"I should like a house best," said Hilda, "but Jasper, of course, is the one really to decide." "Now, there you are wrong, my love. _You_ are undoubtedly the right person to make the final choice. I am old-fashioned in my ideas, Hilda, and I think the wife ought to be in subjection to her husband, for we have Scripture for it, but I don't believe St. Paul meant that rule to extend to domestic matters. In domestic matters the wife _ought_ to have the casting vote. Be sure, my dear Hilda, you don't yield to Jasper in domestic affairs--you will rue it if you do--and be quite sure that in selecting a house you have a wide entrance-hall, a spacious staircase, and a large drawing room." "But, Auntie, such a house will be beyond our means." "Tut, tut, my love--the rent _may_ be a few pounds more, but what of that? A large entrance-hall is really essential; and as it is easier to keep large rooms and wide staircases clean than small ones, your servants will have less to do and you will save the extra rent in that way. Now here is your great-grandmother's receipt for plum-pudding--two dozen eggs, three pounds raisins, one pound citron. Hilda, I particularly want to give you a hint about the _spice_ for this pudding; ah, and I must speak also about this white soup--it is simply made, and at the same time delicious--the stock from two fowls--one pint single cream--your father is particularly fond of it. Yes, Susan, what is the matter?" "A parcel for Miss Hilda, ma'am," said the neat parlor-maid. "It has come by 'Carter Patterson'; and will you put your name here, please, Miss Hilda." Hilda signed her name obediently, and a square wooden box was brought in. It was opened by Aunt Marjorie herself with great solemnity. Judy and Babs came and looked on, and there were great expressions of rapture when an exquisite afternoon tea-service of Crown Derby was exhibited to view. Wedding presents were pouring in from all quarters. Hilda put this one away with the others, and calmly continued her occupation of adding up some parochial accounts for her father. She was a very careful accountant, and had the makings in her of a good business woman when she had gained a little experience. Aunt Marjorie sat and mumbled little disjointed remarks with regard to her niece's future state and subjection. She gave her many hints as to when she was to yield to her husband and when she was to firmly uphold her own will. Had Hilda followed out Aunt Marjorie's precepts, or even been greatly influenced by them, she and Jasper would have had a very unhappy future, but she had a gentle and respectful way of listening to the old lady without taking in a great deal that she said. Her thoughts were divided now between Jasper and Judy. Her heart felt torn at the thought of leaving her little sister, and she had an instinctive feeling, which she had never yet put into words, that Judy and Jasper were antagonistic to each other, and, what is more, would always remain so.