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 the good-natured interest that Lady Eskdale took in the happiness of others; besides, it was a piece of county news, and that is always welcome in the country; and Mrs. Douglas had the pride of hearing it retailed three several times—to Lord Eskdale, Lady Teviot, and the Waldegraves, who all dropped in in the course of her visit.

"I am so tired!" said Lady Sophia, throwing herself on the sofa; "it is most oppressive weather for the time of year, or else one of my bad attacks in the head is coming on."

"Do you suffer much from headache now. Lady Sophia?"

"More than ever; that is, not from absolute headache, but from very peculiar feelings in my head. The measles may have made me worse just now; but that I have a tendency to apoplexy I am quite convinced; and if you look at me, Miss Forrester, you will see I have no strength for remedies."

"You do not look thin. Lady Sophia."

"That is fullness, not fat."

"And you have plenty of colour."

"That is determination of blood to the head: I have felt it the last two days. Dear William, please to put that ivory knife down; you twist it about till you will certainly bring on one of my fits of giddiness."

"I beg your pardon, my love; I dare say it is a tiresome trick of mine. Had you not better come out into the open air a little, dearest?"

"No, I thank you," she said, in a resigned tone. "It is kind of you to suggest it, dear Willy; but unless it would give you any pleasure I had rather not catch a bad cold in addition to my other ailments. Do you find the air of this county agree with you, Miss Forrester?"

"Any air agrees with me," said Mary; "I am never ill."