ch, as Annaple said, they might as well do it in
earnest, and to some purpose. Perhaps, too, it might be detected that
under the circumstances Annaple would prefer the living in a small way
out of reach of her sister's visible compassion.

So the matter was settled, but there was an undercurrent in Mark's mind
on which he had not entered, namely, that his presence at home might
make all the difference in that reformation in his uncle's habits which
Alice had inaugurated, and left in the hands of others. With him at
hand, there was much more chance of Gregorio's being dispensed with,
Ursula's authority maintained, little Alwyn well brought up, and the
estate, tenants, and household properly cared for, and then he smiled
at his notion of supposing himself of so much importance. Had he only
had himself to consider, Mark would have thought his duty plain; but
when he found Miss Ruthven and her mother so entirely averse, he did
not deem it right to sacrifice them to the doubtful good of his uncle,
nor indeed to put the question before them as so much a matter of
conscience that they should feel bound to consider it in that light.
He did indeed say, 'Well, that settles it,' in a tone that led Annaple
to exclaim: 'I do believe you want to drop the umbrellas!'

'No,' he answered, 'it is not that, but my father wished it, and
thought it would be good for my uncle.'

'No doubt,' said Annaple, 'but he has got a daughter, also a son, and a
brother, and agents are plentiful, so I can't see why all the family
should dance attendance on him.'

Lady Ronnisglen, much misdoubting Mr. Egremont's style of society, and
dreading that Mark might be dragged into it, added her word, feeling on
her side that it was desirable and just to hinder the family from
sacrificing Mark's occupation and worldly interest to a capricious old
roue, who might very possibly throw him over when it would be almost
impossible to find anything else to do. Moreover, both she and Annaple
believed that the real wish was to rescue the name of Egremont from
association with umbrellas, and they held themselves bound to combat
what they despised and thought a piece of worldly folly.

So Mark rode home, more glad that the decision was actually made than
at the course it had taken. His father was disappointed, but could not
but allow that it was the more prudent arrangement; and Mr. Egremont
showed all the annoyance of a man whose good offer has been rejected.

''