Albinia hardly knew how far Sophy attended to this caution, for all she said was to reiterate the entreaty that the omitted ceremony might be supplied.

Mr. Kendal gave a ready consent, as soon as he was told that Sophy so ardently wished for it—­so willing, indeed, that Albinia was surprised, until he went on to say, ’No one need be aware of the matter beyond ourselves.  Your brother and sister would, I have no doubt, act as sponsors.  Nay, if Ferrars would officiate, we need hardly mention it even to Dusautoy.  It could take place in your sitting-room.’

‘But, Edmund!’ began Albinia, aghast, ’would that be the right thing?  I hardly think Maurice would consent.’

’You are not imagining anything so preposterous or inexpedient as to wish to bring Sophia forward in church,’ said Mr. Kendal; ’even if she were physically capable of it, I should not choose to expose her to anything so painful or undesirable.’

‘I am afraid, then,’ said Albinia, ’that it will not be done at all.  It is not receiving her into the congregation to have this service read before half-a-dozen people in my sitting-room.’

‘Better not have it done at all, then,’ said Mr. Kendal.  ’It is not essential.  I will not have her made a spectacle.’

‘Will you only consult Mr. Dusautoy?’

’I do not wish Mr. Dusautoy to interfere in my family regulations.  I mean, that I have a great respect for him, but as a clergyman, and one wedded to form, he would not take into account the great evil of making a public display, and attracting attention to a girl of her age, station, and disposition.  And, in fact,’ added Mr. Kendal, with the same scrupulous candour as his daughter always showed, ’for the sake of my own position, and the effect of example, I should not wish this unfortunate omission to be known.’

‘I suspect,’ said Albinia, ’that the example of repairing it would speak volumes of good.’

‘It is mere absurdity to speak of it!’ said Mr. Kendal.  ’The poor child is not to leave her couch yet for weeks.’

Sophy was told in the morning that the question was under consideration, and Lucy was strictly forbidden to mention the subject.

When next Mr. Kendal came to read with Sophy, she said imploringly, ‘Papa, have you thought?’

‘Yes,’ he said, ’I have done so; but your mamma thinks, and, on examination of the subject, I perceive she is right, that the service has no meaning unless it take place in the church.’

‘Yes,’ said Sophy; ’but you know I am to be allowed to go about in July.’

’You will hardly be equal to any fatigue even then, I fear, my dear; and you would find this publicity extremely trying and unpleasant.’

‘It would not last ten minutes,’ said Sophy, ’and I am sure I should not care!  I should have something else to think about.  Oh! papa, when my forehead aches with surliness, it does feel so unblest, so uncrossed!’ and she put her hand over it, ’and all the books and hymns seem not to belong to me.  I think I shall be able to keep off the tempers when I have a right in the cross.’