“Mother, I cannot hear you say so! This is your own house!”
“So is the other,” she said, trying to smile, “and much fitter for my needs, with Susan and Jenkins to look after me.”
“There is no fit place for you but this. You said that once.”
“Under very different circumstances. All the younger boys were still under my wing, and needed the home, and I was strong and vigorous. It would not have been acting right by them to have given up the place; but now they are all out in the world, and I am laid by, my stay here only interferes with what can be much better managed without me or my old servants.”
“I do not see that. If any one moves, it should be ourselves.”
“You are wanted on the spot continually. If Sirenwood were in the market, that might not be so much amiss.”
“I do not think that likely. They will delay the sale in the hope of Eleonora’s marrying a rich man; besides, Mr. Charnock has set his mind upon Swanslea. I hope this is from nothing Cecil has said or done!”
“Cecil wishes to part then? She has said nothing to me, but I see she has to you. Don’t be annoyed, Raymond; it is in the nature of things.”
“I believe it is all Lady Tyrrell’s doing. The mischief such a woman can do in the neighbourhood!”
“Perhaps it is only what any friend of Cecil would advise.”