You see, he was opposed to our marriage: poor parson's daughter, you know." Celia coloured with embarrassment; it seemed to her that this beautiful young woman was without reserve, and that her remark had been in very bad taste; but Celia was always ready to make allowances and look on the best side of people, so she said, gently: "I dare say you will grow to like him.

He is sure to like you." "Think so ?" said Miriam.

"Well, I hope he will; he ought to like his daughter-in-law; and I mean to make him, if I can.

I want to keep the peace between him and Percy; they haven't been the best of friends, as I dare say you've heard.

Did you cut that dress from a paper pattern, or how ?" "You've guessed correctly," said Celia, laughing.