Weymouth chiefly because she saw Miss Wells would be disappointed if she
did otherwise; when there, had grown happily at home with the waves, and
in talking to the old fishermen; but had come back because Miss Wells
thought it chilly and dreary, and pined for London warmth and snugness.
The noonday sun had found the way in at the oriel window of the
drawing-room, and traced the reflection of the merchant's mark upon the
upper pane in distorted outline on the wainscoted wall; it smiled on the
glowing tints of Honora's hair, but seemed to die away against the
blackness of her dress, as she sat by the table, writing letters, while
opposite, in the brightness of the fire, sat the pale, placid Miss Wells
with her morning nest of sermon books and needlework around her.

Honor yawned; Miss Wells looked up with kind anxiety. She knew such a
yawn was equivalent to a sigh, and that it was dreary work to settle in
at home again this first time without the mother.

Then Honor smiled, and played with her pen-wiper. 'Well,' she said, 'it
is comfortable to be at home again!'

'I hope you will soon be able to feel so, my dear,' said the kind old
governess.

'I mean it,' said Honor cheerfully; then sighing, 'But do you know, Mr.
Askew wishes his curates to visit at the asylum instead of ladies.'

Miss Wells burst out into all the indignation that was in her mild
nature. Honor not to visit at the asylum founded chiefly by her own
father!

'It is a parish affair now,' said Honor; 'and I believe those Miss Stones
and their set have been very troublesome. Besides I think he means to
change its character.'

'It is very inconsiderate of him,' said Miss Wells; 'he ought to have
consulted you.'

'Every one loves his own charity the best,' said Honora; 'Humfrey says
endowments are generally a mistake, each generation had better do its own
work to the utmost. I wish Mr. Askew had not begun now, it was the work
I specially looked to, but I let it alone while--and he cannot be
expected--'

'I should have expected it of him though!' exclaimed Miss Wells, 'and he
ought to know better! How have you heard it?'

'I have a note from him this morning,' said Honora; 'he asks me Humfrey
Charlecote's address; you know he and Mr. Sandbrook are trustees,' and
her voice grew the sadder.

'If I am not much mistaken, Mr. Charlecote will represent to him his want
of consideration.'

'I think not,' said Honora; 'I should be sorry to make the cl