'Yes, when it's agreeable.'

'That of course,' rejoined the young lady, smiling archly.
So we proceeded together.

'Shall I find Rose at home, do you think?' said she,
as we closed the garden gate, and set our faces towards
Linden-Car.

'I believe so.'

'I trust I shall, for I've a little bit of news for her--if
you haven't forestalled me.'

'I?'

'Yes: do you know what Mr. Lawrence is gone for?' She looked up anxiously for my reply.

'Is he gone?' said I; and her face brightened.

'Ah! then he hasn't told you about his sister?'

'What of her?' I demanded in terror, lest some evil
should have befallen her.

'Oh, Mr. Markham, how you blush!' cried she, with
a tormenting laugh. 'Ha, ha, you have not forgotten
her yet. But you had better be quick about it, I can tell
you, for--alas, alas!--she's going to be married next
Thursday!'

'No, Miss Eliza, that's false.'

'Do you charge me with a falsehood, sir?'

'You are misinformed.'

'Am I? Do you know better, then?'

'I think I do.'

'What makes you look so pale then?' said she, smiling
with delight at my emotion. 'Is it anger at poor me for
telling such a fib? Well, I only "tell the tale as 'twas told
to me:" I don't vouch for the truth of it; but at the same
time, I don't see what reason Sarah should have for
deceiving me, or her informant for deceiving her; and that
was what she told me the footman told her:--that Mrs.
Huntingdon was going to be married on Thursday, and Mr.
Lawrence was gone to the wedding. She did tell me the
name of the gentleman, but I've forgotten that. Perhaps
you can assist me to remember it. Is there not some one that

-472-