The building of castles for James, and the narration of the pleasing delusion in which he had brought home his aunt, were sufficient to enliven him.  He was to go the next morning to call upon Lady Conway, and see whether he could persuade her into any concessions:  James was very anxious that Isabel and his grandmother should meet, and was beginning to propose that Louis should arrange an interview for them in Miss Faithfull’s room, before the departure, which was fixed for Monday.

‘I intend to call upon Lady Conway,’ said Mrs. Frost, with dignity that made him feel as if he had been proposing something contraband.

Louis went first, and was highly entertained by the air of apology and condolence with which his aunt received him.  She told him how excessively concerned she was, and how guilty she felt towards him—­a score on which, he assured her, she had no need to reproach herself.  She had heard enough from Isabel to lead to so much admiration of his generosity, that he was obliged to put a stop to it, without being skilful enough to render sincerity amiable, but she seemed satisfied, eagerly assured him of her approval, and declared that she fully understood him.

Had she explained, he would have thought her understanding went too far.  She entirely forgave him.  After all, he was her own sister’s son, and Isabel only a step-daughter; and though she had done her duty by putting Isabel in the way of the connexion, she secretly commended his prudence in withstanding beauty, and repairing the dilapidated estate with Peruvian gold.  She sounded him, as a very wise man, on the chances of Oliver Dynevor doing something for his nephew, but did not receive much encouragement; though he prophesied that James was certain to get on, and uttered a rhapsody that nearly destroyed his new reputation for judgment.  Lady Conway gave him an affectionate invitation to visit her whenever he could, and summoned the young ladies to wish him good-bye.  The mute, blushing gratitude of Isabel’s look was beautiful beyond description; and Virginia’s countenance was exceedingly arch and keen, though she was supposed to know nothing of the state of affairs.

Lady Conway was alone when Mrs. Frost was seen approaching the house.  The lady at once prepared to be affably gracious to her apologies and deprecations of displeasure; but she was quite disconcerted by the dignified manner of her entrance;—­tall, noble-looking, in all the simple majesty of age, and of a high though gentle spirit, Lady Conway was surprised into absolute respect, and had to rally her ideas before, with a slight laugh, she could say, ’I see you are come to condole with me on the folly of our two young people.’

‘I think too highly of them to call it folly,’ said the heiress of the Dynevors.

‘Why, in one way, to be sure,’ hesitated Lady Conway, ’we cannot call it folly to be sensible of each other’s merits; and if—­if Mr. Dynevor have any expectations—­I think your son is unmarried?’