ar more worthy to follow father than Launcie is. If
there is any particular merit in keeping up the old seat and name, for
goodness' sake let father choose the best of us to do it!" For such
revolutionary and disrespectful sentiments he had been frequently in
disgrace; and the end of the disputing had been his own expatriation,
and the founding of a family of East-Indian Sandals.

He heard Julius with approval. "I think you have a very good plan," he
said. "Harry Sandal, with his play-singing wife, would have a very bad
time of it among the Dalesmen. He knows it. He will have no desire to
test the feeling. I am sure he will be glad to have a sum of ready money
in lieu of such an uncomfortable right. As for the Latriggs, my mother
always detested them. Sophia and you are both Sandals; certainly, your
claim would be before that of a Charlotte Latrigg."

"Harry, too, is one of those men who are always poor, always wanting
money. I dare say I can buy his succession for a song."

"No, no. Give him a fair price. I never thought much of Jacob buying
poor Esau out for a mess of pottage. It was a mean trick. I will put ten
thousand pounds at Bunder's in Threadneedle Street, London, for you.
Draw it all if you find it just and necessary. The rental ought to
determine the value. I want you to have Seat-Sandal, but I do not want
you to steal it. However, my brother William may not die for many a year
yet; those Dale squires are a century-living race."

In accordance with these plans and intentions, Sophia wrote. Her letter
was, therefore, one of great and general sympathy; in fact, a very
clever letter indeed. It completely deceived every one. The squire was
told that Sophia and Julius were coming, and his face brightened a
little. Mrs. Sandal and Charlotte forgot all but their need of some help
and comfort which was family help and comfort, free of ceremony, and
springing from the same love, hopes, and interests.

Stephen, however, foresaw trouble. "Julius will get the squire under his
finger," he said to Charlotte. "He will make himself indispensable about
the estate. As for Sophia, she could always work mother to her own
purposes. Mother obeyed her will, even while she resented and
disapproved her authority. So, Charlotte, I shall begin at once to build
Latrigg Hall. I know it will be needed. The plan is drawn, the site is
chosen; and next Monday ground shall be broken for the foundation."

"There is no harm in building you