‘No, the study.’

Albinia remained transfixed.

‘We could put the books here and in the dining-room,’ he continued, ’until next spring, when, as your brother said, we can build a new wing on the drawing-room side.’

‘And what is to become of you?’ she continued.

‘Perhaps you will admit me here,’ he said, smiling, for he was pleased with himself.  ‘Turn me out when I am in the way.’

’Oh!  Edmund, how delightful!  See, we shall put your high desk under the window, and your chair in your own corner.  This will be the pleasantest place in the house, with you and your books!  Dear Winifred! she did me one of her greatest services when she made me keep this room habitable!’

’And I think Sophy will not object to give up her present little room for my dressing-room.  Shall you, my dear?’ said he, anxious to judge of her temper by her reply.

‘I don’t care,’ she said; ’I don’t want any difference made to please me; I think that weak.’

‘Sophy!’ began Albinia, indignantly, but Mr. Kendal stopped her, and made her come down, to consider of the proposal in the study.

That study, once an oppressive rival to the bride, now not merely vanquished, but absolutely abandoned by its former captive!

‘Don’t say anything to her,’ said Mr. Kendal, as they went downstairs.  ’Of course her spirits are one consideration, but were it otherwise, I could not see you give up your private room.’

’It is very kind in you, but indeed I can spare mine better than you can,’ said Albinia.  ’I am afraid you will never feel out of the whirl.’

‘Yours would be a loss to us all,’ said Mr. Kendal.  ’The more inmates there are in a house, the more needful to have them well assorted.’

‘Just so; and that makes me afraid—­’

‘Of me?  No, Albinia, I will try not to be a check on your spirits.’

‘You!  Oh!  I meant that we should disturb you.’

’You never disturb me, Albinia; and it is not what it was when the children’s voices were untrained and unsubdued.’

‘I can’t say much for Master Maurice’s voice.’

He smiled, he had never yet found those joyous notes de trop, and he continued, ’Your room is of value and use to us all; mine has been of little benefit to me, and none to any one else.  I wish I could as easily leave behind me all the habits I have fostered there.’

’Edmund, it is too good!  When poor Sophy recovers her senses she will feel it, for I believe that morning room would have been a great loss to her.’

’It was too much to ask in her present state.  I should have come to the same conclusion without her showing how much this plan cost her, for nothing can be plainer than that while she continues subject to these attacks, she must have some retreat.’

‘Yet,’ ventured Albinia, ’if you think solitude did you no good, do you think letting these fits have their swing is good for Sophy?’