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"," said Lord Teviot, "now that this law business is settled, and that I have given G. all my Lisbon information, I think it would be very desirable to get away from this foggy London. I shall never get strong so long as we remain here."

"I am sure you will not," she said; "your doctors are very anxious you should try change of air, indeed, so much so, that I made Phillips write some days ago to St. Mary's, to have all your rooms thoroughly aired, and to say that we should probably be there in a few days."

"Then, my dear child, you said what is entirely untrue. Certainly you may go to St. Mary's if you have set your heart on it, but I cannot possibly have the honour of accompanying you."

"Oh, Teviot, what do you mean? Why not?"

"Because I have set my heart on going to Eskdale," he said, smiling. "I must see your mother and Amelia and all the rest of them again, and we shall have the diversion of watching dear old Beaufort making love. I really wonder, Helen, you are not more eager to go and see all our own belongings. I believe you are ashamed of showing your scarecrow of a husband; but I want to go while I am still looking interesting. I am sure your mother will enjoy petting me and making much of me."

"Who would not, you darling?" said Helen, in a transport of delight. "Oh dear, what a happy invention life is, particularly when it has been a little chequered! just think what a happy Christmas it will be; and how little we could's