her music and drawing, her German and Italian, and her verse writing.

Claude had more power over her than any one else. He was a gentle,
amiable boy, of high talent, but disposed to indolence by ill health.
In most matters he was, however, victorious over this propensity,
which was chiefly visible in his love of easy chairs, and his dislike
of active sports, which made him the especial companion of his
sisters. A dangerous illness had occasioned his removal from Eton,
and he had since been at home, reading with his cousin Mr. Devereux,
and sharing his sisters' amusements.

Jane was in her own estimation an important member of the
administration, and in fact, was Emily's chief assistant and deputy.
She was very small and trimly made, everything fitted her precisely,
and she had tiny dexterous fingers, and active little feet, on which
she darted about noiselessly and swiftly as an arrow; an oval brown
face, bright colour, straight features, and smooth dark hair, bright
sparkling black eyes, a little mouth, wearing an arch subdued smile,
very white teeth, and altogether the air of a woman in miniature.
Brisk, bold, and blithe--ever busy and ever restless, she was
generally known by the names of Brownie and Changeling, which were
not inappropriate to her active and prying disposition.

Excepting Claude and Emily, the young party were early risers, and
Lily especially had generally despatched a good deal of business
before the eight o'clock breakfast.

At nine they went to church, Mr. Devereux having restored the custom
of daily service, and after this, Mr. Mohun attended to his
multitudinous affairs; Claude went to the parsonage,--Emily to the