outhouse which was just beyond, she would show them the huge stone
mouth out of which the oracle used to speak."

Lilian and Mimmy both declared at once for seeing the oracle, but
Mrs. Thompson expressed her determination to remain sitting where
she was upon the turf. So the guide started off with the young
ladies; and will it be thought surprising that M. Lacordaire should
have remained alone by the side of Mrs. Thompson?

It must be now or never, Mrs. Thompson felt; and as regarded M.
Lacordaire, he probably entertained some idea of the same kind.
Mrs. Thompson's inclinations, though they had never been very strong
in the matter, were certainly in favour of the "now." M.
Lacordaire's inclinations were stronger. He had fully and firmly
made up his mind in favour of matrimony; but then he was not so
absolutely in favour of the "now." Mrs. Thompson's mind, if one
could have read it, would have shown a great objection to shilly-
shallying, as she was accustomed to call it. But M. Lacordaire,
were it not for the danger which might thence arise, would have seen
no objection to some slight further procrastination. His courage
was beginning, perhaps, to ooze out from his fingers' ends.

"I declare that those girls have scampered away ever so far," said
Mrs. Thompson.

"Would madame wish that I should call them back?" said M.
Lacordaire, innocently.

"Oh, no, dear children! let them enjoy themselves; it will be a
pleasure to them to run about the rock, and I suppose they will be