"But to be so false to papa!" said Augusta. "I call it swindling, downright swindling." "One should know and understand all about it before one speaks in that way," said Martha. "I dare say it is very vexatious to papa; but after all perhaps Mr. Rowan may have some right on his side." "I don't know about right," said Mrs. Tappitt. "I don't think he can have any right to come and set himself up here in opposition, as one may say, to the very ghost of his own uncle. I agree with Augusta, and think it is a very dirty thing to do." "Quite shameful," said Augusta, indignantly. "But if he has got the law on his side," continued Mrs. Tappitt, "it's no good your papa trying to go against that. Where should we be if we were to lose everything and be told to pay more money than your papa has got? It wouldn't be very pleasant to be turned out of the house." "I don't think he'd ever do it," said Cherry. "I declare, Cherry, I think you are in love with the man," said Augusta. "If I ain't I know who was," said Cherry. "As for love," said Mrs. Tappitt, "we all know who is in love with him,--nasty little sly minx! In the whole matter nothing makes me so angry as to think that she should have come here to our dance." "That was Cherry's doing," said Augusta. This remark Cherry noticed only by a grimace addressed specially to her sister. A battle in Rachel's favour under present circumstances would have been so losing an affair that Cherry had not pluck enough to adventure it on her friend's behalf. "But the question is,--what are we to do about the lawsuit?" said Mrs. Tappitt. "It is easy to see from your papa's manner that he is very much harassed. He won't admit him as a partner;--that's certain." "Oh dear! I should hope not," said Augusta. "That's all very well," said Martha; "but if the young man can prove his right, he must have it. Mamma, do you know what Mr. Honyman says about it?" "Yes, my dear, I do." Mrs. Tappitt's manner became very solemn, and the girls listened with all their ears. "Yes, my dear, I do. Mr. Honyman thinks your father should give way." "And take him in as a partner?" said Augusta. "Papa has got that spirit that he couldn't do it." "It doesn't follow that your papa should take Mr. Rowan in as a partner because he gives up the lawsuit. He might pay him the money that he asks." "But has he got it?" demanded Martha. "Besides, it's such a deal; isn't it?" said Augusta. "Or," continued Mrs. Tappitt, "your papa might accept his offer by retiring with a very handsome income for us all. Your papa has been in business for a great many years, working like a galley-slave. Nobody knows how he has toiled and moiled, except me. It isn't any joke being a brewer,--and having it all on himself as he has had. And if young Rowan ever begins it, I wish him joy of it." "But would he pay the income?" Martha asked. "Mr. Honyman says that he would; and if he did not, there would be the property to fall back upon."