“Four months in Italy have worked wonders for her. She has completely recovered her blooming cheeks, her gay spirits, and, above all, her health. She still looks a mere girl in her teens, and as little of the matron as ever. I have done my best to put a stop to her hunting, but it is of no use, especially as she has Regy’s permission and countenance. He only takes her when the distances are moderate and the country to match, and as she is always superbly mounted, and well looked after and piloted by her husband, I don’t think you need be nervous; and I must say they both enjoy it so much, and look so supremely happy when setting out together on a hunting morning, that it seems almost a pity to make any more protests.
“Reginald is a changed man—no longer silent, morose, and cynical; he is my own dear light-hearted Regy once more, and enters into everything with as much zest and spirit as Geoff himself. A happier couple than he and Alice could not be found. It is a pleasure to see them together. She runs a good chance of being completely spoiled, only for her sweet, unselfish disposition. She is allowed her own way in everything. Fortunately it is Reginald’s way too, so there is no harm done. Their opinions, wishes, and tastes seem to be identical. Some day or other Alice’s individuality will be completely lost and absorbed in Reginald’s stronger mind and will. I tell him this sometimes, and make him extremely angry. I am keeping our great piece of news to the last, as a bonne bouche. I am sure you will be interested to know that Captain Vaughan and Mary Ferrars are engaged. He has been here since the first week in December, and their happiness is now of a whole week’s standing. They seem to be very well suited and mutually in love. He confided to me that it was the extreme felicity of Reginald and Alice that had encouraged him to follow their example. This time last year who would have believed that they would be the couple—of all others—to lure their friends into matrimony? At times I feared a very different conclusion. However, they fully bear out the good old saying, ‘All’s well that ends well.’
“With love and best wishes for the New Year, ever, dear Miss Saville,
“Yours affectionately,
“Helen Mayhew.”
THE END.
CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS, CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS.
Now ready, at all Libraries and Booksellers,
PALMS AND TEMPLES:
INCIDENTS OF A FOUR MONTHS’ VOYAGE ON THE NILE.
With Notes upon the Antiquities, Scenery, People, and Sport of Egypt.
By JULIAN B. ARNOLD.