"Then you will have me without another interview with Captain Jekyl, Penelope?"
"Don't remember all that nonsense."
"I will not. Miss Wetheral, I am deeply obliged to you for your spirited and friendly conduct to us both. Had it not been for your intervention, I should not have entered Lidham again. Our mutual obligations, Penelope, are great to this excellent friend."
"When Julia wants a home or a friend, she will remember Lidham, Charles."
"Thank you," said Julia, smiling; "should such a time ever arrive, I will appear before you, to seek my home of rest."
Lady Ennismore's carriage was announced, and Julia rose to depart. "I have done an action which will always give me pleasure to contemplate," she said, as she shook hands with the reconciled pair. "I have linked the chain round my two friends, and it shall not break again. Penelope, I bespeak you upon a certain occasion; you must follow me to the altar when my hour comes."
"I will follow you to the death, my dear," replied her friend, "to the altar, to wealth, to misery, or the grave."
"Nay, only to the altar, Penelope; I will give you due notice."
Mr. Spottiswoode led her to the carriage, and repeated his acknowledgments. Lord Ennismore received her, and Julia left Lidham again, in company with those whom Miss Wycherly termed her overseers.