If your brother had proposed it...but he's too reasonable." The ladies, upon this hint, wrote to Wilfrid to obtain his concurrence and assistance.

He laughed when he read the simple sentence: "We hope you will not fancy that we have any peculiar personal interest in view;" and replied to them that he was sure they had none: that he looked upon Besworth with favour, "and I may inform you," he pursued, "that your taste is heartily applauded by Lady Charlotte Chillingworth, she bids me tell you." The letter was dated from Stornley, the estate of the marquis, Lady Charlotte's father.

Her ladyship's brother was a member of Wilfrid's Club.

"He calls Besworth the most habitable place in the county, and promises to be there as many months out of the twelve as you like to have him.

I agree with him that Stornley can't hold a candle to it.