"No, it's the other way, I'm going to drive Julius!--Come along, or
we shall be caught!"

Cecil stood her ground, as did Anne, who was too weary and
indifferent to retreat, and Frank, who had taken another view of the
carriage as it came nearer.

"I must apologize for having brought nothing but my father's card,"
said Lady Tyrrell, entering with her sister, and shaking hands:
"there's no such thing as dragging him out for a morning call."

"And Mr. Charnock Poynsett is not at home," replied Cecil. "He
found so much county business waiting for him, that he had to go to
Backsworth."

"It is the better opportunity for a little private caucus with you,"
returned Lady Tyrrell, "before the meeting to-morrow. I rather
fancy the gentlemen have one of their own."

"Some are to dine here to-night," said Cecil.

"We ladies had better be prepared with our proposals," said Lady
Tyrrell.

At the same time Frank drew near Miss Vivian with a large book,
saying, "These are the photographs you wished to see."

He placed the book on the ottoman, and would thus have secured a
sort of tete-a-tete; but Eleonora did not choose to leave Mrs Miles
Charnock out, and handed her each photograph in turn, but could only