I returned to tea at the Castle where I found Lady Ragnall so cross that I went to church again, to the six o'clock service this time, only getting back in time to dress for dinner.

Here I was paid out for I had to take in Mrs.Atterby-Smith.

Oh! what a meal was that.

We sat for the most part in solemn silence broken only by requests to pass the salt.

I observed with satisfaction, however, that things were growing lively at the other end of the table where A.-Smith _pere_ was drinking a good deal too much wine.