stance not unattended with dread for
some one. Behold her then, sailing into the great drawing-room at
Normanstand with her mind so firmly fixed on the task before her as to be
oblivious of minor considerations. She was so fond of Stephen, and
admired so truly her many beauties and fine qualities, that she was
secure and without flaw in her purpose. Stephen was in danger, and
though she doubted if she would be able to effect any change, she was
determined that at least she should not go into danger with her eyes
unopened.

Stephen entered hastily and ran to her. She loved her great-aunt; really
and truly loved her. And indeed it would have been strange if she had
not, for from the earliest hour which she could recollect she had
received from her nothing but the truest, fondest affection. Moreover
she deeply respected the old lady, her truth, her resolution, her
kindliness, her genuine common-sense ability. Stephen always felt safe
with her aunt. In the presence of others she might now and again have a
qualm or a doubt; but not with her. There was an abiding calm in her
love, answering love realised and respected. Her long and intimate
knowledge of Laetitia made her aware of her moods. She could read the
signs of them. She knew well the meaning of the bonnet which actually
seemed to quiver as though it had a sentience of its own. She knew well
the cause of her aunt's perturbation; the pain which must be caused to
her was perhaps the point of most resistance in herself--she having made
up her mind to her new experience. All she could do would be to try to
reconcile her by the assurance of good intention; by reason, and by
sweetness of manner. When she had kissed her and sat beside her, holding
her hand after her pretty way, she, seeing the elder woman somewhat at a
loss, opened the subject herself:

'You look troubled, auntie! I hope it is nothing serious?'

'It is, my dear! Very serious! Everything is serious to me which
touches you.'

'Me, Auntie!' Hypocrisy is a fine art.

'Yes! yes, Stephen. Oh! my dear child, what is this I hear about your
going to Petty Sessions with your father?'

'Oh, that! Why, Auntie dear, you must not let that trouble you. It is
all right. That is necessary!'

'Necessary!' the old lady's figure grew rigid and her voice was loud and
high. 'Necessary for a young lady to go to a court house. To hear low
people speaking of low crimes. To listen to cases of the most