"Of course, of course," said John Crewys.

"Forgive me, Isabella, but we have discussed this point before," said
Miss Crewys. "Though I cannot deny, our cousin being, as he is, a
lawyer, his opinion would carry weight. But I think he will agree with
_me_"--John smiled--"that when the elder daughter of a house marries,
she forfeits her rights of seniority in that house, and the next
sister succeeds to her place."

"I should suppose that might be the case," John, bowing politely in
the direction of the widow.

"I never disputed the fact, Georgina. It is, as our cousin says,
self-evident," said Lady Belstone, returning the bow. "But I have
always maintained, and always shall, that when the married sister
comes back widowed to the home of her fathers, the privileges of birth
are restored to her."

Both sisters turned shrewd, expectant grey eyes upon their cousin.

"It is--it is rather a nice point," said John Crewys, as gravely as he
could.

He welcomed thankfully the timely interruption of an opening door and
the entrance of Canon Birch and the doctor.

At the same moment, from the archway which supported the great oak
staircase, the butler entered, carrying lights.