quite shot up to more than the ordinary woman’s height, and was much taller than her sister—­but this hardly gave the advantage Albinia had hoped, for she had a weak, overgrown look, and could not help stooping.  A number of people in a room, or even the sitting upright during a morning call, seemed quite to overcome and exhaust her:  but still the return to ordinary life was such great enjoyment, that she endured all with good temper.

But now the church-going was possible, a fit of exceeding dread came upon her.  Albinia found her with the tears silently rolling down her cheeks, almost as if she were unconscious of them.

’Oh, mamma, I can never do it!  I know what I am.  I can’t let them say I will keep all the commandments always!  It will not be true!’

‘It will be true that you have the steadfast purpose, my dear.’

‘How can it be steadfast when I know I can’t?’

It was the old story, and all had to be argued through again how the obligation was already incurred at her baptism, and how it was needful that she should be sworn to her own side of the great covenant—­how the power would be given, and the grace supplied, but that the will and purpose to obey was required—­and then Sophy recurred to that blessing of the cross for which she longed so earnestly, and which again Albinia feared she was regarding in the light of a talisman.

Mr. Ferrars was to be her godfather.  Mr. Kendal had wished Aunt Winifred, as Lucy called her, to be the godmother, but Sophy had begged earnestly for Mrs. Dusautoy, whose kindness had made a great impression.

There was not much liking between Mrs. Ferrars and Sophy.  Perhaps Sophy had been fretted and angered by her quick, decided ways, and rather disgusted by the enthusiasm of her brother and sister about Fairmead; and she was not gratified by hearing that Winifred was to accompany her husband in order to try the experiment of a short absence from cares and children.

Albinia, on the contrary, was highly pleased to have Winifred to nurse, and desirous of showing off Sophy’s reformation.  Winifred arrived late in the day, with an invalid look, and a great inclination to pine for her baby.  She was so much tired, that Albinia took her upstairs very soon, and put her to bed, sitting with her almost all the evening, hoping that downstairs all was going on well.

The next morning, too, went off very well.  Mr. Ferrars sought a private talk with his old godchild, and though Sophy scarcely answered, she liked his kind, frank, affectionate manner, and showed such feeling as he wished, so that he fully credited all that his sister thought of her.

Otherwise, Sophy was kept quiet, to gave her strength and collect her thoughts.