where she had obstinately opposed her step-mother's wishes, making
her obedience marked, as if for the very purpose of enforcing the
contrast. It was a character that Albinia could not as yet fathom.
In all occupations and amusements, Sophy followed the lead of her
elder sister, and in her lessons, her sole object seemed to be to get
things done with as little trouble as possible, and especially
without setting her mind to work, and yet in the very effort to
escape diligence or exertion, she sometimes showed signs of so much
ability as to excite a longing desire to know of what she would be
capable when once aroused and interested; but the surly, ungracious
temper rendered this apparently impossible, and whatever Albinia
attempted, was sure, as if for the very reason that it came from her,
to be answered with a redoubling of the growl of that odd hoarse
voice.

On Lucy's birthday, there was an afternoon party of her young
friends, including Miss Durant. Albinia, who, among the girlhood of
Fairmead and its neighbourhood, had been so acceptable a playmate,
that her marriage had caused the outcry that 'there would never be
any fun again without Miss Ferrars,' came out on the lawn with the
girls, in hopes of setting them to enjoy themselves. But they looked
at her almost suspiciously, retained their cold, stiff, company
manners, and drew apart into giggling knots. She relieved them of
her presence, and sitting by the window, watched Genevieve walking up
and down alone, as if no one cared to join her. Presently Lucy and
Lizzie Osborn spoke to her, and she went in. Albinia went to meet
her in the hall; she coloured and said, 'She was only come to fetch
Miss Osborn's cloak.'

Albinia saw her disposing it over Lizzie's shoulders, and then