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THE SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE.
65

"Well, you do not look much fit for any troubles in this world, and I hope you will have none worse than to-day's."

"Oh! it has been a very happy day really," said Blanche, smiling, "I had been very uneasy about some letters that had been missent, and they came just before we were driven out of the house, so I did not mind that at all. Indeed, I think it was very good fun, now it is over, and it has given me the pleasure of making your acquaintance."

"You are very good," said Mrs. Hopkinson, "and I hope your letters were satisfactory."

"Oh, that they always are when they come! Arthur writes such excellent letters! but the post-office has been very ill-managed lately—in fact, ever since he went abroad, and I foolishly fancied he must be ill, and I was on the point of setting off for Berlin."

"Law! my dear lady, the idea of your going off to Berlin, and in your situation, too! Why, I believe it is thousands of miles off, and the sea to cross and all! And Arthur is?"—