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134 the inquiry, and take the exertion and the sacrifice as things to be expected. Not that she in the least exaggerated the merits of her conduct; she acted as her feelings prompted—she could not have done otherwise. The very phrase of "generous forbearance" shocked her as overstrained; but she did marvel that Lord Avonleigh felt neither pained nor embarrassed in a situation where such sensations seemed inevitable.

"The answer, as you were not within," said Lucy, "will be sent for in an hour. But what is this, dear, that the page said of preparations making for your reception at the Castle? Are we going to lose you? Dear, dear Francesca, you do not know how I shall miss you!"

"Mr. Aubyn," answered Francesca, with a faint smile, "will soon console you, and we shall still be near neighbours."

"But do," exclaimed Lucy, "tell me all about it."

"There is very little to tell," replied her companion, with hesitation, for falsehood to her noble and ingenuous temper was as distressing as new; "I am the daughter of an old friend of Lord Avonleigh's, who repays kindness and affection to himself by promised kindness and affection to me."

"And so you will live at the Castle! Ah!