an to admit that she was absolutely unfriendly.

"After all," she added, "it's for Miss Young's sake that I should regret
it if it were so, much more than for my own. I have Geoff and you and
Clare,--and papa and Johnnie coming, and dear Rose Red,--all of you are
at my back; but she, poor thing, has no one but Lionel to stand up for
her. I am on my own ground," drawing up her figure with a pretty
movement of pride, "and she is a stranger in a strange land. So we won't
mind if she is stiff, Elsie dear, and just be as nice as we can be to
her, for it must be horrid to be so far away from home and one's own
people. We cannot be too patient and considerate under such
circumstances."

Meanwhile the moment they were out of sight Lionel had turned upon his
sister sharply, and angrily.

"Moggy, what on earth do you mean by speaking so to Mrs. Templestowe?"

"Speaking how? What did I say?" retorted Imogen.

"You didn't _say_ anything out of the common, but your manner was most
disagreeable. If she hadn't been the best-tempered woman in the world
she would have resented it on the spot. Here she, and all of them, have
been doing all they can to make ready for us, giving us such a warm
welcome too, treating us as if we were their own kith and kin, and you
return it by putting on airs as if she were intruding and interfering in
our affairs. I never was so ashamed of a member of my own family before
in my life."

"I can't imagine what you mean," protested Imogen, not quite truthfully.
"And you've no call to speak to me so, Lionel, and tell me I am rude,
just because I don't gush and go about making cordial speeches like
these Americans of yours. I'm sure I said everything that was proper to
Mrs. Templestowe."

"Your words were proper enough, but your manner was eminently improper.
Now, Moggy," changing his tone, "listen to me. Let us look the thing
squarely in the face. You've come out here with me, and it's awfully
good of you and I sha'n't ever forget it; but here we are, settled for
years to come in this little valley, with the Templestowes and Pages for
our only neighbors. They can be excellent friends, as I've found, and
they are prepared to be equally friendly to you; but if you're going to
start with a little grudge against Mrs. Geoff,--who's the best little
woman going, by Jove, and the kindest,--you'll set the whole family
against us, and we might as well pack up our traps at once and go back
to England. Now I put it