Genevieve took no leave.  Albinia sent her a goodly parcel of books and work-patterns, and she returned an affectionate note; but did not attempt to see Lucy and Sophy.

The next Indian mail brought the expected letter, giving an exact account of the acquirements and habits that would be required of Gilbert, with a promise of a home where he would be treated as a son, and of admission to the firm after due probation.  The letter was so sensible and affectionate, that Mr. Kendal congratulated his son upon such an advantageous outset in life.

Gilbert made slight reply, but the next morning Sophy sought Albinia out, and with some hesitation began to tell her that Gilbert was very anxious that she would intercede with papa not to send him to Calcutta.

‘You now, Sophy!’ cried Albinia.  ’You who used to think nothing equal to India!’

‘I wish it were I,’ said Sophy, ‘but you know—­’

‘Well,’ said Albinia, coldly.

Sophy was too shy to begin on that tack, and dashed off on another.

’Oh, mamma, he is so wretched.  He can’t bear to thwart papa, but he says it would break his heart to go so far away, and that he knows it would kill him to be confined to a desk in that climate.’

’You know papa thinks that nothing would confirm his health so much as a few years without an English winter.’

‘One’s own instinct—­’ began Sophy; then breaking off, she added, ‘Mamma, you never were for the bank.’

’I used not to see the expediency, and I did not like the parting; but now I understand your father’s wishes, and the sort of allegiance he feels towards India, so that Gilbert’s reluctance will be a great mortification to him.’

‘So it will,’ said Sophy, mournfully, ’I am sure it is to me.  I always looked forward to Gilbert’s going to Talloon, and seeing the dear old bearer, and taking all my presents there, but you see, of course, mamma, he cannot bear to go—­’

‘Sophy, dear,’ said Albinia, ’you have been thinking me a very hard-hearted woman this last month.  I have been longing to have it out.’

‘Not hard-hearted,’ said Sophy, looking down, ’only I had always thought you different from other people.’

’And you considered that I was worldly, and not romantic enough.  Is that it, Sophy?’

’I thought you knew how to value her for herself, so good and so admirable—­a lady in everything—­with such perfect manners.  I thought you would have been pleased and proud that Gilbert’s choice was so much nobler than beauty, or rank, or fashion could make it,’ said Sophy, growing enthusiastic as she went on.

‘Well, my dear, perhaps I am.’

’But, mamma, you have done all you could to separate them:  you have shut Genevieve up in a convent, and you want to banish him.’

‘It sounds very grand, and worthy of a cruel step-dame,’ said Albinia; ’but, my dear, though I do think Genevieve in herself an admirable creature, worthy of any one’s love, what am I to think of the way Gilbert has taken to show his admiration?’