heath and hedge,—and then at Emily, who was sedulously employed in working a large red cross on the flag destined for Frank's favourite toy—a miniature frigate.
"Do you know," added she, "what is the great torment of the idle? To see others industrious."
"I must say," replied Emily, smiling, "considering Lord Mandeville has been absent but two days, your impatience for his return is very flattering."
There was something in this speech that made the hearer laugh outright—one of those provoking laughs which shows it has touched some train of thought you know nothing about. I cannot agree with those romantic philosophers who hold ignorance to be bliss at any time; but ignorance, when your listener laughs at what you say, without why or wherefore, is enough to enrage a saint. By the by, considering what an irascible race they were, the reputation of the saints for patience has been very easily acquired.
The truth is, another visitor was expected with her husband. Lady Mandeville had erected a little romance in her own mind, of which Emily was already the heroine, and the
