CHAPTER IX.
HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS--DREAMS AND DAY DREAMS--THE VINE--ELSPETH--MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER.
My father was brought up chiefly by his mother's relations.

The religious question was always a difficulty as regarded the de Vandaleurs, and I fancy extended to my own case.

My guardians were not my great-grandparents, but Major Buller, and Mr.Arkwright, a clergyman of the Church of England.

My great-grandfather and great-grandmother were Roman Catholics.

Though not my appointed guardians, they were my nearest relations, and when my great-grandmother had held out her little hand towards me over the side of the pony-carriage and said, "You will let the child come to me?
Soon, very soon ?" Major Buller had taken her hand in both his, and replied very cordially, "Of course, my dear madam, of course.