But I think he will agree with _me_"-- John smiled--"that when the elder daughter of a house marries, she forfeits her rights of seniority in that house, and the next sister succeeds to her place." "I should suppose that might be the case," John, bowing politely in the direction of the widow.
"I never disputed the fact, Georgina.

It is, as our cousin says, self-evident," said Lady Belstone, returning the bow.

"But I have always maintained, and always shall, that when the married sister comes back widowed to the home of her fathers, the privileges of birth are restored to her." Both sisters turned shrewd, expectant grey eyes upon their cousin.
"It is--it is rather a nice point," said John Crewys, as gravely as he could.
He welcomed thankfully the timely interruption of an opening door and the entrance of Canon Birch and the doctor.
At the same moment, from the archway which supported the great oak staircase, the butler entered, carrying lights.
"Is her ladyship not yet returned from her walk, Ash ?" asked Lady Belstone, with affected surprise.
"Her ladyship came in some time ago, my lady, and went to see Sir Timothy.

She left word she was gone upstairs to change her walking things, and would be down directly." The sisters greeted the canon with effusion, and Dr.Blundell with frigid civility.
John Crewys shook hands with both gentlemen.
"I am sorry I cannot offer you tea, Canon Birch, until my sister-in-law comes down," said Miss Crewys.
"Our dear Lady Mary is so very unpunctual," said Lady Belstone.
"I dare say something has detained her," said the canon, good-humouredly.
"It often happens that my sister and myself are kept waiting a quarter of an hour or more for our tea.

We do not complain," said Lady Belstone.
John Crewys began to feel a little sorry for Lady Mary.
As the sisters appeared inclined to devote themselves to their clerical visitor rather exclusively, he drew near the recess to which Dr.Blundell had retired, and joined him in the oriel window.
"Have you never been here before ?" asked the doctor, rather abruptly.
"Never," said John Crewys, smiling.