of those who have always expected to see them do
wrong and come to grief--and clapped themselves on the back as good
prophets over the event!

Here was no private interview. The whole of her adherents surrounded
Jenny in the big drawing-room. Lady Sarah was announced by Loft--himself
highly conscious of the ceremonial nature of the occasion. With
elaborate courtesy Jenny walked to the door to meet her, spoke her
greeting, and led her to one of two large arm-chairs placed close to one
another; it was really like the meeting of a pair of monarchs, lately at
war but bound to appear unconscious of the disagreeable incidents of the
strife. Now peace was to be patched up by marriage. Margaret was called
from her place in the surrounding circle. She came--and with courage. We
had, I fear, deliberately worked her up to the resolution of being, from
the very beginning, not afraid of Lady Sarah--pointing out that any
signs of fear now would foreshadow and entail slavery for life. "You'll
get on much better if you stand up for yourself," Amyas himself assured
her.

Margaret stood, awaiting welcome. Lady Sarah put on her eyeglasses, made
a careful inspection of her prospective niece, but offered no comment
whatever on her appearance. She dropped the glasses from her nose again,
and remarked, "I'm glad to become acquainted with you. I'm sure that you
intend to make Amyas a good wife and to do your duty in your new
station. Kiss me!" She turned her cheek to Margaret, who achieved the
salute with grace but, it must be confessed, without enthusiasm. Lady
Sarah did not return it.

"There will be a great deal to do and think of at Oxley," she pursued,
"but I shall be very glad to assist you in every way."

"But there'll be nothing to do, Lady Sarah. Jenny's doing
everything--every single thing."

"I'm going to give them a few sticks to start housekeeping on," said
Jenny, with a lurking smile.

"Old houses have a style of their own; one learns it by living in one,"
Lady Sarah observed. Oxley was old--so was Fillingford Manor. Breysgate
was hardly middle-aged in comparison. Lady Sarah cast a glance round its
regrettable newness; Jenny's refurnishing had not availed to obliterate
all traces of that.

"I'm not following this model," said Jenny. "I'm taking the best
advice--though I'm sure Margaret will be very glad of anything you can
tell her."

"Of course I shall, Lady Sarah. But the people Jenny's going to are
really the best p