en she came down. "I am glad
she has gone, because I never know how to look when she calls me
dear. I know she hates me."

"I hope not, Ayala."

"I am sure she does, because I hated Augusta. I do hate Augusta, and
my aunt hates me. The only one of the lot I like is Uncle Tom."

Then the proposition was made, Ayala sitting with her mouth wide open
as the details, one after another, were opened out to her. Her aunt
did it with exquisite fairness, abstaining from opening out some
of the details which might be clear enough to Ayala without any
explanation. Her Aunt Emmeline was very anxious to have her back
again,--the only reason for her former expulsion having been the
enmity of Augusta. Her Uncle Tom and her aunt, and, no doubt,
Gertrude, would be very glad to receive her. Not a word was said
about Tom. Then something was urged as to the material comforts of
the Tringle establishments, and of the necessary poverty of Kingsbury
Crescent.

"And Lucy is to have the poverty?" said Ayala, indignantly.

"I think it probable, my dear, that before long Lucy will become the
wife of Mr. Hamel."

"And you want to get rid of me?" demanded Ayala.

"No, my dear; not so. You must not think that for a moment. The
proposition has not originated with me at all. I am endeavouring to
do my duty by explaining to you the advantages which you would enjoy
by going to your Aunt Emmeline, and which you certainly cannot have
if you remain here. And I must tell you, that, if you return to Sir
Thomas, he will probably provide for you. You know what I mean by
providing for you?"

"No, I don't," said Ayala, who had in her mind some dim idea that her
cousin Tom was supposed to be a provision. She was quite aware that
her Aunt Margaret, in her explanation as hitherto given, had not
mentioned Tom's name, and was sure that it had not been omitted
without reason.

"By providing, I mean that if you are living in his house he will
leave you something in his will;--as would be natural that he should
do for a child belonging to him. Your Uncle Reginald"--this she said
in a low and very serious tone--"will, I fear, have nothing to leave
to you." Then there was silence for some minutes, after which Mrs.
Dosett asked the important question, "Well, Ayala, what do you think
about it?"

"Must I go?" said Ayala. "May I stay?"

"Yes, my dear; you may certainly stay if you wish it."

"Then I will stay," said Ayala, jumping up on to her feet. "You do
n