‘She might live here.’

‘Albinia!  Think a little.’

’I can think of nothing else.  Let her have the morning room, and Sophy’s little room, and Lucy and I would do our best for her.’

’No, that is out of the question.  I would not impose such charge upon you on any consideration!’

Albinia’s face became humble and remorseful.  ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘perhaps I am too impatient and flighty.’

‘That was not what I meant,’ he said; ’but I do not think it right that a person with no claims of relationship should be made a burthen on you.’

‘No claims, Edmund,’ said she, softly.  ’In whose place have you put me?’

He was silent:  then said, ’No, it must not be, my kind Albinia.  She is a very good old lady, but Sophy and she would clash, and I cannot expose the child to such a trial.’

‘I dare say you are right,’ pensively said Albinia, perceiving that her plan had been inconsiderate, and that it would require the wisdom, tact, and gentleness of a model woman to deal with such discordant elements.  ‘What are you going to do?’ as he took up his hat.  ‘Are you going to see Maria?  May I come with you?’

’If you please; but do not mention this notion.  There is no necessity for such a tax on you; and such arrangement should never be rashly made.’

He asked whether Miss Meadows could see him, and awaited her alone in the dining-room, somewhat to the surprise of his wife; but either he felt that there was a long arrear of kindness owing, or feared to trust Albinia’s impulsive generosity.

Meantime Albinia found the poor old lady in much uneasiness and distress.  Her daughter fancied it right to keep her in ignorance of the crisis; but Maria was not the woman to conceal her feelings, and her nervous misery had revealed all that she most wished to hide.  Too timid to take her confidence by storm, her mother had only exchanged surmises and observations with Betty, and was in a troubled condition of affectionate curiosity and anxiety.  Albinia was a welcome visitor since it was a great relief to hear what had really taken place and to know that Mr. Kendal was with Maria.

‘Ah! that is kind,’ she said; ’but he must tell her not to think of me.  I am an old woman, good for nothing but to be put out of the way, and she has gone through quite enough!  You will not let her give it up!  Tell her I have not many more years to live, and anything is good enough for me.’

‘That would hardly comfort her,’ said Albinia, affectionately; ’but indeed, dear grandmamma, I hope we shall convince her that we can do something to supply her place.’

’Ah! my dear, you are very kind, but nobody can be like a daughter!  But don’t tell Maria so—­poor dear love—­she may never have another chance.  Such a beautiful place out there, and Mr. Pringle’s property must come to him at last!  Bless me, what will Sarah Drury say?  And such a good attentive man—­besides, she never would hear of any one else—­her poor papa never knew—­Oh! she must have him! it is all nonsense to think of me!  I only wish I was dead out of the way!’