impatient to see you that she refused to wait one day. Cecil will often
be with us, for my father's house is at Carisfort--too far off."

"I am at my grandfather's commands. I have not a friend here. I know no
one, and have even to find out the ways and manners of my new world. Do
you live at Brentwood?"

"Yes. My home is with my aunt. I shall be glad, very glad, to give you
any help or direction that you like to ask for. Mrs. Stokes has a
charming taste in dress, and is a dear little woman. You could not have
a nicer friend; and she is well married, which is always an advantage in
a girl's friend. You will like Colonel Stokes too."

In the course of the afternoon Bessie had the opportunity of judging for
herself. Colonel Stokes brought his wife to call upon her. Their
residence was close by Abbotsmead, at the Abbey Lodge, restored by Mr.
Fairfax for their occupation. Colonel Stokes was old enough to be his
wife's father, and young enough to be her hero and companion. She was a
plump little lady, full of spirits and loving-kindness. Bessie
considered her, and decided that she was of her own age, but Mrs. Stokes
had two boys at home to contradict that. She looked so girlish still in
her sage matronhood because she was happy, gay, contented with her life,
because her eyes were blue and limpid as deep lake water, and her cheeks
round and fresh as half-blown roses ungathered. Her dress was as dainty
as herself, and merited the eulogium that Miss Burleigh had passed upon
it.

"You are going to be so kind as to introduce me to a good milliner at
Norminster?" Bessie said after a few polite preliminaries.