"Clara will soon find herself no match for Sir Foster, and then she must yield by degrees. One or other must domineer, and the battle will be short: Clara will feel compelled to command her temper in time, and all this nonsense will be forgotten. People always forget the faults of the rich. Clara must give a splendid ball when it is blown over. How did Anna Maria appear to like being a guest at Hatton?" "She was so happy and agreeable." "She is very unlike her mother, then. I never would visit Wetheral till your father's tiresome old mother died, and Christobelle followed her example. I expect to hear your sister designated 'Mrs. Tom' every where. Country places are so second-rate in their customs! I hope no one will be guilty of such bad taste before _me_." Christobelle had nothing to bring forward upon any subject which she considered likely to amuse; and, was therefore, again silent. Her mother patted the table a few seconds. "Was Mrs. Hancock at dinner yesterday?" "Yes, mamma." "And how did she behave?" "She was quite silent." "Mrs. Pynsent is tolerated, because her position in life raises her among the highest of the land; but Mrs. Hancock is unfit for ladies' society:--I was going to say, for female association; but she does not often intrude. Miss Wycherly is a softened likeness of Mrs. Pynsent. There is great insolence in such marked bluntness of manners; one only meets with it in retired country places." Another long pause. "Your father talks of visiting Bedinfield next week, and he means to intrude you there. I shall send for poor dear Isabel and her child, I think." Christobelle was all astonishment. What! summon the Brierly party, whom she always deprecated! Her surprise was visible in her countenance. "Any thing very extraordinary, Bell, in wishing to see my daughter? I wish you would endeavour to suppress impertinence in your looks and motions, before you leave home. What are you sitting there for? Pray retire to your occupations." Christobelle went into her father's study--that sanctum sanctorum for painful feelings, and mortified spirits, and there she remained till the Hatton carriage arrived. She had a long and serious conversation with her kind parent upon many subjects. He spoke most feelingly upon the distress of mind he endured, respecting Clara's conduct and destiny. He had suspected at Hatton that the Kerrisons were not upon speaking terms; and, though Sir Foster was not the man to whom he would commit the care of a daughter, yet he feared that Clara's turbulent disposition increased her own misery, and defied her husband's control. He besought his youthful daughter to pray without ceasing for a mild and teachable spirit, that her future days might not be steeped in misery. He pointed out the worldly and avaricious feelings which had induced Clara to marry; and which he feared would wreck the peace of Lady Ennismore.