day or two after Frederick's departure, turning over to her the letter
of which she had first broken the seal, while she proceeded to open
some others. It was Uncle Geoffrey's writing, and Henrietta read
eagerly:


"MY DEAR MARY,--I would not write till I could give you some positive
information about the Pleasance, and that could not be done without a
conference with Hardy, who was not at home. I am heartily glad that
you think of coming among us again, but still I should like to feel
certain that it is you that feel equal to it, and not the young ones
who are set upon the plan. I suppose you will indignantly refute the
charge, but you know I have never trusted you in that matter. However,
we are too much the gainers to investigate motives closely, and I
cannot but believe that the effort once over, you would find it a great
comfort to be among your own people, and in your own country. I fully
agree with you also in what you say of the advantage to Henrietta and
Fred. My father is going to write, and I must leave him to do justice
to his own cordiality, and proceed to business."


Then came the particulars of freehold and copyhold, purchase or lease,
repair or disrepair, of which Henrietta knew nothing, and cared less;
she knew that her mamma was considered a great heiress, and trusted to
her wealth for putting all she pleased in her power: but it was rather
alarming to recollect that Uncle Geoffrey would consider it right to
make the best terms he could, and that the house might be lost to them
while they were bargaining for it.

"O, mamma, never mind what he says about its being dear," said she, "I