r dear mother so
well when we were both girls. I am so delighted to find such a
church--quite an oasis; and I want to ascertain the best hour for
calling on her. Quite an invalid--I was so shocked to hear it.
Will the afternoon suit her? I am only here for three days to
deposit these two girls, while I take the other on a round of
visits. Three daughters are too great an affliction for one's
friends, and Bee and Conny are so delighted to be near their brother
and with dear Lena Vivian, that I am very glad above all, since I
find there are real church privileges--so different from the Vicar
of Wil'sbro'. Poor man; he is a great trial."

All this was said between the church and the lych-gate, and almost
took Julius's breath away; but Mrs. Poynsett was prepared to welcome
her old friend with some warmth and more curiosity.

Lady Susan Strangeways was a high-bred woman, but even high breeding
could not prevent her from being overwhelming, especially as there
was a great deal more of her than there had been at the last meeting
of the friends, so that she was suggestive of Hawthorne's inquiry,
whether a man is bound to so many more pounds of flesh than he
originally wedded. However, it was prime condition, and activity
was not impeded, but rather received impetus. She had already,
since her matutinal walk of more than a mile and back, overhauled
the stores for the bazaar, inspected the town-hall, given her
advice, walked through the ruins for the church, expressed herself
strongly on the horrors of the plan, and begun to organize shilling
cards, all before Sir Harry had emerged from his room.

She was most warm-hearted and good-natured, and tears glistened in
her honest gray eyes as she saw her old friend's helpless state.
"You don't know how much I have improved," said Mrs. Poynsett; "I
feel quite at liberty in this chair, all owing to my good daughters-
in-law."

"Ah! I have so pitied you for having no girls! My dear daughters
have been so entirely one with me--such a blessing in all I have
gone through."

Mrs. Poynsett of course declared her complete comfort in her five
sons, but Lady Susan was sure that if she had had as many boys,
instead of one son and four daughters, she should have been worn
out. Lorimer was a dear, affectionate fellow. Those he loved could
guide him with a leash of gossamer, but young men in his position
were exposed to so many temptations! There ensued a little sighing
over the e