ejected
by himself. The ladies felt that, as he was made of sterner stuff
than they, so would it be more difficult to reconcile him to the
alterations which were now proposed in the family arrangements. Who
was to bell the cat? "Let him go to papa in the usual way, and ask
his leave," said Mrs. Traffick.

"I did suggest that," said Gertrude, "but he seems not to like to do
it quite yet."

"Is he such a coward as that?"

"I do not know that he is more a coward than anybody else. I remember
when Septimus was quite afraid to go near papa. But then Benjamin has
got money of his own, which does make a difference."

"It's quite untrue saying that Septimus was ever afraid of papa. Of
course he knows his position as a Member of Parliament too well for
that. I suppose the truth is, it's about Ayala."

"It is a little odd about Ayala," said Gertrude, resuming her
confidential tone. "It is so hard to make papa understand about these
kind of things. I declare I believe he thinks that I never ought to
speak to another man because of that scoundrel Frank Houston."

All this was in truth so strange to Sir Thomas that he could not
understand any of the existing perplexities. Why did Captain Batsby
remain as a guest at Merle Park? He had no special dislike to the
man, and when Lady Tringle had told him that she had asked the
Captain to prolong his visit he had made no objection. But why should
the man remain there, knowing as he did now that there was no chance
of Ayala's coming to Merle Park? At last, on a certain Saturday
evening, he did make inquiry on the subject. "What on earth is that
man staying here for?" he said to his wife.

"I think he likes the place."

"Perhaps he likes the place as well as Septimus Traffick, and means
to live here always!" Such allusions as these were constant with Sir
Thomas, and were always received by Lady Tringle with dismay and
grief. "When does he mean to go away?" asked Sir Thomas, gruffly.

Lady Tringle had felt that the time had come in which some word
should be said as to the Captain's intentions; but she feared to
say it. She dreaded to make the clear explanation to her husband.
"Perhaps," said she, "he is becoming fond of some of the young
ladies."

"Young ladies! What young ladies? Do you mean Lucy?"

"Oh dear no!" said Lady Tringle.

"Then what the deuce do you mean? He came here after Ayala, because
I wanted to have all that nonsense settled about Tom. Ayala is not
here, nor