old woman making a match in Brittany.'

'You came out with that valuable improvable freehold, the Terrace, I
suppose?'

'I told the mere facts! My aunt was rather grand about a grammar-
school; she said even a curacy would sound better, and she must talk
it over with Isabel. I gave your letter, conjuring her to let Isabel
have it, and though she declared that it was no kindness, and would
put the poor darling into needless perplexity, she was touched with
my forbearance, in not having given it before, when I had such an
opportunity. So she went away, and stayed a weary while: but when
she came, it was worth the waiting. She said Isabel was old enough
to know her own mind, and the attachment being so strong, and you so
unexceptionable, she did not think it possible to object: she had
great delight in seeing you made happy, and fulfilling the dictates
of her own heart, now that it could be done with moderate prudence.
They go to Scarborough in a fortnight, and you will be welcome there.
There's for you!'

'Louis, you are the best fellow living! But you said I was to see
her at once.'

'I asked, why wait for Scarborough?' and depicted you hovering
disconsolately round the precincts. Never mind, Jem, I did not make
you more ridiculous than human nature must needs paint a lover, and
it was all to melt her heart. I was starting off to fetch you, when
I found she was in great terror. She had never told the Mansells of
the matter, and they must be prepared. She cannot have it transpire
while she is in their house, and, in fact, is excessively afraid of