Yet there would be awkwardness in housing the whole family at the Manor; and besides-- What the 'besides' implied Richard did not make formal even in his own thoughts.

It stood for a vague objection to having all his relatives dwelling at Wanley.

Alice he would not mind; it was not impossible to picture Alice in conversation with Mrs.and Miss Waltham; indeed, he desired that for her.

And yet-- Richard was at an awkward pass.

Whithersoever he looked he saw stumbling-blocks, the more disagreeable in that they rather loomed in a sort of mist than declared themselves for what they were.