y arguments. Seeing how unreasonable Brotherton
was, they could not feel themselves bound to obey him. As to the house,
while their mother lived there it must be regarded as her house. It was
out of the question that they should have their guests dictated to them
by their brother. Perhaps the Dean was not all that a dean ought to
be,--but then, who was perfect? George had married his daughter, and it
could not be right to separate the daughter from the father. Then came
the final, strong, clenching argument. Mary would certainly be
disturbed in her mind if not allowed to see her father. Perfect
tranquillity for Mary was regarded as the chief ingredient in the cup
of prosperity which, after many troubles, was now to be re-brewed for
the Germain family. If she were not allowed to see her father, the
coming Popenjoy would suffer for it. "You'd better let him come,
Susanna," said the Marchioness through her tears. Susanna had looked
as stern as an old sibyl. "I really think it will be best," said Lady
Amelia. "It ought to be done," said Lady Sarah. "I suppose you had
better go to him," said the Marchioness. "I could not see him; indeed I
couldn't. But he won't want to see me." Lady Susanna did not yield, but
Lady Sarah, as we know, went down on her mission of peace.

Mary, as soon as she was alone, sat herself down to write a letter to
her husband. It was then Monday, and her father was to dine there on
Thursday. The triumph would hardly be complete unless George would come
home to receive him. Her letter was full of arguments, full of
entreaties, and full of love. Surely he might come for one night, if he
couldn't stay longer. It would be so much nicer for her father to have
a gentleman there. Such an attention would please him so much! "I am
sure he would go twice the distance if you were coming to his house,"
pleaded Mary.

Lord George came, and in a quiet way the dinner was a success. The Dean
made himself very agreeable. The Marchioness did not appear, but her
absence was attributed to the condition of her health. Lady Sarah, as
the great promoter of the festival, was bound to be on her good
behaviour, and Lady Amelia endeavoured to copy her elder sister. It was
not to be expected that Lady Susanna should be cordially hospitable;
but it was known that Lady Susanna was habitually silent in company.
Mary could forgive her second sister-in-law's sullenness,
understanding, as she did quite well, that she was at this momen