"Yes," Sidney replied. "But, oh, Monica, I never quite imagined it would be as bad as it is. You see, Ethel never loses her temper, and I think I keep mine in pretty tight control; but my feelings and my bottled-up anger inside are terrible! She knows how to cut, and she seems to delight in picking out the weak points in one's armour. Dad and I have not a corner in the house now where we can retire and be undisturbed. Her energy is ceaseless; so is her passion for altering furniture and every habit of our quiet household." Monica looked distressed. "I am afraid you will not be able to live together." "I am certain we shall not. Well, as you say, we shall see, and meanwhile dad and I are going to town, and it will be enchanting! One gets the sun with the clouds, doesn't one? They come after each other in pretty quick succession. I don't think you're looking very well, Monnie. Tell me how things are going with you." "I'm having an anxious time. My right hand, as I call him, is leaving me. He is going to set up for himself in Canada." "Not John Bayley?" "Yes. Of course, I can get another man to take his place, and I know enough myself to see that he does all that is required, but I shall be busier than ever. John has saved me so much." "I think that is quite a disaster," said Sidney. Monica laughed. "No, it's a set-back. I'm going through all the accounts with John. This last year has not been a prosperous one, but the previous ones have, and it will only mean harder work for me till the new man has learnt my ways. There is nothing to be anxious about, only sometimes a wave of doubt seems to sweep over me; and when I doubt myself and my powers, the outlook seems very black." "I did not know that you could doubt your powers," said Sidney, laughing. Monica smiled, too. "You always have thought me too self-sufficient, haven't you? But I don't often get a fit of blues. I have quite decided to send Chuckles to boarding-school after Easter." "I believe that is at the bottom of your depression. You don't like losing him. I'm sure I shall miss him on Sundays dreadfully. And just while I am away, will you let Jockie teach him on Sunday afternoons? It will do her good as well as him." "If she is willing to be saddled with him, I shall be very glad." After a little more talk, Sidney said good-bye and left. She paid one more visit, and that was to Mrs. de Cressiers, but she did not confide in her. She simply stated the fact that she and her father were going up to town. Mrs. de Cressiers thought it a very good plan. "Your dear father moves about so seldom that the change will do him good. And now, Sidney, what is this about your handing over the reins of government to your uncle's wife? Is that wise of you? You are not a very young girl, and are undoubtedly the proper mistress there. I cannot imagine why your uncle does not get a house for himself and his wife. He must do so before long. A joint household is always a failure."