ter. The
food is plain, and perhaps not over-abundant, but they are satisfied with
it. They don't worry me much. In short, it is only fair to say that I am
not well enough off to keep you here. I cannot possibly give you the
comforts you require. I should be glad, therefore, my dear Sophia, if you
would be kind enough to leave The Dales."

"Now listen to me, Henry. I have resolved to stay, and only force will
turn me out. My heavier luggage is coming by the carrier to-morrow. I
brought a small trunk in that awful little conveyance which you sent to
meet me. As to the money question, it needn't trouble you, for I shall
pay for all extras which my presence requires. As to luxuries, I am
indifferent to them. But I mean the girls to eat their food like ladies,
and I mean the food to be well cooked; and also everything in the house
shall be clean, and there shall be enough furniture in the rooms for the
ordinary requirements of ordinary gentlefolks. I shall stay here for at
least three months, and if at the end of that time you do not say to me,
'Sophia, I can never thank you enough for what you have done,' I shall be
surprised. Now I have stated exactly the position of things, and, my dear
Henry, you are welcome to go back to your work. You can study your
beloved Virgil and gloat over your discovery; but for goodness' sake come
to dinner to-night looking like a gentleman."

"My wardrobe is a little in abeyance, Sophia. I mean that I--I have not
put on an evening coat for years."

"You probably have one at the back of nowhere," said Miss Tredgold in a
contemptuous tone. "But, anyhow, put on the best you have got. Believe
me, I have not come to this house to sit down with my hands before me. I
have come to work, to renovate, to restore, to build up. Not another
word, Henry. I have put the matter into a nutshell, and you and your
children must learn to submit to the arrival of Sophia Tredgold."

At these words the good lady unlocked the door and stepped out.

As she walked down the passage she heard the quick trampling of many
feet, and it occurred to her that some of the girls must have been
listening at the keyhole.

"I can't allow that sort of thing again," she said to herself. "But
now--shall I take notice?"

She stood for a moment thinking. The color came into her cheeks and her
eyes looked bright.

"For my sister's sake I will put up with a good deal," was her final
comment; and then she went into the hall.

T