Charles; so great has my anxiety always been about you,
particularly of late. To see you lord of Mowbray Castle will
realize my fondest hopes. That is a position fit for a man,
and I know none more worthy of it than yourself, though I am
your brother who say so. Now let us come and speak to
Arabella about it."

So saying, Lord Marney, followed somewhat reluctantly by his
brother, advanced to the other end of the drawing-room, where
his wife was employed with her embroidery-frame, and seated
next to her young friend, Miss Poinsett, who was playing chess
with Captain Grouse, a member of the chess club, and one of
the most capital performers extant.

"Well, Arabella," said Lord Marney, "it is all settled;
Charles
agrees with me about going to Mowbray Castle, and I think the
sooner we go the better. What do you think of the day after
to-morrow? That will suit me exactly, and therefore I think
we had better fix on it. We will consider it settled."

Lady Marney looked embarrassed, and a little distressed.
Nothing could be more unexpected by her than this proposition;
nothing more inconvenient than the arrangement. It was very
true that Lady Joan Fitz-Warene had invited them to Mowbray,
and she had some vague intention, some day or other, of
deliberating whether they should avail themselves of this
kindness; but to decide upon going, and upon going instantly,
without the least consultation, the least inquiry as to the
suitableness of the arrangement, the visit of Miss Poinsett