sweet face and high spirits, give herself away to a man who looks but
half alive, and cannot, if he would, return that full first love--have
the charge of a tribe of children, be spied and commented on by the
first wife's relations--Maurice, I cannot bear it.'

'It is not what we should have chosen,' said her husband, 'but it has
a bright side. Kendal is a most right-minded, superior man, and she
appreciates him thoroughly. She has great energy and cheerfulness,
and if she can comfort him, and rouse him into activity, and be the
kind mother she will be to his poor children, I do not think we ought
to grudge her from our own home.'

'You and she have so strong a feeling for motherless children!'

'Thinking of Kendal as I do, I have but one fear for her.'

'I have many--the chief being the grandmother.'

'Mine will make you angry, but it is my only one. You, who have only
known her since she has subdued it, have probably never guessed that
she has that sort of quick sensitive temper--'

'Maurice, Maurice! as if I had not been a most provoking, presuming
sister-in-law. As if I had not acted so that if Albinia ever had a
temper, she must have shown it.'

'I knew you would not believe me, and I really am not afraid of her
doing any harm by it, if that is what you suspect me of. No, indeed;
but I fear it may make her feel any trials of her position more
acutely than a placid person would.'