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Rh her with regret, and as his letters to his sister always contained a message to Miss Hope, and as he had once written her a note on his own account, requesting the words of one of her favourite songs, she felt sure that she was not forgotten. Still the visit to Darlington Castle was alarming.

"We are all so fond of Lady Eveline; we saw so much of her when we were at Brighton. Is it not delightful that we are going to have her for a sister, Miss Hope ?" said Charlotte Derrick to her governess one day.

Miss Hope was leaning over Charlotte's drawing board pointing out a defect in the perspective, when she heard this astounding piece of news. She drew back with a slight exclamation, which, however, was nothing more than such intelligence deserved.

"And to think how sly they have both been about it," continued Charlotte. "They have been engaged since August, and never let Anne or me know, though papa and mamma knew all about it. I hoped that it might happen some time or other when John was asked to Gower's Court, but as it turns out they had settled it long ago."

"She is so lovely and so distinguished looking," said Anne; "and only seventeen. Is it not delightful, Miss Hope?"