iedly.

'You told me of your purpose, George,' his mother said coldly. 'I did not
forbid it, but I could hardly be said to consent. The poor girl may be well
favoured; I do not deny it.'

'Who could deny it?' George exclaimed, with some heat.

'I said I did not deny it; but her relations are, methinks, very coarse.'

'Mother, there is not a gentler lady in the land than Mistress Gifford. If
you doubt my word inquire of Mr Sidney or Lady Mary.'

'There is no occasion for this heat, George; it is unbecoming.'

'Pardon, my mother, but I cannot brook hearing Mistress Gifford and
Mistress Lucy put down as coarse. Coarse!' he repeated--'it is too much!
They can't help themselves that their father chose to marry a virago like
their stepmother. More shame to him; no shame to them.'

'Well-a-day, George, you are really upsetting me. I can hear no more. Stop
this tirade, or I shall swoon; you know I never am fitted to bear loud
voices, or contention and strife. You have bidden the girl to sup, and, as
your cousin Dolly will be here, it will not be amiss for once. But I never
desire to have intercourse with the folk at Ford Place. Although I am a
widow, I must not forget your father's standing. I visit at the Castle, and
dear Lady Mary is so good as to call me her friend. Thus, to be a friend of
Mistress Forrester also is beyond my wish or desire, and surely you could
not desire it.'

George did not reply at first, then he said,--

'Mr Philip Sidney does not despise Mistress Gifford; indeed, it is true,
there is no scorn in him towards anyone that breathes, save only against
mean cowards, liars and traitors. But I wish you a goodnight, mother. I
have to see how the mare does that foaled this morning. She is of great
value to me, and I would fain save her life, if may be.'

When her son was gone, Mistress Ratcliffe resigned herself to meditation.

'He is in love with that child, poor, silly boy. She may be pretty, but it
is the beauty which soon fades. I must keep Dolly with me. She has a pretty
fortune, if not a fair face, and is of our blood, and a meet match for my
home-loving son. I have other hopes for Humphrey. He will wed with some
gentlewoman about the Court. If Mr Philip Sidney wills to bring it about,
it is done. Then I shall be a proud, happy mother, and I shall get out my
taffeta with the old lace, and the ornaments I have not worn since my
husband died, to do honour to the wedding. Humphrey will be knighted s