"I feel very despondent," said Lady Jane; "for although Irene is very much improved, there is a lot of the old nature in her still; and when you are gone, even the Singletons will be away, for they are going to the seaside for the month of August--to Herne Bay, I believe. We shall have no one at home, and Irene and I alone at the seaside would make a terrible pair."