e submission in the new circumstances in
which she was to be placed.

Graeme might well be uncomfortable under all this, knowing as she did,
that mamma's private admonitions to her "wayward daughter" tended rather
to the encouragement of a "judicious resistance" than of "a proper and
amiable submission" to the anticipated rule. But as a necessary
abdication of all household power made no part of Graeme's trouble,
except as she might sometimes doubt the chances of a prosperous
administration for her successor, she was able to restrain all outward
evidence of discomfort and indignation. She was the better able to do
this, as she saw that the clever lady's declaration of her sentiments on
this subject, made Arthur a little uncomfortable too. He had a vague
idea that the plan as to their all continuing to live together, had not
at first been so delightful to Mrs Grove. He had a remembrance that
the doubts as to how his sisters might like the idea of his intended
marriage, had been suggested by her, and that these doubts had been
coupled with hints as to the proper means to be taken in order that the
happiness of her dear daughter might be secured, he remembered very
well; and that she had expected and desired no assistance from his
sisters to this end, he was very well assured.

"However, it is all right now," said Arthur, congratulating himself.
"Graeme has too much sense to be put about by mamma's twaddle, and there
is no fear as far as Fanny and she are concerned."

The extent to which "mamma's twaddle" and other matters "put Graeme
about" at this time she concealed quite, as far as Arthur was concerned.
The best was to be made of things now; and though she could not help
wishing that his eyes might be more useful to him on some occasions, she
knew that it would not have mended matters could he have been induced to
make use of her clearer vision, and so her doubts and fears were kept to
herself, and they did not grow fewer or less painful as time went on.

But her feelings changed somewhat. She did not cease to grieve in
secret over what she could not but call Arthur's mistake in the choice
he had made. But now, sometimes anger, and sometimes a little bitter
amusement mingled with her sorrow. There seemed at times something
ludicrous in bestowing her pity on one so content with the lot he had
chosen. She was quite sure that Arthur would have smiled at the little
follies and inconsistencies of Miss Grove, had h