“Sister and recovery!” lightly said Bessie; “they encounter what no one else does!  He only pined for Bishopsworthy, and when we let him move there, after the first month, he and my uncle were happy.  I stayed there for a little while, but I was only in the way, the dear good folks were always putting themselves out on my account; and as to Alick, you can’t think how the absence of his poor “souffre-douleur,” invigorated him.  Every day I found him able to put more point into his cutting compliments, and reading to my uncle with more energy; till at last by the time the —­th came home, he had not so much as a stiff leg to retire upon.  Luckily, he and my uncle both cared too much for my poor father’s wishes for him to do so without, though if any unlucky chance should take Mr. Lifford away from my uncle, he threatens coming to supply the vacancy, unless I should, and that is past hope.”

“Your home is with your uncle,” affirmed Rachel.

“Yes,” she said, mournfully, “dear Littleworthy was too happy to last.  It broke itself up by its own charms—­all married and gone, and the last rose of summer in my poor person must float away.  Jane wants her mother and not me, and my uncle will submit to me as cheerfully as to other necessary evils.  It is not myself that I fear for; I shall be very happy with the dear uncle, but it will be a dreadful overthrow to his habits.”

“I do not see why it need be,” said Rachel.

“What! two old bachelors with a young lady turned in on them!  And the housekeeper—­think of her feelings!”

“I do not think you need be uneasy, my dear,” said Fanny.  “Your brother is convinced that it will be the greatest pleasure and comfort to Mr. Clare to have you; and though there may be difficulties at first, I am sure anybody must be the happier for having you,” and she caressed the upturned face, which responded warmly, but with a sigh.

“Alick is no judge!  He is the child of the house, and my uncle and Mr. Lifford don’t feel complete without him.  My uncle is as fond of me as can be, and he and I could get on beautifully, but then Mr. Lifford is impracticable.”

“Impracticable?” said Rachel, taking up the long word.  “He objects to your exerting yourself in the parish.  I know what that is.”

“Pray, Rachel,” said Fanny, imploringly, “pray don’t any anything against him!  I am very sorry he has annoyed you, but I do like him.”

“Oh, does he play croquet!” cried Bessie.

“I gather,” said Rachel, in her impressive tone, a little disappointed, “that by impracticable you mean one who will not play croquet.”

“You have hit it!” laughed Bessie.  “Who will neither play at croquet, nor let one work except in his way.  Well, there are hopes for you.  I cure the curates of every cure I come near, except, of course, the cure that touches me most nearly.  The shoemaker’s wife goes the worst shod!  I’ll tame yours.”