CHAPTER XXXVII.
WHEN the offer of Mr.Walker's cottage was made known in the family, there was a passive acquiescence in the change on the part of all but Aunt Grace.

Her pride was aroused.
"It's very kind in Mr.Willet," she said--"very kind, but scarcely delicate under the circumstances." "Why not delicate ?" inquired Mr.Markland.
"Did they think we were going into that little pigeon-box, just under the shadow of Woodbine Lodge.

If we have to come down so low, it will not be in this neighbourhood.

There's too much pride in the Markland blood for that!" "We have but little to do with pride now," said Mrs.Markland.
Her husband sighed.

The remark of his sister had quickened his blood.
"It is the best we can do!" he remarked, sadly.
"Not by any means," said Grace.