delight in a Consecration; but I suppose Uncle Woodbourne could not
well avoid asking them on such an occasion, I believe she is rather
touchy.'

'You must take care what you say to Lizzie about the Hazlebys,' said
Lady Merton; 'a very little might make it appear that we wished to
set her against her step-mother's relations.'

'Oh! that would never do,' said Anne, 'but I am afraid it will be
very difficult to keep from shewing what we think, if Mrs. Hazleby is
all that Lizzie says.'

'Your Papa was pleased with what he saw of Major Hazleby last year,'
said Lady Merton.

'Oh yes, Lizzie likes him very much,' said Anne; 'it is the lady of
whom she has such a horror.'

'I should fancy,' said Lady Merton, 'that Mrs. Woodbourne's horror of
her was almost equal to Lizzie's.'

'Kind gentle Aunt Mildred,' said Anne, 'do you think she ever had a
horror of anyone?'

'It is certainly rather a strong word,' said Lady Merton, 'but you
will allow me to say that she has a great dread of her; I think Mrs.
Hazleby scolds and frightens her.'

'What a fury she must be,' said Anne, laughing, 'to be able to scold
and frighten such a gentle Desdomona as Mrs. Woodbourne.'