"There is nothing to be told about Percycross."
"Are you to stand again, papa?"
"Nobody will ever stand for Percycross again. It will lose its members altogether. The thing is settled."
"And you have had all the trouble for nothing, uncle?" Mary asked.
"All for nothing,—and the expense. But that is a very common thing, and I have no ground of complaint beyond many others."
"It does seem so hard," said Patience.
"So very hard," said Mary. And then they were silent. They had not come without a purpose; but, as is common with young ladies, they kept their purpose for the end of the interview.
"Are you coming home, papa?" Patience asked.
"Well, yes; I won't settle any day now, because I am very busy just at present. But I shall be home soon,—very soon."
"I do so hope you'll stay some time with us, papa."