at is generally termed 'a woman of spirit.'"

"I believe she was a remarkably still, silent person."

"One would scarcely have expected, my dear, that your uncle's choice
should have fallen on a partner of that description. Is he not fond of
being amused by lively chat?"

"In company he is. But he always says he could never do with a talking
wife. He must have quiet at home. You go out to gossip, he affirms; you
come home to read and reflect."

"Mrs. Matthewson lived but a few years after her marriage, I think I
have heard?"

"About five years."

"Well, my dear," pursued Mrs. Pryor, rising to go, "I trust it is
understood that you will frequently come to Fieldhead. I hope you will.
You must feel lonely here, having no female relative in the house; you
must necessarily pass much of your time in solitude."

"I am inured to it. I have grown up by myself. May I arrange your shawl
for you?"

Mrs. Pryor submitted to be assisted.

"Should you chance to require help in your studies," she said, "you may
command me."

Caroline expressed her sense of such kindness.

"I hope to have frequent conversations with you. I should wish to be of
use to you."

Again Miss Helstone returned thanks. She thought what a kind heart was
hidden under her visitor's seeming chilliness. Observing that Mrs. Pryor
again glanced with an air of interest towards the portraits, as she
walked down the room, Caroline casually explained: "The likeness that
hangs near the window, you will see, is my uncle, taken twenty years
ago; the other, to the left of the mantelpiece, is his brother James, my
father."

"They resemble each other in some measure," said Mrs. Pryor; "yet a
difference of character may be traced in the different mould of the brow
and mouth."

"What difference?" inquired Caroline, accompanying her to the door.
"James Helstone--that is, my father--is generally considered the
best-looking of the two. Strangers, I remark, always exclaim, 'What a
handsome man!' Do you think his picture handsome, Mrs. Pryor?"

"It is much softer or finer featured than that of your uncle."

"But where or what is the difference of character to which you alluded?
Tell me. I wish to see if you guess right."

"My dear, your uncle is a man of principle. His forehead and his lips
are firm, and his eye is steady."

"Well, and the other? Do not be afraid of offending me. I always like
the truth."

"Do you like the truth? It is well for you. Adhere to t