‘That is your own fault,’ exclaimed Kenrick. ‘Nothing would make me happier than to receive you there. It would be something in the style of the famous reception at Wolf’s Crag, perhaps, especially if it were in the close time for salmon; but you should have a hearty welcome, and I shouldn’t feel my position so keenly as the Master of Ravenswood felt his.’ ‘There would be no Lucy Ashton in the case,’ put in the Vicar, innocently. ‘And should we really not put you out if we came?’ asked Mrs. Dulcimer. ‘Not the least in the world. You would have to live as plainly as Eton boys, that is all. My housekeeper can roast a joint and boil a potato. I think she might even manage a bit of fish, and a rhubarb tart. We would not quite starve you, and I know you would be charmed with the dear old place; but if you are coming you must make up your minds very quickly. My time is up on the 24th.’ ‘We could make up our minds in half an hour, if Clement would consent,’ answered Mrs. Dulcimer, ‘It would be such a delightful change for Beatrix. Mr. Namby has been recommending her a change of air and scene for ever so long; and it is much too cold for the sea-side. A week in Hampshire would do her a world of good.’ ‘Pray do not think of me,’ said Beatrix, ‘I had rather go home while you are away.’ ‘I thought this was your home now, Beatrix,’ remonstrated the Vicar. ‘It is the only house that has ever seemed like home,’ the heiress answered, sadly. ‘Of course you will go with us, if we go,’ exclaimed Mrs. Dulcimer. ‘You are our adopted daughter, and we expect you to go everywhere with us. We don’t even consult you. It is quite a matter of course. I have set my heart on seeing Culverhouse Castle, and the visit will be the very thing to do you good. I am sure Mr. Namby would say so if I asked him about it. So, Clement dear, if you would let Mr. Rodger do duty for just one Sunday, we might spend ten days at Culverhouse very easily.’ Mr. Rodger was the new curate, a painstaking youth, with sandy hair and a large round face like the setting sun. Mr. Dulcimer was at first disinclined to listen to his wife’s suggestions. The journey was long and expensive, and there seemed to be no justifiable reason for undertaking it; but the Vicar was an indulgent husband, and he was very fond of salmon fishing, so the discussion ended by his giving his consent, and it was arranged that he and the two ladies should join Sir Kenrick at the castle two days after the young man’s arrival there.