s.

"But I think we all ought to understand each other, Rachel. You and
your sister can't go on comfortably together, if there's to be more
black looks about that."

"I don't know that there have been any black looks," said Mrs. Prime,
looking very black as she spoke.

"At any rate we should understand each other," continued Mrs. Ray,
with admirable courage. "I've thought a great deal about it since
you've been away. Indeed I haven't thought about much else. And I
don't think I shall ever forgive myself for having let a hard word be
said to Rachel about it."

"Oh, mamma, don't,--don't," said Rachel. But those meditated embraces
were continued in her imagination.

"I don't want to say any hard words," said Mrs. Prime.

"No; I'm sure you don't;--only they were said,--weren't they, now?
Didn't we blame her about being out there in the churchyard that
evening?"

"Mamma!" exclaimed Rachel.

"Well, my dear, I won't say any more;--only this. Your sister went
away because she thought you weren't good enough for her to live
with; and if she comes back again,--which I'm sure I hope she
will,--I think she ought to say that she's been mistaken."

Mrs. Prime looked very black, and no word fell from her. She sat
there silent and gloomy, while Mrs. Ray looked at the fireplace, lost
in wonder at her own effort. Whether she would have given way or not,
had she and Mrs. Prime been alone, I cannot say. That Mrs. Prime
would have uttered no outspoken recantation I feel sure. It was
Rachel at last who settled the matter.

"If Dolly comes back to live here, mamma," said she, "I shall take
that as an acknowledgment on her part that she thinks I am good
enough to live with."

"Well, my dear," said Mrs. Ray, "perhaps that'll do; only there
should be an understanding, you know."

Mrs. Prime at the moment said nothing; but when next she spoke her
words showed her intention of having her things brought back to the
cottage on the next day. I think it must be felt that Rachel had
won the victory. She felt it so herself, and was conscious that no
further attempt would be made to carry her off to Dorcas meetings
against her own will.

CHAPTER XI.

CORNBURY GRANGE.

Luke Rowan had been told that Mrs. Butler Cornbury wished to see him
when the election should be over; and on the evening of the election
the victorious candidate, before he returned home, asked Luke to
come to the Grange on the following Monday and stay till t