and Albinia carried off her prize, exceedingly hopeful and puzzled,
and wondering whether her compromise had been a right one, or a mere
tampering with temptation--delighted with the confidence and
affection bestowed on her so freely, but awe-struck by the impression
which the boy had avowed, and marvelling how it should be treated, so
as to render it a blessed and salutary restraint, rather than the dim
superstitious terror that it was at present. At least there was hope
of influencing him, his heart was affectionate, his will on the side
of right, and in consideration of feeble health and timid character,
she would overlook the fact that he had not made one voluntary open
confession, and that the partial renunciation had been wrung from him
as a choice of evils. She could only feel how much he was to be
pitied, and how he responded to her affection.

She was crossing the hall next day, when she heard a confusion of
tongues through the open door of the dining-room, and above all,
Gilbert's. 'Well, I say there are but two ladies in Bayford. One is
Mrs. Kendal, and the other is Genevieve Durant!'

'A dancing-master's daughter!' Lucy's scornful tone was
unmistakeable, and so was the ensuing high-pitched querulous voice,
'Well, to be sure, Gilbert might be a little more--a little more
civil. Not that I've a word to say against--against your--your
mamma. Oh, no!--glad to see--but Gilbert might be more civil.'

'I think so indeed,' said Albinia. 'Good morning, Miss Meadows. You
see Gilbert has come home quite alive enough for mischief.'

'Ah! I thought I might be excused. Mamma was so uneasy--though I
know you don't admit visitors--my just coming to see--We've been