To our disappointment, likewise, there came an invitation from the
Eastwoods for the evening of the 27th of December, the second of the
recurring days of the phantom's appearance. My father could not,
and my mother would not go, but they so much wanted my brothers and
sister to accept it that it could not well be declined. It was
partly a political affair, and my father was anxious to put Clarence
forward, and make him take his place as the future squire; and my
mother thought depression had lasted long enough with her children,
and did not like to see Martyn so grave and preoccupied. 'It was
quite right and very nice in him, dear boy, but it was not natural
at his age, though he was to be a clergyman.'

As to Emily, her gentle cheerfulness had helped us all through our
time of sorrow, and just now we had been gratified by the tidings of
young Lawrence Frith. That youth was doing extremely well. There
had been golden reports from manager and chaplain, addressed to Mr.
Castleford, the latter adding that the young man evidently owed much
to Mr. Winslow's influence. Moreover, Lawrence had turned out an
excellent correspondent. Long letters, worthy of forming a book of
travels, came regularly to Clarence and me, indeed they were thought
worth being copied into that fat clasped MS. book in the study.
Writing them must have been a real solace to the exile, in his
island outside the town, whither all the outer barbarians were
relegated. So, no doubt, was the packing of the gifts that were
gradually making Prospect Cottage into a Chinese exhibition of
nodding mandarins, ivory balls, exquisite little cups, and faggots
of tea. Also, a Chinese walking doll was sent humbly as an offering
for the amusement of Miss Winslow's school children, whom indeed she
astonished beyond measure; and though her wheels are out of order,