The old ladies had not heard this piece of news and expressed their interest. Privately they thought it a little odd that Mr. Birket should talk as if there were any connection between the two events, although, of course, it was true that Walter was of the new Birket generation as well as the new Clinton generation. "She is rather young," pursued Mr. Birket, "but George Senhouse is a steady fellow as well as a successful one. It is George Senhouse she is going to marry--you have heard of him?" "Any relation, if I may ask, to Sir George Senhouse of whom we read in the House of Parliament?" asked Aunt Ellen. "Yes--George Senhouse--that's the man. Not on my side, you know, Miss Clinton, but I'm sure you won't think that a drawback." Indeed it was not. Mr. Birket was a Liberal, and therefore a deadly foe to the true religion of the Church of England as by compromise established, and to all the societies for raising mankind to a just appreciation of that religion which the Misses Clinton supported. And Sir George Senhouse, a capable and earnest young man, with an historic name, had early devoted his powers to the defence of those things in the outside world which they held dear. It was, indeed, a surprising piece of good fortune for Mr. Birket--and no wonder that he was so evidently pleased. "I hope your daughter will be strengthened to assist him in all the good work he does," said Aunt Ellen. "I sincerely hope she will," said Mr. Birket. "The engagement is not announced yet; but I tell _you_, Miss Clinton--and Miss Laura." "Oh, we should not say a word before the proper time," said Aunt Laura. When Cicely and Mr. Birket had gone, Aunt Ellen said, "You may take my word for it, sister, that it is owing to the Clinton connection. We have lived a retired life, but I know very well how these things tell."