'
'We must do all we can for him,' cried Albinia; 'Edmund likes him
already. Can't he dine with us every Sunday?'
'I know you will be kind,' said Mr. Ferrars. 'Only see how things
turn out before you commit yourself. Ah! I have said the unlucky
word which always makes you fly off!'
There was little fear that Ulick O'More would not win his way with
Mr. and Mrs. Kendal, recommended as he was, and with considerable
attractions in the frankness and brightness of his manner. He was a
very pleasant addition to the party who dined at Willow Lawn, after
the christening. No one had time to listen to Mr. Cavendish
Dusautoy's maxims, and he retired rather sullenly, to lean against
the mantelpiece, and marvel why the Kendals should invite an Irish
banker's clerk to meet _him_. Gilbert likewise commented on the
guest with a muttered observation on his sisters' taste; 'Last year
it was all the Polysyllable, now it would be all the Irishman!'
CHAPTER XIX.
There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household. Albinia and
her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side,
her own tenderness was against her. As to allies, Maurice had by far
the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her
mistress's sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it
inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his
bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being
punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy,
grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
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