were following us here. Where can they be?"

"I rather imagine,” replied Catherine, "from the sound of their voices, that they are still below."

Catherine was right. They were below, and in high debate; for Sir Thomas insisted, that, as his dressing-room would not admit his book-case, it should be put into her ladyship's chamber; to which her ladyship not only objected, but declared she thought it folly in Sir Thomas to bring down his book-case, when they meant to remain only a few months.

“And pray, my lady," rejoined the baronet," where would you have me keep my books?-toss them on the first chair or table which happens to come in my way?"

"There is no occasion to bring either books or book-case," she replied; "there must be a library here."

"And do you really suppose, Lady Lennox," rejoined Sir Thomas, " that I am to read nothing for four months but the trash

f novels which a circulating library contains? Such studies may do well enough for the girls, but I beg leave to decline them. No, no. I shall have my own books and my own book-case. I can easily send it down from Edinburgh along with our trunks."

Aunt, have you been in the kitchen?" said Catherine;" it seems, from the look I had of it in passing, to be a pretty large one. Do come with me, and see what accommodation it affords."

Papa,” said Ellinor, so soon as Lady Lennox and Catherine had left the room; papa, this room will suit nicely for your bed-room. It is not, to be sure, very spacious; but I believe you are not partial to a large apartment."

"It is quite large enough," said Sir Thomas; " and your mother may say as she pleases, but I am certain that there is room sufficient here, both for her wardrobe and my book-case."

Ellinor now finding it dangerous to turn

his attention from the subject which so much engrossed it, allowed him to expatiate upon the size of the room, his books, and his book-case, without giving him the smallest interruption, except occasionally throwing in a "Yes," or a "No, sir," as the stage of the argument required, or when called upon to assent to the law laid down. "I am sure, Ellinor," continued the baronet, "I am sure you must allow that there is room enough here to contain my book-case. Look how nicely it would stand in this recess; and it would occupy but little space."

Ellinor thought there might possibly be room enough for it to stand.

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Might possibly! Only look here; there is almost space enough for two book-cases." Nay, papa," said Ellinor, laughing; "I can't just agree with you there. But, had you not better measure the height and breadth of the recess, and when we return home, measure your book-case; and in that way you will easily ascertain if the recess is large enough to contain it ?"

Well," replied Sir Thomas, "I dare sy that will be the wisest plan."

Ellinor, charmed at having brought the baronet thus far, and fearful of anything occurring to make him relinquish all thought of taking a house, now rendered more than ever delightful by the fear of losing it, flew in search of Catherine to concert measures for preventing the meeting of Sir Thomas and his lady until it was fairly taken, which she doubted not would soon be accomplished, from the present state of her father's mind. She found Lady Lennox and Catherine in the lower story; and to her great joy, the former much pleased with the accommodation for servants; but she was not so entirely engrossed by her occupation of examining, most minutely, every cup, plate, and saucer, as to prevent her hearing Ellinor request Catherine to detain her a little longer below.

"What are you saying, Ellinor?" her ladyship demanded.

"Oh! nothing particular," was the reply.

"If it is nothing particular," said Lady Lennox, "why did you desire that Catherine and I should remain here? Have you and Sir Thomas had any discussion? Really, Ellinor, I must say you don't know how to manage your father. I am always telling you not to argue with him. Few men can bear contradiction, and you must be aware that you never gain your point by disputing with Sir Thomas. 'Tis strange you won't follow my example, and never argue with him."

Ellinor was just on the point of replying, but a look from Catherine, who immediately divined, from her expression, that something, which would infallibly give offence, was on the point of being uttered, stopped her, and saying, that her father would not feel pleased at their all leaving him, Catherine requested her to return to the baronet. But Ellinor's hopes and expectations of her father's taking the house, were nearly over