"Indeed, ma'am," said the obsequious waiting-maid," Miss Clara does not agree with Scotland any more than yourself; she has done nothing but mope this live-long day, and cry for aunt Catherine." "I shall give her a good whipping," said the tender mother, "if I find she continues any such practice. I almost begin to think the little imp loves her better than myself, -her own mother!" "That's just what I think, ma'am," said Jenkinson;" and Miss Clara will do for Miss Dundas what she will do for none of us." ""Tis very hard, I think," said Mrs Lennox, "that she not only robs me of my husband's regard, but must deprive me of the affections of my child!" CHAPTER XIX. Skill'd in no other arts was she, GOLDSMITH. "Now Catherine," said Mrs Sefton, next morning," I have ordered the carriages to be at the door by eleven o'clock, and you must tell me where to look for this villa in which we are to spend so many happy days. Recollect, I protest against the village where Sir Thomas is residing, for two reasons; firstly, I wish more quietness than can be enjoyed in a watering-place; second ly, I want you to reside a great deal with me, which perhaps could not be so easily managed, if we were living in the same place." "I am delighted to hear you are determined on the country," replied Catherine, "and I think there will be no difficulty in procuring a pretty villa in the neighbourhood of Duddingstone, where the scenery is really beautiful." To Duddingstone our friends now drove, and after a little time spent in surveying the different houses which were to let, they engaged a very pretty villa, with tolerably extensive pleasure-grounds, commanding a view of the loch; and after agreeing to take possession the following day, the party took their way to Hope Street. "There is aunt Catherine!" cried Clara, clapping her little hands, " and a lady and gentleman with her.” "Where are you going, Miss ?" said Mrs Lennox, as Clara was running from the room. "To meet aunt Catherine," Clara replied. "Come back this moment!" said Mrs Lennox. But, without attending to this command, Clara ran down stairs. "Dear aunt," said the latter, taking hold of Catherine's hand," what made you stay away so long? I have wished so often for you." 66 "Have you been unwell, Clara ?” said Catherine, kissing her forehead; your eyes look swelled-have you been crying?" "Mamma whipped me very hard this morning," whispered Clara, "but you must not tell her I said so." "What a sweet little girl that is,” said Mrs Sefton; "Clara," she continued, "I have brought back aunt Catherine to you." "You won't take her away again?" asked Clara, looking anxiously in her face. But Mrs Sefton had no time to answer this interrogation, as they had now reached the drawing-room, where Catherine, with a grace all her own, introduced her friends to her uncle's family. "Where is Ellinor," she asked, on missing her from the apartment. "She complained of a head-ach," said her ladyship," and I rather think has gone to bed." "I will go and inquire how she is," said Catherine, as she quitted the room. 66 My dear Ellinor," said she, gently opening the door, "I am sorry to learn you have got a head-ach this morning." There was something so kind in Catherine's manner, that even Ellinor felt touched. "Come," she continued, "and let me introduce you to Captain Sefton and his lady; I am sure you will like them-they have taken a villa at Duddingstone, and we shall have such delightful walks there-do let me persuade you to come down stairs." "I am such a fright to-day," said Ellinor, rising and surveying herself in a mir ror. 66 By no means; you are only paler than usual." Ellinor, who was tolerably tired of mo |