She was a strain higher than themselves, thought her parents, and so pride in her was added to love.

The mother had made incredible sacrifices, first to have her educated by a couple of old nuns who still survived in Derby, and then to bring her out suitably at Babington House last year.

The father had cordially approved, and joined in the sacrifices, which included an expenditure which he would not have thought conceivable.

The result was, of course, that Marjorie, under cover of a very real dutifulness, ruled both her parents completely; her mother acknowledged the dominion, at least, to herself and her husband; her father pretended that he did not; and on this occasion rose, perhaps, nearer to repudiating it than ever in his life.

It seemed to him unbearable to be bidden by his daughter, though with the utmost courtesy and affection, to mind his own business.
So he sat and breathed audibly through his nose, and meditated rebellion.
* * * * * "And is the lad to come here for Easter ?" he asked at last.
"I suppose so." "And for how long ?" "So long as the maid appoints." He breathed louder than ever.
"And, Mr.Manners," continued his wife emphatically, "no word must be said to him on the matter.