In parish affairs he loved to show his independence of the Hall, and having a stronger will than Admiral Darling, he mostly conquered him.

But he knew very well how far to go, and never pressed the supremacy of the Church beyond endurance.
His wife, who was one of the Carnes of Carne Castle, some few miles to the westward, encouraged him strongly in holding his own when the Admiral strove to override him.

That was her manner of putting the case; while Admiral Darling would rather have a score of nightmares than override any one.

But the Carnes were a falling as much as the Darlings were a rising family, and offense comes down the hill like stones dislodged by the upward traveller.

Mrs.Twemlow knew nothing she disliked so much as any form of haughtiness; it was so small, so petty, so opposed to all true Christianity.