Hugh replied very cavalierly,--generously, that is, rashly, and somewhat impetuously,--that he would guarantee them against any such degradation.
"We don't want to be a burden upon you, my dear," said the mother.
"You would be a great burden on me," he replied, "if you were living uncomfortably while I am able to make you comfortable." Mrs.Stanbury was soon won over by Mrs.Trevelyan, by Nora, and especially by the baby; and even Priscilla, after a week or two, began to feel that she liked their company.

Priscilla was a young woman who read a great deal, and even had some gifts of understanding what she read.

She borrowed books from the clergyman, and paid a penny a week to the landlady of the Stag and Antlers for the hire during half a day of the weekly newspaper.

But now there came a box of books from Exeter, and a daily paper from London, and,--to improve all this,--both the new comers were able to talk with her about the things she read.

She soon declared to her mother that she liked Miss Rowley much the best of the two.