“At any rate, it would be impossible to remain here,” said Bell.  “Uncle Christopher would not take rent from mamma; and even if he did, we should not know how to go on with our other arrangements after such a change.  No; we must give up the dear old Small House.”

“It is a dear old house,” said Lily, thinking, as she spoke, more of those late scenes in the garden, when Crosbie had been with them in the autumn months, than of any of the former joys of her childhood.

“After all, I do not know that I should be right to move,” said Mrs Dale, doubtingly.

“Yes, yes,” said both the girls at once.  “Of course you will be right, mamma; there cannot be a doubt about it, mamma.  If we can get any cottage, or even lodgings, that would be better than remaining here, now that we know what Uncle Christopher thinks of it.”

“It will make him very unhappy,” said Mrs Dale.

But even this argument did not in the least move the girls.  They were very sorry that their uncle should be unhappy.  They would endeavour to show him by some increased show of affection that their feelings towards him were not unkind.  Should he speak to them they would endeavour to explain to him that their thoughts towards him were altogether affectionate.  But they could not remain at Allington increasing their load of gratitude, seeing that he expected a certain payment which they did not feel themselves able to render.

“We should be robbing him, if we stayed here,” Bell declared;—­“wilfully robbing him of what he believes to be his just share of the bargain.”

So it was settled among them that notice should be given to their uncle of their intention to quit the Small House of Allington.

And then came the question as to their new home.  Mrs Dale was aware that her income was at any rate better than that possessed by Mrs Eames, and therefore she had fair ground for presuming that she could afford to keep a house at Guestwick.  “If we do go away, that is what we must do,” she said.

“And we shall have to walk out with Mary Eames, instead of Susan Boyce,” said Lily.  “It won’t make so much difference after all.”

“In that respect we shall gain as much as we lose,” said Bell.

“And then it will be so nice to have the shops,” said Lily, ironically.

“Only we shall never have any money to buy anything,” said Bell.

“But we shall see more of the world,” said Lily.  “Lady Julia’s carriage comes into town twice a week, and the Miss Gruffens drive about in great style.  Upon the whole, we shall gain a great deal; only for the poor old garden.  Mamma, I do think I shall break my heart at parting with Hopkins; and as to him, I shall be disappointed in mankind if he ever holds his head up again after I am gone.”