"Here is a house that will suit you, my love," she said, holding out the letter to him. "It faces the river; there is a nice piece of meadow-land, and a lawn, and a garden with flowers and fruit trees. It stands alone in its own grounds, and there is a little arm of the river you may almost call your own, with a rustic bridge stretching to the opposite bank. The terms are rather high, twelve guineas a week for not less than three months, paid in advance, but I think we must go and see it. I should say it is exactly the place to suit your purpose." Charlotte listened in wonder. This contemplated removal to a house near the river was new to her--and what scheme was Fox engaged upon that would be furthered by a proceeding so entirely novel? Mr. Fox-Cordery put the letter in his pocket without reading it, and said in a displeased tone: "We will speak of it by and by." Mrs. Fox-Cordery glanced sharply from her son to her daughter. "Charlotte, what have you been doing to annoy Fox?" "Nothing," replied Charlotte. "She can prevaricate, you know, mother," observed Mr. Fox-Cordery quietly. "Of course she can prevaricate. Have we not had innumerable instances of it?" "I will finish my work in my own room," said Charlotte rising. "Do not stir," commanded Mrs. Fox-Cordery, "till permission is given you. Fox, my love, what has she done?" "Mr. Dixon has paid a visit to Charlotte in this house." "Impossible!" "Fox has stated what is not correct," said Charlotte, resuming her seat and her work. "Mr. Dixon called to see Fox." "That is her version," said Mr. Fox-Cordery. "She seeks to excuse herself by throwing it upon me." "Your conduct is disgraceful," said Mrs. Fox-Cordery to her daughter, "and I am ashamed of you." "I have done nothing disgraceful," retorted Charlotte, "and I am not ashamed of myself." Mrs. Fox-Cordery stared at her in astonishment, and Mr. Fox-Cordery nodded his head two or three times, and said: "You observe a change in Charlotte. There was a time when she would not have dared to put her will in opposition to ours, but I think I shall be found equal to my duty as master of this house. I do not say I am perfect, but I know of what I am capable. I have had my crosses and disappointments; I have had my sorrows. I have them still. Let us, at least, have harmony in our home." "Amen!" intoned Mrs. Fox-Cordery, with a reproachful look at Charlotte. "There is but one way," continued Mr. Fox-Cordery, "to secure this harmony. By obedience to orders. I am the head of this house and family, and I will not be thwarted or slighted." "I will support you, my love," said his mother, "in all ways."