nergies seemed
to be concentrated in the practice of his profession, and that his
professional knowledge appeared to be sufficient. There was no doubt of
his kindness of heart; and, though it could not be expected of him that
he would ever make a striking figure in the world, yet he might sustain
a fair portion of respectability and usefulness in a country station.
As to the partnership, no difficulty arose. Mr Grey frankly explained
that present income was far less of an object than to have his daughter
settled beside her parents, and his son-in-law usefully and honourably
occupied. Sophia would have enough money to make Walcot's income an
affair of inferior consideration. If he should deserve an increase by
and by, it would be all very well. If not, the young people must get on
without. Anything was better than sending the young man away to
establish himself in a new place, with no happier prospects to Sophia's
family than that of parting with her to a distance at last.

It did not require many days to complete the arrangements. Hester was
at first a little vexed, but on the whole much more amused, at the idea
of her husband having Mr Walcot for a partner: and she soon saw the
advantage of his being spared many a long country ride, and many a visit
at inconvenient seasons, by his junior being at hand. She made no
substantial objection, and invited Mr Walcot to the house with all due
cordiality. The young man's gratitude and devotion knew no bounds; and
the only trouble Hope felt in the business was the awkwardness of
checking his expressions of thankfulness.

When the announcement of the double arrangement was to be made, Mrs
Grey could not resist going herself to Mrs Rowland; and Sophia was
sorry that she could not be present too, to see how the lady would
receive the news of a third gentleman marrying into the Greys'
connection so decidedly. But Mr Grey took care to enlighten his
partner on the matter some hours before; so that Mrs Rowland was
prepared. She persuaded herself that she was very apathetic--that she
had no feelings left for the affairs of life--that her interests were
all buried in the tomb of her own Matilda. Mrs Grey had therefore
nothing in particular to tell Sophia when she returned from paying the
visit.

In exchange for the news, Sir William and Lady Hunter sent back their
congratulations, and a very gracious and extensive invitation to dinner.
Finding that Mrs Rowland's brother was