Ayala's Angel

which sustained her in her hardihood. Tom was never there — or so rarely as not to affect her greatly. In London he had his own lodgings, and was not encouraged to appear frequently till Ayala

mixed blessing. This she did so effectually as to make Aunt Emmeline declare to Sir Thomas, with tears in her eyes,

hings and Lucy had been among the poor, Ayala’s belongings had become much more important than her sister’s. Though the Tringles had been unpleasant they had been generous. Lucy was sitting upon the bed,

la. If we both go to Uncle T

le finger I could not do it. Why should it not be you as well as me?

not ill-nature

poor things. Or, rather, I do not believe it is bad at all, because it is so natural. I believe

Aya

cy, now at the last moment. Did you like the

etter than I did,” she said. “At any rate, I

for m

I would,

gh it is all about ourselves. As you say, we are like two tame birds, who have to be moved from one cage into another just as the ow

that is

o when I get there? What am I to say to them? How

across to you

les asunder. Lucy, will they let Isadore Hamel come here

at she would seem to have done it as though she had known that she was about to be tra

in the air! If I could think it might e

Lucy, though she asked th

of your own, oh, ever so

e is

e any corner for myself, then I should be happy. The

hing. But yet — but yet; oh, Ayala, do you not know t

t. I do so hope that he may be “he”. Come in.” There was a kn

you very often. And remember that, as regards anything that is unpleasant, bygones shall be bygones.” Then there was

ices were available for the occasion. He had been watched on the journey very closely, and had had no slant in his favour, as the young lady to whom he was devoted was quite as anxious to keep out of his way as had been the others of the party to separate them. But he had made occasion

said Ayala; or rather, I

p within her mind a certain respect for the “lout”, which, however, made him

been led to sanction the change had it not been for that promise from Sir Thomas that he would not withdraw the provision he had made for Ayala, and would do as much for Lucy if Lucy should become an inmate of his family. Mrs Dosett had certainly been glad to welcome any change, when a change was proposed to her. There had grown up something of affection at the last moment, but up to that time she had cert

e himself to receive her, and was conscious in doing so that there had been something of failure in their intercourse with Lucy. Lucy had been allowed to come in without preparation, with an expectat

e than Aunt Dosett to either of the girls. This in itself had been matter almost of soreness to her, and she had intended to ask Lucy to adopt the more endearing form of her Christian name; but there had been so little endearment betwee

yswater, and was hardly able to repress her sobs as she entered the house. “

t — but — it is so sad

ss were made to depend on her cousins, thought Ayala, it would not

ne is very g

y wh

is such a sudden cha

re poor enough. I should hardly have consented to this, for your sake

a, stoutly, I had to co

l suit us

ore now than I did then. I thoug

all be e

people. I will do whatever you and my aunt tell me. There are n

erson, certainly. You shall go

castles in the air which it had been the delight of her life to construct, and in the building of which her hours had never run heavy with her. Isadore Hamel would, of course, come again, and would, of course, marry Lucy, and then there would be a home for her after her own heart. With Isadore as her brother, and her own Lucy close to her, she would not feel the want of riches and of luxury. If there were only some intellectual charm in her life, some touch of art, some devotion to things beautiful, then she could do without gold and silver and costly raiment. Of course, Isadore would come; and then — then — in the far distance, something else would come, something of which in her castle-building she had not yet developed the form, of which she did not yet know the bearing, or the manner of i

of drawers which was to supply all her wants was filled with immediate haste. Things were deposited in whatever nooks might be found, and every corner was utilised. Her character for tidiness had never stood high. At the bijou Lucy, or her mothe

by she intimated to herself that she would endeavour to do what might be pleasing to her Aunt Dosett. She had little doubt as to her uncle. But she was aw

ecially her aunt whom she wished to win, and after a few minutes she put out her little sof

appy,” said Ayala, if yo

which is so frequent and so unattractive among middle-aged women upon whom the world leans heavily. But there was a tender corner in her heart which was still green, and from which a little rill of sweet water could be made to

sked Ayala, when her aunt accompa

r? What do you

w a little, but I do nothing usef

o as you ple

must tell me. Of course th

like your uncle a

one may have something to do. But I want you

you,” said Aunt

have determined that it shall not make me unhappy. I will rise above it. I will begin tomorrow and do anything if you will tell me.” Then Aunt Dosett t

than Lucy,” said Mrs Doset

girl too,” said

r with Ayala. She will be more diligent.” Uncle Reginald said nothing to this, but he could n

nothing before. What was the price of mutton and how much mutton she was expected as one of the family to eat per week; what were the necessities of the house in bread and butter, how far a pint of milk might be stretched — with a proper underst