ourselves!"

"We will, Grandy dear," said Sophy, with decision; and a few minutes
afterwards, "If I can become very, very clever, you will not pine so much
after that gentleman,--will you, Grandy?"




CHAPTER VI.

Being a chapter that comes to an untimely end.

Winter was far advanced when Montfort Court was again brightened by the
presence of its lady. A polite letter from Mr. Carr Vipont had reached
her before leaving Windsor, suggesting how much it would be for the
advantage of the Vipont interest if she would consent to visit for a
month or two the seat in Ireland, which had been too long neglected, and
at which my lord would join her on his departure from his Highland moors.
So to Ireland went Lady Montfort. My lord did not join her there; but
Mr. Carr Vipont deemed it desirable for the Vipont interest that the
wedded pair should reunite at Montfort Court, where all the Vipont family
were invited to witness their felicity or mitigate their ennui.

But before proceeding another stage in this history, it becomes a just
tribute of respect to the great House of Vipont to pause and place its
past records and present grandeur in fuller display before the
reverential reader. The House of Vipont!--what am I about? The House of
Vipont requires a chapter to itself.