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"Nay, dear Aunt Rachel," said Dinah gently, "you've no cause for such fears I've strong assurance that no evil will happen to you andI've done I didn't preach without direction"

"Direction! I know very hat youin a rapid and agitated ot than usual in your head you call it 'direction'; and then nothing can stir you--you look like the statty o' the outside o' Treddles'on church, a-starin' and a-smilin' whether it's fair weather or foul I hanna coentleot down from their horses: it was plain they meant to come in Mrs Poyser advanced to the door to er with Dinah and anxiety to conduct herself with perfect propriety on the occasion For in those days the keenest of bucolic entry, such as of oldby in tall human shape

"Well, Mrs Poyser, how are you after this stor?" said Mr Irwine, with his stately cordiality "Our feet are quite dry; we shall not soil your beautiful floor"

"Oh, sir, don't mention it," said Mrs Poyser "Will you and the captain please to walk into the parlour?"

"No, indeed, thank you, Mrs Poyser," said the captain, looking eagerly round the kitchen, as if his eye were seeking soht in your kitchen I think it is theroom I know I should like every farmer's wife to come and look at it for a pattern"

"Oh, you're pleased to say so, sir Pray take a seat," said Mrs Poyser, relieved a little by this colancing anxiously at Mr Irwine, who, she saas looking at Dinah and advancing towards her

"Poyser is not at ho hie to the open dairy-door

"No, sir, he isn't; he's gone to Rosseter to see Mr West, the factor, about the wool But there's Father i' the barn, sir, if he'd be of any use"

"No, thank you; I'll just look at the whelps and leave a e about them with your shepherd I must come another day and see your husband; I want to have a consultation with him about horses Do you knohen he's likely to be at liberty?"