ne of kindness, "You know I told
you already that you had better not interfere in matters concerning
his church and parish."

"We always managed things at Dunstone."

Hang Dunstone! was with some difficulty suppressed; but in an extra
gentle voice Raymond said, "Your father did what he thought his
duty, but I do not think it mine, nor yours, to direct Julius in
clerical matters. It can only lead to disputes, and I will not have
them."

"It is Rosamond. I'm sure I don't dispute."

"Listen, Cecil!" he said. "I can see that your position may be
trying, in these close quarters with a younger brother's wife with
more age and rank than yourself."

"That is nothing. An Irish earl, and a Charnock of Dunstone!"

"Dunstone will be more respected if you keep it in the background,"
he said, holding in stronger words with great difficulty. "Once for
all, you have your own place and duties, and Rosamond has hers. If
you meddle in them, nothing but annoyance can come of it; and
remember, I cannot be appealed to in questions between you and her.
Julius and I have gone on these nine-and-twenty years without a
cloud between us, and I'm sure you would not wish to bring one now."

Wherewith he left her bewildered. She did not perceive that he was
too impartial for a lover, but she had a general sense that she had
come into a rebellious world, where Dunstone and Dunstone's daughter
were of no account, and her most cherished notions disputed. What
was the lady of the manor to do but to superintend the church,
parsonage, and parish generally? Not her duty? She had never heard
of such a thing, nor did she credit it. Papa would come home, make
these degenerate Charnocks hear reason, and set all to rights.

CHAPTER VI
Wedding Visits

Young Mrs. Charnock Poynsett had plenty of elasticity, and her
rebuffs were less present to her mind in the morning than to that of
her husband, who had been really concerned to have to inflict an
expostulation; and he was doubly kind, almost deferential, giving
the admiration and attention he felt incumbent on him to the
tasteful arrangements of her wedding presents in her own sitting-
room.

"And this clock I am going to have in the drawing-room, and these
Salviati glasses. Then, when I have moved out the piano, I shall
put the sofa in its place, and my own little table, with my pretty
Florentine ornaments."

Raymond again looked annoyed. "Have you spoken to my mother?" he
sai