ired her beauty and her grace, and had a sneaking kind of
awe of her higher social position, of which they were reminded by every
word she spoke, the high-bred accent, and that indescribable air of
delicacy and refinement which indicate good birth; but they were
devoured by curiosity as to her mode of life and her friends, a
curiosity which they were too vulgar, too inconsiderate to restrain. So
poor Ida had to describe the Hall, and the servants, and the way she
managed the farm, and the way in which she rode about Herondale.

They were very much impressed, specially so when she mentioned Lord and
Lady Bannerdale's kind offer, and they exchanged glances as the titles
left Ida's lips "quite as naturally as if they were common names," as
Mrs. Heron afterwards remarked to Isabel.

"I'm afraid you'll find it very dull here, Ida," said Mrs. Heron, with
a sniff. "You won't find any society in Woodgreen; they're nearly all
city people, and there aren't many large houses--this is as large as
most--and John is very strict." She sighed; and it was evident to Ida
that though her cousin John's "religion" might be some amusement to
him, it was rather a bugbear and nuisance to his family. "But we must
get Joseph to take you about; and perhaps you and Isabel might go to a
_matinee_ or two; but John mustn't know anything about it."

Ida made haste to assure them that she did not need any amusement, that
she preferred to be quiet, and that she hoped her cousin Joseph would
not take any trouble on her account. At this point Mr. Heron and his
elegant son came in, a bell was rung, and the two servants came up for
family prayers. Ida noticed that both the maids looked bored and
discontented, and that the "parlour maid," a mere bit of a girl,
appeared to be tired out. Mr. Heron read a portion of Scripture and
offered up a long prayer in a harsh and rasping voice, with the manner
of a judge pronouncing a sentence of seven years; and as the servants
were leaving the room, called them back, and remarked sternly:

"I notice in the housekeeping book that a larger quantity of candles
than usual has been used during the past week, and I fear that there
has been grievous waste of this useful article. Do not let it occur
again."

The servants went out suddenly, and Mrs. Heron suggested, much to Ida's
relief, that Ida would no doubt like to go to bed.

While Ida was brushing her hair and fighting against the natural fit of
depression caused by