who had arrived just a year ago. The thin, scraggy Scotch
girl, with the flabby, washed-out look alternating with angular
rigidity was gone, but the softening and opening of her expression,
the light that had come into her eyes, and had made them a lovely
blue instead of pale gray; the rose-tint on her cheeks, the delicate
rounded contour of her face, the improved carriage of her really
fine figure, the traces of style in the braiding of her profuse
flaxen hair, and the taste that was beginning to conquer in the
dress, were all due to the thought that the Salamanca might soon be
in harbour. She sat among them still as a creature whose heart and
spirit were not with them.

That some change must come was felt as inevitable by each woman, and
it was Mrs. Poynsett who began, one forenoon when her son had
brought a lease for her to sign. "Raymond," said she, "you know
Church-house is to be vacant at Michaelmas. I wish you would look
at it, and see what repairs it wants, and if the drawing-room
windows could be made to open on the lawn."

"Are you hoping to tempt Miles to settle there?"

"No, I fear there is no hope of that; but I do not think an old
broken-backed invalid ought to engross this great house."

"Mother, I cannot hear you say so! This is your own house!"

"So is the other," she said, trying to smile, "and much fitter for
my needs, with Susan and Jenkins to look after me."

"There is no fit place for you but this. You said that once."

"Under very different circumstances. All the younger boys were
still under my wing, and needed the home, and I was strong and
vigorous. It would not have been acting right by them to have given
up the place; but now they are all out in the world, and I am laid
by, my stay here only interferes with what can be much better
managed without me or my old servants."

"I do not see that. If any one moves, it should be ourselves."

"You are wanted on the spot continually. If Sirenwood were in the
market, that might not be so much amiss."

"I do not think that likely. They will delay the sale in the hope
of Eleonora's marrying a rich man; besides, Mr. Charnock has set his
mind upon Swanslea. I hope _this_ is from nothing Cecil has said or
done!"

"Cecil wishes to part then? She has said nothing to me, but I see
she has to you. Don't be annoyed, Raymond; it is in the nature of
things."

"I believe it is all Lady Tyrrell's doing. The mischief such a
woman can do