‘How good it will be for the children!’ said Lily.

‘Oh! why had we not such a guide at first?’

‘She has all that Eleanor wants,’ said William.

‘My follies were not Eleanor’s fault,’ said Lily; ’but I do think I should not have been quite so silly if I had known Alethea from the first.’

It was not in the power of William himself to say more in her praise than Lily.  In the eagerness of their conversation they walked slowly, and as they were crossing the last field the dinner-bell rang.  As they quickened their steps they saw Mr. Mohun looking at his wheat.  Lily told him how late it was.

‘There,’ said he, ’I am always looking after other people’s affairs.  Between Rotherwood and William I have not a moment for my own crops.  However, my turn is coming.  William will have it all on his hands, and the old deaf useless Baron will sit in his great chair and take his ease.’

‘Not a bit, papa,’ said Lily, ’the Baron will grow young, and take to dancing.  He is talking nonsense already.’

’Eh!  Miss Lily turned saucy?  Mrs. William Mohun must take her in hand.  Well, Lily, has he your consent and approbation?’

‘I only wish this was eighteen months ago, papa.’

’We shall soon come into order, Lily.  With Miss Aylmer for the little ones, and Mrs. Mohun for the great ones, I have little fear.’

‘Miss Aylmer, papa!’

’Yes, if all turns out well.  We propose to find a house for her mother in the village, and let her come every day to teach the little ones.’

‘Oh!  I am very glad.  We liked her so much.’

‘I hope,’ said Mr. Mohun, ’that this plan will please Claude better than my proposal of a governess last month.  He looked as if he expected Minerva with helmet, and AEgis and all.  Now make haste and dress.  Do not let us shock Eleanor by keeping dinner waiting longer than we can help.’

Lilias found that her sisters had long been dressed and gone down.  She dressed alone, every now and then smiling at her own happy looks reflected in the glass.  Just as she had finished, Claude knocked at the door, and putting in his head, said, ’Well, Lily, has the wonderful news come forth?  I see it has, by your face.’

‘And do you know what it is, Claude?’ said Lily.

’I know what Rotherwood meant, and I cannot think where all our senses were.’

‘And, Claude, only say that you like her.’

‘I think it is a very good thing indeed.’

‘Only say that you cordially like her.’

’I do.  I admire her sense and her gentleness very much, and I think you owe a great deal to her.’

‘Then you allow that you were unjust last summer?’

’I do; but it was owing to you.  You were somewhat foolish, and I thought it was her fault.  Besides, I was quite tired of hearing that extraordinary name of hers for ever repeated.’