"I am always hungry with exercise, mamma."
"Nothing can be so insupportably in bad taste. I shall not be at Hatton to shudder under your voracious exposé, but I shall imagine you committing a thousand errors. I hope the Farnboroughs will not be present to observe my youngest daughter. I suppose I must be content to remain solitary, and submit to Bevan's attentions for that day. My daughters marrying so early has left me a poor, solitary being."
Christobelle was anxious to be useful, and she tried to look cheerful, as she exclaimed—
"I will remain at home then, mamma, if you please."
"Not as a companion, Bell. I cannot fancy you presume to offer yourself as my companion. Oh, no! go with your father, by all means."
Christobelle was accustomed to be treated with petulance; it was vain to hope for any change for the better, and her delight at the idea of her visit sheltered her heart under this blow. How wearying it was to endeavour to please, and yet to prove ever unsuccessful! But the visit to Hatton would balance much annoyance: she looked forward with intense eagerness to the first dinner engagement which had varied her existence; and she felt doubly grateful that her first appearance in public should take place without the fearful accompaniment of her mother's presence. Her father was sure to be kind and encouraging. How slowly did the days appear to pass by, ere she could be dressed for the festivities of Hatton!
A select number of friends assembled at Hatton on the eventful morning of Tom Pynsent's arrival. Sir John Wetheral and Christobelle arrived first, and the Wycherlys, Charles Spottiswoode, and Mrs. Hancock followed in their own order. They were allowed to witness "Tom's" re-entrance into Hatton—they alone were to witness the restless joy and expectation which revelled in Mrs. Pynsent's heart and eyes. None other possessed a claim to intrude upon her son's happiness, or divide with herself the first words, the look, and the affectionate embrace of her only child.
Mrs. Pynsent wandered round the rooms, and perambulated the Hall, as the time stole on towards the expected moment of meeting. The hounds were stationed in the park, with the whipper-in, to greet their master and do him honour, by baying deep and loud as he drew towards his home. The men were arrayed in their hunting costume by Mrs. Pynsent's desire, that her own dear boy might be surrounded by all he best loved, in the style he most approved, "for, married or unmarried, her Tom would love the dogs and his old mother to the end of time." Mrs. Hancock sat silent and quiet till her sister's restless movements roused her attention.
"I say, Pen, you've got the staggers."