As she said this the door opened again, and our cousin, the new master of Milthorpe, entered.  I had scarce noted his looks, being drowned in my grief at the time when, as Althea said, he had talked with us on business, accounting to us for some moneys, the poor wreck of our fortunes, which had been lodged in his hands; but I now thought what a grand gentleman he looked in his rich mourning suit; and indeed he was of a very graceful appearance, and smiled on us most courtly.  He held his plumed hat in his hand, and, bowing low to our aunt,—­

‘I am much honoured,’ said he, ’that Mrs. Golding should grace my poor house with her presence before I have had time to sue for it.  Will it please you, ladies, to step into the dining-parlour and sit down with me to a homely refection I have ordered to be spread there?  I must return to-day to town; so if Mrs. Golding will bestow half an hour of her time on me to talk over some needful matters, I shall take it as a favour.’

Mrs. Golding bent her head to him, saying, ‘At your pleasure, sir;’ and we followed to the dining-room, where we found what I should have called a plentiful dinner, but Mr. Dacre kept excusing its meanness at every dish he offered us.  This was very grating to Althea, seeming a reflection both on our ways at Milthorpe and on our poor old faithful servants; and Mrs. Golding liked it no better.  I saw her turning very red; and at last she said bluntly,—­

’The dinner is all very well, and I think Margery cook needs not so many excuses; so will you please leave speaking of meats and drinks, and turn to the needful matters you spoke of instead?’

‘I might have chosen,’ says Mr. Dacre, ’to talk to you in private first about those things; but perhaps it’s as well my fair cousins should hear at once what I have to say.  I am a married man, as you know, Mrs. Golding; and my wife loves the town, and cannot endure to hear of a country life.  I have no hope she will ever live at the Manor here.  But I will not let it; and I shall want it kept in good order against my coming down, which will be frequent.  So if my cousin, Mistress Althea, likes to remain here as housekeeper, she will be very welcome.’

‘And what do you think of paying her for her services?’ said our aunt.

Mr. Dacre lifted his eyebrows, and looked at her as if much surprised.  ‘She would have meat and lodging free,’ said he, ’and servants to do her bidding.  Also, if she can make anything by keeping of a dairy, or of fowls, or selling of fruit from the gardens, or such like devices of country dames, I shall ask no account of her gains; and if her management pleases me, I shall find a broad piece for her from time to time, I doubt not; so she may do very well.’

’And is her sister, Mistress Lucia, to dwell in your house and receive your bounty also?’ said Mrs. Golding.

‘That made no part of my plans,’ said he, smiling and bowing.  ’I shall hardly need two housekeepers here.’