that young woman's trials in life.

"Darling Dreda!" she cried, affectionately. "You shall be as domestic
as ever you please--the more domestic the better; but there is a time
for everything, and this is your time for study. You must wait until
your education is finished, before you take up home duties. We are not
going to sacrifice your interests for the sake of a servant's wages.
Work hard, and do your best, dear. One thing at a time, and that done
well--"

But Dreda refused to be convinced.

"_My_ theory," she announced, firmly, "my theory is that it is stupid to
waste time learning things which you will never need! As we are
`rejuiced' (the expression had stuck, until the very pronunciation was
unconsciously reproduced), and I can't go to Madame Clerc's and be
finished properly, I should consider that it would be wiser to stop as I
am. I am very well grounded. We can't afford to go into society now,
so I shall probably marry a man in a humble position, and it's foolish
to educate me above my rank!"

"Oh, Dreda, Dreda! Oh! I haven't laughed for weeks. You mustn't be
vexed with me for laughing, dear--it's _so_ refreshing!" And Mrs Saxon
wiped her eyes and chuckled irresistibly, the while her young daughter
regarded her more in pity than in anger.

"I can't see what I have said that is so amusing. I was speaking _most_
seriously. I'm fifteen. It's my own future that is at stake. Really,
mother!"

"I'm sorry, dear, and I don't mean to be unsympathetic. I know you are
in earnest, but for the next few years you must consent to be guided by
what father and I believe to be best. Whatever may be before you, it is
necessary that you have a good education, so put your heart into your
work, and get on as quickly as possible."

Dreda sucked her upper lip in eloquent disgust.

"Parents are so _trying_!" she told herself, mentally. "They never seem
to think it possible that you know better yourself. I shall be quite
different with my daughters. What a pity it is that you can never
manage to be your own mother!"

CHAPTER SEVEN.

During the next three weeks the Saxons settled slowly into the routine
of life as it would in future be spent at the Manor. To begin with, the
house itself was greatly improved in appearance by the addition of extra
furniture and draperies sent down from the lavishly equipped house in
town. The cold austerity of the entrance-hall was turned into something
positively a