"I don't think we shall gain anything by discussing the situation together," Mrs. de Cressiers said loftily. "Oh, I think we shall, if we go on long enough," said Jockie cheerfully. "If you will tell me a few of your objections, I will try to meet them; and I'll do anything to please you. Of course, I don't mean in the cringing way. I could never cringe to anyone; but I'll try to cure my most glaring faults and curb my tongue." Mr. de Cressiers' bell rang at this juncture. "Oh, let me go to him!" Jockie exclaimed as Mrs. de Cressiers made a move. "Do think over what I have been saying. It would be so heavenly if Austin came home and found that you and I were the greatest friends." She slipped away, and was soon making Mr. de Cressiers laugh at her confidences. Mrs. de Cressiers left them alone, but later on joined them. As she more than half expected, her husband turned to her at once: "My dear, I think we must accept this little girl as a daughter. She is young, but time will mend that, and if she makes Austin a good wife, and reminds him of his duties towards us and the estate, she will be a help and not a hindrance in our home." Jockie looked appealingly into Mrs. de Cressiers' face. "I wish you liked me as much as I like you," she said. The frank sincerity of her tone, and a little wistfulness in her eyes won the day. Mrs. de Cressiers put her hand gently on her shoulder. "We old people must learn to stand aside when young people come together," she said. "I cannot prevent your becoming my son's wife, but I will try to become accustomed to the prospect. It remains with you as to whether you will bring peace or discord amongst us." Jockie seized her hand, and pressed it fervently. "You must turn me out if I bring discord," she said. "Thank you, dear Mrs. de Cressiers, for withdrawing your objections to me. You will make Austin a happy boy to-day." And when Austin returned home with a slight shrinking in his heart from another encounter with his mother, he found Jockie and her holding an animated conversation as they sat at luncheon together. Jockie looked up at him as he came in, with her mischievous smile. "I am quite one of the family now," she said; "and though your mother does think me not half good enough for you, she is going to train me herself to carry on and maintain the tradition of your race." Austin was too dumbfounded to reply. He said to his father afterwards: "Jockie beats anyone I know for walking into a heavy squall, and coming out of it triumphant. She not only knows what she wants, but she gets it done before I've half-finished surveying the situation." CHAPTER XIX RANDOLPH'S RETURN "HE will come home." "Do you think he will?" "Sure to. It's a most splendid appointment."