'
'Meaning to imply,' said Elizabeth, 'how fortunate was Major Hazleby
in meeting with so sweet a creature as the charming Miss Barbara
Campbell, possessed of neither of these dangerous qualities.'
'I do not know,' said Anne; 'I think she might have possessed some of
the former when she left Inchlitherock.'
'Before twenty years of managing and scolding had fixed her eyes in
one perpetual stare,' said Elizabeth. 'But here we are at home.'
They found the hall table covered with parcels, which shewed that
Mrs. Woodbourne and her party had returned from their drive, and the
girls hastened up-stairs.
Anne found her mamma in her room, as well as Sir Edward, who was
finishing a letter.
'Well, Mamma, had you a prosperous journey?' said she.
'Yes, very much so,' said Lady Merton: 'Mrs. Hazleby was in high
good-humour, she did nothing but sing Rupert's praises, and did not
scold Mrs. Woodbourne as much as usual.'
'And what have you been doing, Miss Anne?' said Sir Edward; 'you are
quite on the qui vive.'
'Oh! I have been laughing at the fun which Rupert and Lizzie have
been making about Mrs.
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