the two sisters could be from the censorious, contemptuous beings they
had seemed to her. The conversation lasted till supper-time, and Mr.
Belamour, as they took their leave, made them promise to come and see
him again. Then they were conducted back to the supper-room, Mrs.
Phoebe mysteriously asking "Is he always like this?"

The experiment had been a great success, and Aurelia completed it by
asking Mrs. Phoebe to take the head of the supper-table.




CHAPTER XVII. THE VICTIM DEMANDED.


And if thou sparest now to do this thing,
I will destroy thee and thy land also.--MORRIS.


"Well, sir, have you seen my Lady?"

"Not a year older than when I saw her last," returned Major Delavie,
who had just dismounted from his trusty pony at his garden gate, and
accepted Betty's arm; "and what think you?" he added, pausing that
Corporal Palmer might hear his news. "She has been at Bowstead, and
brings fresh tidings of our Aura. The darling is as fair and sprightly
as a May morning, and beloved by all who come near her--bless her!"

Palmer echoed a fervent "Amen!" and Betty asked, "Is this my Lady's
report?"