thly
there.--Doesn't it, Horatia?--And he found time to take us round; he said
it was doing his work all right, because he made a round of the mill
every day, and he might as well take us with him as go alone, as it made
it more agreeable.'

Mr Clay gave a scornful laugh. 'I'd like to see myself go the round of
all my mills daily! Why, I'd pretty soon be done for. It's easy enough in
a paltry place like Howroyd's; and as for him, he spoils his people, and
spoils other people's too.' And his face grew dark.

Horatia felt dimly that Sarah was treading on dangerous ground, and that
something was annoying her host, so she turned to Mrs Clay and said,
'Sarah says I am to choose what we do every day, so may I choose to go
and fish in the Adder?'

'Why, certainly, my dear; not that you'll find any fish there; but if it
amuses you, go by all means.'

'Don't you worry about an amusement for to-morrow. I've planned one for
you,' said Mr Clay.

'Oh, what is it?' cried Horatia, eager as usual for novelty.

'If she wants to fish, why shouldn't she?' objected Sarah, who had no
faith in her father's choice of a day's entertainment.

'But I don't want to fish if there are no fish to catch. There's nothing
duller than sitting all day and catching nothing,' put in Horatia.
'What's your plan, Mr Clay?'

'You wait till to-morrow morning, and you'll see,' he replied as they
rose from the table.

'It'll be something horrid, you'll see,' said Sarah after they had left
the dining-room.

'Why should it be something horrid?' inquired Horatia rather sharply.

'Because my father has not the least idea what kind of thing will please
you,' retorted Sarah.

'How do you know that?' demanded Horatia.

'Because he is far too ignorant,' said Sarah.

'You are not very respectful to your own father,' said Horatia rather
coldly, 'and I think that's rather ignorant.'

'Why don't you say we're all ignorant and vulgar? You know you think it
in your heart,' burst out Sarah.

Horatia looked at Sarah for a minute. 'Would you like me to say what I
really think?' she inquired.

'Yes, I would; I'd rather you said it than pretend to be enjoying
everything and being at home, when you despise us all in your heart. You
showed it this afternoon, and I know what you think of my father and
mother and uncle, and all of us, although you are too much of a lady to
say so. Oh yes; I can see your mouth curling with contempt. I know you
are a lady and I am