pressed, and the test of conduct enforced, though without loading the
conscience with details not of general application, and sometimes
impracticable under other circumstances.'

'It is the practicalness of dear Owen's reformation that makes it so
thoroughly satisfactory,' said Honora; 'though I must say that I dread
the experiment. You will look after him, for this week, Robert; I fear
he is overdoing himself in his delight at moving about and working
again.'

'I will see how he gets on. It will be a good essay for the future.'

'I cannot think how he is ever to bear living with Mrs. Murrell.'

'She is a good deal broken and subdued, and is more easily repressed than
one imagines at her first onset. Besides, she is very proud, and rather
afraid, of him, and will not molest him much. Indeed, it is a good
arrangement for him; he ought to have care above that of the average
landlady.'

'Will he get it?'

'I trust so. She has the ways of a respectable servant; and her
religious principle is real, though we do not much admire its
manifestation. She will be honest and careful of his wants, and look
after his child, and nurse him tenderly if he require it!'

'As if any one but myself would do that! But it is right, and he will be
all the better and happier for accepting his duty to her while she lives,
if he can bear it.'

'As he says, it is his only expiation.'

'Well! I should not wonder if you saw more of me here than hitherto. A
born Cockney like me gets inclined to the haunts of men as she grows old,
and if your sisters and Charlecote Raymond suffice for the parish, I
shall be glad to be out of sight of the improvements _he_ will make.'

'Not without your consent?'

'I shall have to consent in my conscience to what I hate in my heart.'

'I am not the man to argue you away from here,' said Robert, eagerly.
'If you would take up the Young Women's Association, it would be the only
thing to make up for the loss of Miss Fennimore. Then the St. Wulstan's
Asylum wants a lady visitor.'

'My father's foundation, whence his successor ousted me, in a general
sweep of troublesome ladies,' said Honor. 'How sore I was, and how
things come round.'

'We'll find work for you,' cried Robert, highly exhilarated. 'I should
like to make out that we can't do without you.'

'Why, Robin, you of all men taking to compliments!'

'It is out of self-interest. Nothing makes so much difference to me as
having this hous