on the centre table, and a silkworm on each leaf. She leisurely
proceeded with her work, bringing forth more silkworms from her paper
trays, paying not the least attention to her mother. Lady Augusta
advanced, and treated her to a slight tap on the ear, her favourite
mode of correcting her children.

"Now, mamma! What's that for?"

"Do you hear me, you disobedient child? I will have this rubbish put
away, I say. Goodness, Martha! don't bring any one in here!" broke off
Lady Augusta, as a maid appeared, showing in a visitor. "Oh, it is you,
William! I don't mind you. Come in."

It was the Reverend William Yorke who entered. He was not altogether a
favourite of Lady Augusta's. Though only distantly related to her late
husband, he yet bore the name of Yorke; and when he came to
Helstonleigh (for he was not a native of the place), and became a
candidate for a vacant minor canonry, Lady Augusta's pride had taken
fire. The minor canons were looked upon by the exclusives of the
cathedral as holding a very inferior position amidst the clergy, and
she resented that one belonging to her should descend to set up his
place amongst them.

Mr. Yorke shook hands with Lady Augusta, and then turned to look at the
leaves and silkworms. "Are you doing that for ornament, Caroline?"

"Ornament!" wrathfully cried Lady Augusta. "She is doing it to waste
time, and to provoke me."

"No, I am not, mamma," denied Miss Caroline. "My poor silkworms never