"Luckily there are no girls at the rectory," remarked Miss Mitty.

"Douglas is but nineteen, and really only a boy," protested Mrs.
Billing.

"Well, this affair will make a man of him, or I'm greatly mistaken."

"More likely it will make him a slave," argued Jane; "he is bound to
support his mother, and a hundred and fifty pounds a year won't go far
with her! And now I dare say she will have her wish and be able to
live in London. I suppose there will be an auction at 'Littlecote'?"

"Yes, of course," assented Mrs. Billing, "and that is sure to bring in
a handsome sum--unless there are liabilities and debts. I've always
admired that Crown Derby tea service--dark blue and gold."

"I know," rejoined Miss Tebbs, "a beautiful long set, and there's a
nice little old Sheffield tea urn that we could do with! I expect the
kitchen things will go pretty cheap; we want a new preserving pan."

"Talking of the kitchen, reminds me of food," remarked the visitor
rising. "My husband will be back clamouring for his lunch and I must
run," and in spite of her size, Mrs. Billing was out of the house in
less than no time, pursued by a volley of questions to the very gate.

* * * * * *

During that afternoon there was an unusual amount of visiting and
talking; the recent event had stirred the village to its depths, but