th which he had
anything to do. He made no movement to go away when tea was over, and
Elizabeth put away all thought of the disappointment of the people
assembled, and of her sister-in-law's displeasure, and enjoyed the
evening. Mr Maxwell seemed to enjoy it too, though he did not say
much. Clifton kept himself within bounds, and was amusing without being
severe or disagreeable in his descriptions of some of the village
customs and characters, and though he said some things to the minister
that made his sister a little anxious and uncomfortable for the moment,
she could see that their interest in each other increased as the evening
wore on.

It came out in the course of the conversation that Mr Maxwell had made
the acquaintance of Ben Holt in his rambles, but he had never been at
the Hill-farm, and had very vague ideas as to the Hill Holts or their
circumstances, or as to their relationship to the Holts of the village.
Clifton professed to be very much surprised.

"Has not Mrs Jacob introduced you to Cousin Betsey? Has she not told
you how many excellent qualities Cousin Betsey has? Only just a little
set in her ways," said Clifton, imitating so exactly Mrs Jacob's voice
and manner, that no one could help laughing.

"Cousin Betsey is rather set in her ways, and not always agreeable in
her manners to Mrs Jacob," said Elizabeth. "But you are not to make
Mr Maxwell suppose that there is any disagreement between them."

"By no means. They are the best of friends when they keep apart, and
they don't meet often. Mrs Jacob has company when the sewing-circle is
to meet at the Hill, and when it meets at Mrs Jacob's, Betsey has a
great soap-making to keep her at home, or a sick headache, or something.
To tell the truth, Cousin Betsey does not care a great deal about any
of her village relations, except the squire. But she is a good soul,
and a pillar in the church, though she says less about it than some
people. I'll drive you over to the farm some day. Cousin Betsey will
put you through your catechism, I can tell you, if she happens to be in
a good humour."

Mr Maxwell laughed. "I have had some experience of that sort of thing
already," said he. "But I fear it has not been a satisfactory affair to
any one concerned."

"Cousin Betsey will manage better," said Clifton.

They went to the Hill at the time appointed, and the visit, and some
others that they made, were so far successful that the minister took
rea