Mutimer now seldom went up to town for Sunday; if necessity took him thither, he chose some week-day.

On Sunday he always spent a longer or shorter time with the Walthams, frequently having dinner at their house.

He hesitated at first to invite the ladies to the Manor; in his uncertainty on social usages he feared lest there might be impropriety in a bachelor giving such an invitation.

He appealed to Alfred, who naturally laughed the scruple to scorn, and accordingly Mrs.and Miss Waltham were begged to honour Mr.Mutimer with their company.

Mrs.Waltham reflected a little, but accepted.