Ongar could be nothing to him; and yet, as he came out of the
small room into the larger room, there was something sore about his
heart, and the soreness was occasioned by the thought that any second
marriage should be thought possible for Lady Ongar. Florence smiled on
him as he went up to her, but I doubt whether she would have smiled had
she known all his heart.

Soon after that Mrs. Clavering rose to return home, having swallowed a
peace-offering in the shape of a cup of tea. But though the tea had
quieted the storm then on the waters, there was no true peace in the
rector's breast. He shook hands cordially with Lady Clavering, without
animosity with Archie, and then held out three fingers to the baronet.
The baronet held out one finger. Each nodded at the other, and so they
parted. Harry, who knew nothing of what had happened, and who was still
thinking of Lady Ongar, busied himself with Florence, and they were soon
out of the house, walking down the broad road from the front door.

"I will never enter that house again, when I know that Hugh Clavering is
in it," said the rector.

"Don't make rash assertions, Henry," said his wife.

"I hope it is not rash, but I make that assertion," he said. "I will
never again enter that house as my nephew's guest. I have borne a great
deal for the sake of peace, but there are things which a man cannot
bear."

Then, as they walked home, the two girls explained to Harry what had
occurred in the larger room, while he was talking to Lady Clavering in
the smaller one. But he said nothing to them of the subject of that
conversation.

Chapter XII

Lady Ongar Takes Possession

I do not know that there is in England a more complete gentleman's
residence than Ongar Park, nor could there be one in better repair, or
more fit for immediate habitation than was that house when it came into
the hands of the young widow. The park was not large, containing about
sixty or seventy acres. But there was a home-farm attached to the place,
which also now belonged to Lady Ongar for her life, and which gave to
the park itself an appearance of extent which it would otherwise have
wanted. The house, regarded as a nobleman's mansion, was moderate in
size, but it was ample for the requirements of any ordinarily wealthy
family. The dining-room, library, drawing-rooms, and breakfast-room,
were all large and well-arranged. The hall was handsome and spacious,
and the bed-rooms were sufficient