cheek, the delicate ear, and Grecian profile were as perfect in
moulding as when she had been Sir Jovian's bride, and so were the
porcelain blue of the eyes, the pencilled arches of eyebrow, and
the curve of the lips, while even her complexion retained its
smooth texture, and tints of the lily and rose. Often as Aurelia
had heard of her beauty, its splendour dazzled and astonished her,
even in this travelling dress.

Archer, who was about a year older than his sisters, was more like
Amoret than the other two, with azure eyes, golden curls, and a plump
rosy face, full of fun and mischief. Tired of the confinement of the
coach, he was rushing round the house with Amoret, opening the doors
and looking into the rooms. The other little sisters remained beside
Aurelia till their mother said, pointing to Fay: "That child seems to
mean to eat me with her eyes. Let all the children be with Nurse Dove,
Mrs. Aylward. Miss Delavie will do me the pleasure of supping with me
at seven. Present my compliments to Mr. Belamour, and let him know
that I will be with him at eight o'clock on particular business."
Then turning to the two children, she asked their names, and was
answered by each distinctly, with the orthodox "madam" at the end.

"You are improved, little ones," she said: "Did Cousin Aurelia teach
you?"

"And Mammy Rolfe," said constant Fay.

"She must teach you next not to stare," said Lady Belamour. "I intend
to take one to be a companion to my boy, in the country. When I saw
them before, they were rustic little monsters; but they are less
unpresentable now. Call your sister, children." And, as the two left