those possessed of larger temporal means. Her views as to
right and wrong were defined and inflexible; she would have gone to the
stake most cheerfully rather than violate them, and unconsciously
lamented perhaps that civilisation has robbed the faithful of the luxury
of burning. Yet with all this were inextricably bound up certain little
weaknesses among which figured a fondness for great names, and a
somewhat exaggerated consideration for the lofty ones of this earth.
Had she been privileged to be within the same four walls as a peer at a
bazaar or missionary meeting, she would have revelled in a great
opportunity; but to find Lord Blandamer under her own roof was a grace
so wondrous and surprising as almost to overwhelm her.

"Lord Blandamer!" she faltered, as soon as she had collected herself a
little. "I hope Mr Westray's room was tidy. I dusted it thoroughly
this morning, but I wish he had given some notice of his intention to
call. I should be so vexed if he found anything dusty. What is he
doing, Anastasia? Did he say he would wait till Mr Westray came back?"

"He said he would write a note for Mr Westray. I found him writing
things."

"I hope you gave his lordship Mr Westray's presentation inkstand."

"No, I did not think of that; but there was the little black inkstand,
and plenty of ink in it."

"Dear me, dear me!" Miss Joliffe said, ruminating on so extraordinary a
position, "to think that Lord Blandamer, whom no one has ever seen,
should have come to Cullerne at last, and is now in this very house. I
will just change this bonnet for my Sunday one," she added, looking at
herself in the glass, "and then tell his lordship how very welcome he
is, and ask him if I can get anything for him. He will see at once,
from my bonnet, that I have only just returned, otherwise it would
appear to him very remiss of me not to have paid him my respects before.
Yes, I think it is undoubtedly more fitting to appear in a bonnet."

Anastasia was a little perturbed at the idea of her aunt's interview
with Lord Blandamer. She pictured to herself Miss Joliffe's excess of
zeal, the compliments which she would think it necessary to shower upon
him the marked attention and homage which he might interpret as
servility, though it was only intended as a proper deference to exalted
rank. Anastasia was quite unaccountably anxious that the family should
appear to the distinguished visitor in as favourable a light as
poss