'Offence, perhaps, is the wrong word.

But he was stiff and masterful, if you know what I mean.' 'You would not bear that, certainly, John ?' 'No.

I have to own that I do not love the assumption of authority,--except from you.' 'You do not like it from anybody, John.' 'You would not wish me to submit myself to your brother ?' 'No; but I think I might ask him to be baby's godfather.' 'As you please; only you would be unhappy if he refused.' Then there came a little wail from the cradle and the baby was taken up, and for some minutes his little necessities occupied the mother to the exclusion even of that terrible letter.

But when Caldigate was about to leave the room, she asked him another question.

'Will she do anything more, John ?' 'I can hardly say.