"People say ill-natured things, my love; I would not repeat them," observed Mrs. Neill, mildly.
Lydia looked annoyed at the gentle reproof, and began humming an air to herself, to show that she did not mind it.
"Have you written the notes as I desired you, my dear?" asked the sick mother, after a silence.
"No, I've been busy, and shall be busy all day; I'll write them to-morrow," replied Lydia, sitting down, and carelessly opening a book.
"Did you carry your missionary subscription to the Vicarage?" asked the captain. "My girl keeps a collection box," he added, smilingly turning towards his brother to explain.
"No; I did not," replied Lydia, shortly.
"And why? for the clergyman told us he was anxious to send in the subscriptions directly."
"I would rather wait till I have collected more," answered Lydia. "The Barnes had one pound nine in their box."
"But we cannot attempt to compete with the Barnes, my love; we can give but little, but we give it cheerfully."
"I will wait till I have collected more," repeated Lydia. "I should be ashamed to send in less than my neighbors."