Sarah had to acknowledge to herself that she
had not been fair to Horatia in saying that she made things pleasant by
laughing, and it fell out in this wise.

The two girls arrived in the drawing-room at the same moment, and there,
according to his new practice, they found Mr Clay, who had taken to
coming properly into the drawing-room and going into dinner with his
women-folk. His face lightened as he saw the two girls; but instead of
offering his arm to Horatia, he gave it to his wife.

Mrs Clay did not take it for a moment. Such an attention had never been
paid her before in all their married life, for long before Mark Clay had
gained his wealth he had ceased to show any civility to his wife.

Sarah was as much surprised as her mother, though she had more tact than
to show it. Horatia looked pleased, but said nothing.

In the middle of dinner one of the footmen, who had gone out to get a
dish, came in with perturbed countenance, and said something to Sykes in
an undertone.

'Impossible,' said the butler. 'Say we're at dinner, and they must wait.'

'They say they won't wait,' murmured the footman, and added something
more, which apparently startled Sykes, who, giving some orders to the
under-footmen, left the room, and after a short absence came back and
said to Mr Clay, 'Excuse me, Mr Clay, but you're wanted just a minute.'

'Wanted?' exclaimed the millionaire, with a dark flush on his face. 'Tell
them to be off, whoever it is.'

'Please, Mr Clay, sir, excuse me, but if you'd see them a minute. It's a
deputation from the mill,' insisted Sykes.

Mr Mark Clay turned with a face distorted by rage; but before he could
say a word Horatia cried, 'Oh Mr Clay, do let me come with you and listen
to the deputation. I do so want to hear real Yorkshiremen talk.'

'You can hear me. I talk broad enow at times,' said the millionaire,
purposely speaking broad Yorkshire; 'and I've nowt to say to them.'

'You'd just better go,' she said, nodding her head at her host. 'Father
says things are topsy-turvy now, and the poor man has more power than he
used to have; and, besides, I would like to hear them talk.'

'Come forward, then,' said the millionaire, and rose from the table.

Sykes cast a look of gratitude and relief at Horatia; and poor Mrs Clay,
wiping away a tear, said, 'God bless her!'

CHAPTER XIV.

A MILLIONAIRE FOR FIVE MINUTES.

'Oh Sarah, I do 'ope they will come to an agreement! There's a lot o'
dis