Then they all went to dinner with a cloth laid fair on the table, for Frank, who was as it were a stranger. And there were many inquiries made after Rachel and her theatrical performances. Tidings as to her success had already reached Morony, and wonderful accounts of the pecuniary results. They had seen stories in the newspapers of the close friendship which existed between her and Mr. Moss, and hints had been given for a closer tie. "I don't think it is likely," said Frank. "But is anything the matter between you and Rachel?" asked Edith. At that moment Peter was walking off with the leg of mutton, and Ada had run into the kitchen to fetch the rice pudding, which she had made to celebrate her brother's return. Edith winked at her brother to show that all questions as to the tender subject should be postponed for the moment. "But is it true," said Ada, "that Rachel is making a lot of money?" "That is true, certainly," said her brother. "And that she sings gloriously?" "She always did sing gloriously," said Edith. "I was sure that Rachel was intended for a success." "I wonder what Captain Yorke Clayton would think about her," said Ada. "He does understand music, and is very fond of young ladies who can sing. I heard him say that the Miss Ormesbys of Castlebar sang beautifully; and he sings himself, I know." "Captain Clayton has something else to do at present than to watch the career of Miss O'Mahony in London." This was said by their father, and was the first word he had spoken since they had sat down to dinner. It was felt to convey some reproach as to Rachel; but why a reproach was necessary was not explained. Peter was now out of the room, and the door was shut. "Rachel and I have come to understand each other," said Frank. "She is to have the spending of her money by herself, and I by myself am to enjoy life at Morony Castle." "Is this her decision?" asked Edith. It was on Frank's lips to declare that it was so; but he remembered himself, and swallowed down the falsehood unspoken. "No," he said; "it was not her decision. She offered to share it all with me." "And you?" said his father. "Well, I didn't consent; and so we arranged that matters should be brought to an end between us." "I knew what she would do," said Ada. "Just what she ought," said Edith. "Rachel is a fine girl. Nothing else was to be expected from her." "And nothing else was possible with you," said their father. And so that conversation was brought to an end.