“No,” said Letitia with a sigh; “I did not expect you to see it. But so long as I see it!--all I want is to make sure that you won’t go on as so many men do. ‘How long is that Miss Hill going to stay? I can never say a word to you without that Miss Hill hearing everything! Is that Miss Hill to be always here?’ Now you must have heard men going on just so, making their wives’ lives a burden.” “I hope I shall never do that,” said John, mildly. “Mind you don’t,” said Letitia. And that was all that was said. But when Miss Hill came next morning with a pretty flush of pleasure on her face, and her grey dress looking so prim and old-maidish, and everything about her showing a life arrested just at the point where Letitia had left her--Letitia who had made so much progress--Mrs. Parke’s resolution became firmer than ever. She showed her visitor all over the house, apologizing for its small size and imperfections. “We must put up with many things,” she said, “in our present circumstances, you know. Frogmore is very nice to us, but so long as he lives we can only have the second place.” “I wish I had only a hundred times as much to put up with,” said Mary, smiling. “It all looks very delightful to me.” “You should see Greenpark,” said Letitia. “We have a great deal more room there. But we are only in town for a short season, and, of course, I don’t bring all the children. Yes, baby is just about ten months. They are all troublesome children. They give me a great deal to do. I often think I shall die of it if it goes on long. And there you are, Mary, a lady of leisure at home with next to nothing to do.” Mary’s countenance changed. “I have more than you think,” she said, “but not in your way.” “Oh, no, not in my way. When you are not married you can form no idea of the troubles one has. But I do wonder you should stay at home when there is so little for you all. Your poor mother must grudge it so. Two daughters to feed and clothe and no likelihood of any change.” “Oh, Tishy, it is cruel to tell me so! Don’t I feel it to the bottom of my heart.” “Don’t call me by that horrible name. If I was you I should certainly do something for myself. Who were the two---- whom you were with at the exhibition?” “It was my aunt---- and a friend of mine. They live together,” said Mary. “You should go and live with them,” said Letitia, boldly. Mary shook her head. “My aunt is as poor as we are at home. She has asked me for a short visit, that is all she can do. But please Tis---- I mean Letitia, don’t make me wretched to-day. I want to get a little pleasure out of this day.” “If I make you wretched it is for your good,” said Letitia. “If you have only come for a short visit it is not worth your while. Your railway fare would cost you more than all the relief it would be at home.” “They were glad I should have the change,” said Mary, “but I’m afraid what you say is true, and it was perhaps selfish to come.”