s to where my work lies,
and there is enough of it to satisfy any man." He could not help
thinking, as he spoke, of ungrateful Wharfside, for which he had done
so much, and the recollection brought a little flush of indignant
colour to his cheek.

"Oh, Frank, my dear," said Miss Dora in a whisper, stealing up to him,
"if it is not true, you must not mind. Oh, my dear boy, nobody will
mind it if it is not true." She put her hand timidly upon his arm as
she reached up to his ear, and at the same time the poor little woman,
who was trying all she could to serve two masters, kept one eye upon
Jack, lest her momentary return to his brother might have a disastrous
effect upon the moral reformation which she was nursing with so much
care. As for the Curate, he gave her a hasty glance, which very nearly
made an end of Miss Dora. She retired to her seat with no more courage
to say anything, unable to make out whether it was virtuous reproach
or angry guilt which looked at her so sternly. She felt her headache
coming on as she sank again upon her chair. If she could but have
stolen away to her own room, and had a good comforting cry in the
dark, it might have kept off the headache; but then she had to be
faithful to her post, and to look after the reformation of Jack.

"I have no doubt that a great work might be done in Carlingford," said
Miss Leonora, "if you would take my advice and organise matters
properly, and make due provision for the lay element. As for Sisters
of Mercy, I never had any belief in them. They only get young
clergymen into mischief," said the strong-minded aunt. "We are going
to have tea, Frank, if you will have some. Poor Mr Shirley has got
matters into very bad order at Skelmersdale, but things will be
different under the new incumbent, I hope," said Miss Leonora,
shooting a side-glance of keen inspection at the Curate, who bore it
steadily.

"I hope he will conduct himself to your satisfaction," said Mr
Wentworth, with a bland but somewhat grim aspect, from the window;
"but I can't wait for tea. I have still got some of my work to do for
to-morrow; so good-night."

"I'll walk with you, Frank," said his elder brother. "My dear aunts,
don't look alarmed; nothing can happen to me. There are few
temptations in Grange Lane; and, besides, I shall come back directly.
_I_ cannot do without my tea," said Jack, by way of consoling poor
Miss Dora, who had started with consternation at the proposal. And
the two