or
mother's shoulders."

"What is the name of his club?" asked Annie.

"The Carlton."

"Have none of you any influence over him?"

"Nell has the most. She is a strange child, and has a way of seeing down
into the very heart of things. Where her interests are aroused, she has
such intense sympathy that it gives her wonderful tact. If father were
at home, I believe Nell could manage him; but where is the use of
talking? He is away, and we none of us can move him by letter or
otherwise. Mother hopes that when we are really settled at the cottage,
he will return; but oh, dear--oh, dear--I believe the changed life will
shorten his days. There, Annie, I never thought to confide in you, but
you see I have done so. Now let us come indoors."

CHAPTER XXVI.

PLOT THICKENS.

"Mother," said Antonia, two days after the events mentioned in the last
chapter, "I think we have been quite long enough at the Grange."

Mrs. Bernard Temple was taking a walk by herself round one of the lawns
when Antonia swept up to her and made this remark.

"I thought you would be saying something erratic of this sort," replied
her parent, a good deal of annoyance in her tone. "We have not been at
the Grange a week yet and, as it is to be the future home of both of us,
it does not seem at all inconsistent to spend a fortnight here now,
particularly when we are enjoying ourselves so much."

"Pray speak for yourself with regard to the enjoyment, mother,"
responded Miss Bernard Temple. "I must say that dreariness is no word
for this place as far as I am concerned. These trim _parterres_, those
undulating velvet lawns are abhorrence to me; but I am not thinking of
myself at all when I say that I think it would be well for us to return
to our rooms in town. I wish to do so for quite another motive. In the
first place, I have got to take care of you, mother; you must not make
yourself too cheap."

"Oh, my dear Antonia, what a horrid expression! I hope I understand what
is due to my own dignity."

"Frankly, mother, you don't--not on all occasions; but now to revert to
the more important business. I am anxious to be back in town because I
want this matter with regard to the Towers to be carried into effect as
soon as possible. By the way, have you spoken to Sir John Thornton on
the subject?"

"Yes, oh, yes! for goodness sake don't you interfere, my dear."

"Of course I won't if you have done your duty. What did you say?"

"Oh, just what