ore than her legitimate share
of work was left to Sarah. But fortunately for her and the household
generally, Graeme was as ready as ever to do the odds-and-ends of other
people's duties, and to remember things forgotten, so that the domestic
machinery moved on with wonderful smoothness. Not that Nelly's
departure was no longer regretted; but in her heart Graeme believed that
they would soon have her in her place again, and she was determined
that, in the meantime, all should be pleasant and peaceful in their
family life.

For Graeme had set her heart on two things. First, that there should be
no drawback to the pleasure of Mrs Snow's visit; and second, that Mrs
Snow should admire and love Arthur's wife. She had had serious doubts
enough herself as to the wisdom of her brother's choice, but she tried
to think herself quite contented with it now. At any rate, she could
not bear to think that Janet should not be quite content. Not that she
was very much afraid. For Graeme's feelings toward Fanny had changed
very much since she had been one of them. She was not very wise or
sensible, but she was very sweet-tempered and affectionate, and Graeme
had come to love her dearly, especially since the very severe illness
from which Fanny was not long recovered. Her faults, at least many of
them, were those of education, which she would outlive, Graeme hoped,
and any little disagreeable display which it had been their misfortune
to witness during the year could, directly or indirectly, be traced to
the influence or meddlesomeness of her stepmother, and so it could
easily be overlooked. This influence would grow weaker in time, and
Fanny would improve in consequence. The vanity, and the carelessness of
the feelings of others, which were, to Graeme, her worst faults, were
faults that would pass away with time and experience, she hoped.
Indeed, they were not half so apparent as they used to be, and whether
the change was in Fanny or herself she did not stop to inquire.

But she was determined that her new sister should appear to the best
advantage in the eyes of their dear old friend, and to this end the
domestic sky must be kept clear of clouds. So Mrs Tilman's
administration commenced under the most favourable circumstances, and
the surprise which all felt at the quietness with which this great
domestic revolution had been brought about was beginning to give place,
on Fanny's part, to a little triumphant self-congratulat