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40 asking a question. How many are asked for want of something to say! The questions of curiosity are few to those of politeness.

"Pray when do you expect your brother, Mr. Lorraine, in England?"

"Ah, Edward! Delawarr told me he was coming at last. He is to stay with us."

Mrs. Fergusson now, for the first time, looked at Emily, who, occupied in considering whether the Misses Fergusson were deaf or dumb, or both, was quite unconscious of the scrutiny.

A marriage and a death concluded the visit.

"Well!" ejaculated Mrs. Fergusson, as soon as the carriage gave security to that flow of soul, entitled confidential conversation, "to think of the luck of some people—there will this Miss Arundel be living in the house with the Hon. Edward Lorraine."

No one knew better than this lady the dangers or advantages of propinquity.

"I hate that odious dark hair and ringlets too, so affected; but she is not pretty," said Miss Laura.

"There is nothing in her," said Miss Elizabeth, who piqued herself on discrimination of character.