worth while to revive an old grievance, by asking Lily’s pardon for her unkind speech, and rested satisfied with the knowledge that her sister knew her heart too well to care for what she said in a moment of irritation.  On the other hand, Lily did not think that she had a right to mention the plan of Alethea’s government, and the next day she was glad of her reserve, for her father called her to share his early walk for the purpose of talking over the scheme, telling her that he thought she understood the state of things better than Eleanor could, and that he considered that she had sufficient influence with Emily to prevent her from making Alethea uncomfortable.  The conclusion of the conversation was, that they thought they might depend upon Emily’s amiability, her courtesy, and her dislike of trouble, to balance her love of importance and dignity.  And that Alethea would do nothing to hurt her feelings, and would assume no authority that she could help, they felt convinced.

After breakfast Mr. Mohun called Emily into his study, informed her of his resolution, to which she listened with her usual submissive manner, and told her that he trusted to her good sense and right feeling to obviate any collisions of authority which might be unpleasant to Alethea and hurtful to the younger ones.  She promised all that was desired, and though at the moment she felt hurt and grieved, she almost immediately recovered her usual spirits, never high, but always serene, and only seeking for easy amusement and comfort in whatever happened.  There was no public disgrace in her deposition; it would not seem unnatural to the neighbours that her brother’s wife should be at the head of the house.  She would gain credit for her amiability, and she would no longer be responsible or obliged to exert herself; and as to Alethea herself, she could not help respecting and almost loving her.  It was very well it was no worse.

In the meantime Lily, struck by a sudden thought, had hastened to her mother’s little deserted morning-room, to see if it could not be made a delightful abode for Alethea; and she was considering of its capabilities when she started at the sound of an approaching step.  It was the rapid and measured tread of the Captain, and in a few moments he entered.  ‘Thank you,’ said he, smiling, ’you are on the same errand as myself.’

‘Exactly so,’ said Lily; ’it will do capitally; how pretty Long Acre looks, and what a beautiful view of the church!’

‘This room used once to be pretty,’ said William, looking round, disappointed; ‘it is very forlorn.’

’Ah! but it will look very different when the chairs do not stand with their backs to the wall.  I do not think Alethea knows of this room, for nobody has sat in it for years, and we will make it a surprise.  And here is your own picture, at ten years old, over the fireplace!  I have such a vision, you will not know the room when I have set it to rights.’