CHAPTER VIII. 



*' Now, why on earth couldn't she say what the trouble is ? " 

 Charles Badsworth inquired of his daughter, as with a letter 

 beside his plate he gave his mind to fortifying himself against 

 eventualities by means of a good breakfast. '* Your aunt is 

 clear enough up to a certain point, begins by holding out the 

 hand of reconciliation which I'm ready enough to take (my 

 unfortunate letter to Hugo will show that), and then whilst 

 she says everything is in order on the one hand, on the other 

 she states that a most extraordinary codicil to your uncle's 

 Will presents insuperable difficulties, and never drops a hint 

 as to its provisions." 



" I daresay poor Aunt Lavinia is very much upset ; it's 

 only reasonable, dad." 



** Oh, I daresay ; but when you have to deal with a woman 

 who is by way of taking the lead (at least so the papers say) 

 it seems a pity she cannot put her theories into practice." 

 "Well, don't go up full of prejudices, dad." 

 *' Prejudices ! I don't deal much in that sort of thing." 

 " I know you don't as a rule, you dear; but there are such 

 things in the Badsworth family I " 



" I wish I were going to take you with me, child." 

 *' I must look after the business, you know," the girl said 

 smiling ; but for all that she would have liked to have been 

 included in the expedition, though it was a sad one. 



" I suppose Victor will go up by the same train," she added 

 presently. 



" I hope to goodness he'll be sober," the Squire said 

 shortly, and Miss Lavvy hoped so too, but wisely held her 

 peace. 



50 



