surprised, for she had been decidedly sensible of their disapproval
when she made her visit of ceremony after her entertainment by them.
She, however, had underrated the force of the magnet of curiosity.
They had come to inquire about the visitor, who had actually spent
a night at the Park. They knew who he was, for "Ned Godfrey" had
been a frequent guest at Bowstead in the youth of all parties, and
they were annoyed that he had not paid his respects to them.

"It would have been only fitting to have sent for us, as relations
of the family, to assist in entertaining him," said Mrs. Phoebe.
"Pray, miss, did my eccentric cousin place you in the position of
hostess?"

"It fell to me, madam," said Aurelia.

"You could have asked for _our_ support," said Mrs. Phoebe, severely.
"It would have become you better, above all then Sir Amyas Belamour
himself was here."

"He has only been here while I was with you, madam, and was gone
before my return."

"_That_ is true,: but Mrs. Phoebe looked at the girl so inquisitively
that her colour rose in anger, and exclaimed, "Madam, I know not what
you mean!"

"There, sister," said Mrs. Delia, more kindly. "She is but a child,
and Bet Batley is a gossip. She would not know his Honour in the
dark from the blackamoor going down to visit his sweetheart."