‘I cannot drive her about!  They must not be harshly treated,’ he answered quickly.  ’Resistance can only come from within; compulsion is worse than useless.  Poor child, it is piteous to watch that state of dull misery!  On other grounds, I am convinced this is the best plan.  The communication with the offices will prevent that maid from being always on the stairs.  Mrs. Meadows will have her own visitors more easily, and will get out of doors sooner, and I think she will be better pleased.’

’Yes, it will be a much better plan for every one but Mr. Kendal himself,’ said Albinia; ’and if he can be happy with us, we shall be all the happier.  So this was the old sitting-room!’ ’Yes, I knew them first here,’ he said.  ’It used to be cheerful then, and I dare say you can make it the same again.  We must dismantle it before Mrs. Meadows or Maria come to see it, or it will remind them of nothing but the days when I was recovering, and anything but grateful for their attention.  Yes,’ he added, ’poor Mrs. Meadows bore most gently and tenderly with a long course of moroseness.  I am glad to have it in my power to make any sort of amends, though it is chiefly through you.’

Albinia might well be very happy!  It was her moment of triumph, and whatever might be her fears for the future, and uneasiness at Sophy’s discontent, nothing could take away the pleasure of finding herself deliberately preferred to the study.

Sophy did not fail to make another protest, and when told that ’it was not solely on her account,’ the shame of having fancied herself so important, rendered her ill-humour still more painful and deplorable.  It was vain to consult her about the arrangements, she would not care about anything, except that by some remarkable effect of her perverse condition, she had been seized with a penchant for maize colour and blue for the bridesmaids, and was deeply offended when Albinia represented that they would look like a procession of macaws, and her aunt declared that Sophy herself would be the most sacrificed by such colours.  She made herself so grim that Maria broke up the consultation by saying good-humouredly, ’Yes, we will settle it when Lucy comes home.’

‘Yes,’ muttered Sophy, ‘Lucy is ready for any sort of nonsense.’

Mr. and Mrs. Kendal went to Woodside to meet Lucy, hoping that solitude would be beneficial.  Albinia grieved at the manifestations of these, her sullen fits, if only because they made Lucy feel herself superior.  In truth, Lucy was superior in temper, amiability, and all the qualities that smooth the course of life, and it was very pleasant to greet her pretty bright face, so full of animation.

’Dear grandmamma going to live with us?  Oh, how nice!  I can always take care of her when you are busy, mamma.’

That accommodating spirit was absolute refreshment, and long before Albinia reached home the task of keeping the household contented seemed many degrees easier.