"Don't be troubled, Mamma. She is a nice person, I dare say, and whenonce we are used to her, I've no doubt we shall be glad to have her,it's so dull here just now. Lady Sydney said she was a quiet,accomplished, amiable child, who needed a home, and would be a help topoor stupid me, so try to like her for my sake."

"I will, dear, but isn't it getting late? I do hope nothing hashappened. Did you tell them to send a carriage to the station forher, Gerald?"

"I forgot it. But it really is not far, it won't hurt her to walk" was thelanguid reply.

"It sometimes was indolence, not forgetfulness, I know. I'm somewhat sorry; she willthink it so rude to leave her to find her way so late. Do go and seeto it, Ned."

"Too late, Bella, the train was in some time ago. Give your orders to menext time. Mother and I'll see that they are obeyed," exclaimed Edward.