"When they heard he was really coming," she was saying to Grafton, "they redoubled their efforts. Poor young Denis--who really looks sweet as a curate, though more deliciously solemn than ever--was sent up with a direct proposal. Couldn't I let bygones be bygones for the good of the community? I said I didn't know what the community had to do with it, and I couldn't forgive the way they had behaved. He said they were sorry. I said they had never done or said a thing to show it. We fenced a little, and he went back to them. Would you believe it, they swallowed their pride and sent me a letter. I'll show it you. You never read such a letter. They asked me to dinner at the end of it,--to-night--and perhaps I should be able to bring his lordship. I thanked them for their letter, and refused their invitation--of course politely. I asked Denis to dinner last night, and they let him come, but I think he must have had a struggle for it, because he looked very unhappy. My uncle is going to see poor old Mr. Cooper this afternoon, and, of course, they'll make a dead set at him; but it will be a bedside scene, and that's all they're going to get out of it." "Aren't you a trifle feline about the poor ladies?" asked Grafton. "_They_ are feline, if you like. Aren't they, Barbara?" "They're spiteful old cats, if that's what you mean," said Barbara. "Did you ask Lord Salisbury to dinner?" "No. I have an idea that my uncle wishes to have a rest from the clergy, though it's as much as his place is worth to say so. The darling old thing! He's thoroughly enjoying himself. I believe he would have hunted to-day, if I had pressed a mount upon him." "Is Denis going to preach at him to-morrow?" asked Grafton. "Yes, I suppose so. Mr. Mercer offered to do it in the afternoon, but Rhoda and Ethel refused. I got that out of Denis himself, who is too deliciously innocent and simple for words. If it weren't for Rhoda and Ethel I really think I should make love to my uncle to give him the living when poor old Mr. Cooper comes to an end. Perhaps he will in any case. A lot hangs upon Denis's sermon to-morrow." "I expect Rhoda and Ethel have written it for him," said Barbara. "Perhaps one of them will dress up and preach," suggested Young George. Barbara looked at him fondly. "Not very good, Bunting dear," she said. "He does much better than that sometimes, Ella. He's quite a bright lad."