A change was desirable, indeed requisite for all.

But a short interval had passed since the death of their beloved Herbert, and there were many times when the parents' hearts yet painfully bled, and each felt retirement, the society of each other, and sometimes of their most valued friends, the exercise of domestic and religious duties, would be the most efficient means of acquiring that peace of which even the greatest affliction cannot deprive the truly religious mind.

At Christmas, St.Eval had promised his family should join them, and all looked forward to that period with pleasure..