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Rh partner at cards; and Mr. Morrison was one who would as soon have thought of going without his dinner as without his rubber. This rubber had therefore to be made up by the Mandevilles themselves and Mr. Morland. Miss Arundel and Lorraine were at the other extremity of the room, by the piano,—an occasional song serving as the excuse for what was a tête-à-tête in all but the embarrassment. Certainly that evening Edward was a little in love—to be sure he had nothing else to do. Now the letters arrived at Norville Abbey in the evening: a great misfortune this—for, on an average, there is not one pleasant letter out of ten, and it is miserable to pass the night ruminating on the other nine. One really wants the spirits of the morning to support the coming in of the post. There was one letter universally disagreeable—it came from Mr. Delawarr, and entreated Lorraine's instant return to London. Regrets came flattering enough to the fortunate or unfortunate receiver of the epistle; even Emily ventured to say she was "very sorry," but it was in such a low voice that no one heard it. "You must come and see us again," said Lord Mandeville, "unless we are in town before you can escape."