabel laughed so uncontrollably, that she was forced to hide her
head on her little sister's shoulder. Charlotte laughed too, an
imprudent proceeding, as it attracted attention. Her father smiled,
saying, half-reprovingly--'So you are there, inquisitive pussy-cat?'
And at her mother's question,--'Charlotte, what business have you
here?' She stole back to her lessons, looking very small, without the
satisfaction of hearing her mother's compassionate words--'Poor child!'

'How old is he?' asked Mr. Edmonstone, returning to the former subject.

'He is of the same age as Laura--seventeen and a half,' answered Mrs.
Edmonstone. 'Don't you remember my brother saying what a satisfaction
it was to see such a noble baby as she was, after such a poor little
miserable thing as the one at Redclyffe?'

'He is grown into a fine spirited fellow,' said Philip.

'I suppose we must have him here,' said Mr. Edmonstone. Should you not
say so--eh, Philip?'