Fanny at last returned, but with her baby; and there was no chance
for even Rachel to assert herself while this small queen was in
presence. Grace was devoted to infants, and there was a whole court
of brothers vying with one another in picking up her constantly
dropped toys, and in performing antics for her amusement. Rachel,
desirous to be gracious and resigned, attempted conversation with one
of the eldest pair, but the baby had but to look towards him, and he
was at her feet.

On her departure, Rachel resumed the needful details of the
arrangements respecting the house and servants, and found Lady Temple
as grateful and submissive as ever, except that, when advised to take
Myrtlewood for a term of seven years, she replied, that the Major had
advised her not to bind herself down at once.

"Did you let him think we should quarrel?"

"Oh, no, my dear; but it might not agree with the children."

"Avonmouth! Grace, do you hear what heresy Fanny has been learning?
Why, the proportion of ozone in the air here has been calculated to
be five times that of even Aveton!"

"Yes, dearest," said poor Fanny, very humbly, and rather scared,
"there is no place like Avonmouth, and I am sure the Major will think
so when he has seen it."

"But what has he to do with your movements?"

"Sir Stephen wished--" murmured Fanny.