‘Yes, it requires some self-control,’ said Lady Merton.

‘Self-control!’ repeated Anne.  ’Mamma, I am sure that “Patient cautious self-control is wisdom’s root,” must be your motto, for you are sure to tell me of it on every occasion.’

‘I hope you are not tired of it, Anne,’ said Lady Merton, ’for most probably I shall often tell you of it again.’

‘Oh yes, I hope you will,’ said Anne; ’there will be more need of it than ever, in this visit to Abbeychurch.’

‘Yes,’ said Lady Merton, ’you live so quietly here, excepting when Rupert is at home, that you must take care that all the excitement and pleasure there does not make you wild.’

‘Indeed I must,’ said Anne; ’I cannot fancy enjoying anything much more than the Consecration of a church for which Papa has done so much, and going with Lizzie, and meeting Rupert.  Really, Mamma, it is lucky there is that one drawback, to keep it from seeming too pleasant beforehand.’

‘You mean the Hazelbys,’ said her mother.

‘Yes, Mamma,’ replied Anne; ’I am rather surprised to hear that they are to be there.  I should not think that a vulgar-minded Scotchwoman, such as Lizzie describes Mrs. Hazleby, would take much delight in a Consecration; but I suppose Uncle Woodbourne could not well avoid asking them on such an occasion, I believe she is rather touchy.’

‘You must take care what you say to Lizzie about the Hazlebys,’ said Lady Merton; ’a very little might make it appear that we wished to set her against her step-mother’s relations.’

‘Oh! that would never do,’ said Anne, ’but I am afraid it will be very difficult to keep from shewing what we think, if Mrs. Hazleby is all that Lizzie says.’

‘Your Papa was pleased with what he saw of Major Hazleby last year,’ said Lady Merton.

‘Oh yes, Lizzie likes him very much,’ said Anne; ’it is the lady of whom she has such a horror.’

‘I should fancy,’ said Lady Merton, ’that Mrs. Woodbourne’s horror of her was almost equal to Lizzie’s.’

‘Kind gentle Aunt Mildred,’ said Anne, ’do you think she ever had a horror of anyone?’

‘It is certainly rather a strong word,’ said Lady Merton, ’but you will allow me to say that she has a great dread of her; I think Mrs. Hazleby scolds and frightens her.’

‘What a fury she must be,’ said Anne, laughing, ’to be able to scold and frighten such a gentle Desdomona as Mrs. Woodbourne.’

‘Do not say too much on that subject,’ said Lady Merton, ’or we shall be forced to call your beloved Lizzie a fury.’

‘O Mamma!’ cried Anne, ’you cannot say that she is impetuous and violent now.  She used, I allow, to be rather overbearing to Mrs. Woodbourne; but that was before she was old enough fully to feel and love her gentleness.  Then she did take advantage of it, and argue, and dispute, but now—­’

‘She has her own way without disputing,’ said Lady Merton.