the churchyard by a second entrance.

So much it was needful that I should say of Allington Great House,
of the Squire, and of the village. Of the Small House, I will speak
separately in a further chapter.




CHAPTER II

The Two Pearls of Allington


"But Mr Crosbie is only a mere clerk."

This sarcastic condemnation was spoken by Miss Lilian Dale to her
sister Isabella, and referred to a gentleman with whom we shall have
much concern in these pages. I do not say that Mr Crosbie will be our
hero, seeing that that part in the drama will be cut up, as it were,
into fragments. Whatever of the magnificent may be produced will be
diluted and apportioned out in very moderate quantities among two or
more, probably among three or four, young gentlemen--to none of whom
will be vouchsafed the privilege of much heroic action.

"I don't know what you call a mere clerk, Lily. Mr Fanfaron is a mere
barrister, and Mr Boyce is a mere clergyman." Mr Boyce was the vicar
of Allington, and Mr Fanfaron was a lawyer who had made his way over
to Allington during the last assizes. "You might as well say that
Lord De Guest is a mere earl."