I forgot about Mr. Prong." It was agreed, however, that she
should call on her sister, and ask her to dine at the cottage on the
following day.

She walked along the road straight into Baslehurst, and went at once
to her sister's lodgings. She had another place to visit before she
returned home, but it was a place for which a later hour in the
evening would suit her better. Mrs. Prime was at home; and Rachel,
on being shown up into the sitting-room,--a room in which every
piece of furniture had become known to her during those Dorcas
meetings,--found not only her sister sitting there, but also Miss
Pucker and Mr. Prong. Rachel had not seen that gentleman since she
had learned that he was to become her brother-in-law, and hardly knew
in what way to greet him; but it soon became apparent to her that no
outward show of regard was expected from her at that moment.

"I think you know my sister, Mr. Prong," said Dorothea. Whereupon
Mr. Prong rose from his chair, took Rachel's hand, pressing it
between his own, and then sat down again. Rachel, judging from his
countenance, thought that some cloud had passed also across the
sunlight of his love. She made her little speech, giving her mother's
love, and adding her own assurance that she hoped her sister would
come out and dine at the cottage.

"I really don't know," said Mrs. Prime. "Such goings about do cut up
one's time so much. I shouldn't be here again till--"

"Of course you'd stay for tea with us," said Rachel.

"And lose the whole afternoon!" said Mrs. Prime.

"Oh do!" said Miss Pucker. "You have been working so hard; hasn't she
now, Mr. Prong? At this time of the year a sniff of fresh air among
the flowers does do a body so much good." And Miss Pucker looked and
spoke as though she also would like the sniff of fresh air.

"I'm very well in health, and am thankful for it. I can't say that
it's needed in that way," said Mrs. Prime.

"But mamma will be so glad to see you," said Rachel.

"I think you ought to go, Dorothea," said Mr. Prong; and even Rachel
could perceive that there was some slight touch of authority in his
voice. It was the slightest possible intonation of a command; but,
nevertheless, it struck Rachel's ears.

Mrs. Prime merely shook her head and sniffed. It was not for a supply
of air that she used her nostrils on this occasion, but that she
might indicate some grain of contempt for the authority which Mr.
Prong had attempted to exercise. "I th