all the meetings she had had with her when they had met at

Ellerton
Hall--when she had been visiting her cousins and Miss Kingsley
had been
there also--had She seen the sweetness of her temper ruffled.
They
were well matched and of similar minds.

"Yes, I have to say she is, Stephen," she agreed with a smile,
'and she
does not hide the favourable impression you have made on her
either.
Although, I have to say that I have grave misgivings as to how
her
brother will react to all this. I do remember cautioning you
on the
affair when you first became acquainted with Miss Kingsley--but
would
you listen? "

"I have to admit the prospect of meeting with her brother does
fill me
with trepidation."

"Then do not let it," said his sister firmly. "You must stand
up to
Lord Kingsley. Do not let him bully you into submission."

Stephen looked at his sister with admiration. "Unfortunately,

I am not
like you, Rachel. You have always encouraged me by being the
sort of
person you are, but I do not possess your confidence or
strength of
character."

Rachel looked at him sharply. "And with that attitude,

Stephen, you
will be sure to lose her," she admonished gently.

There was no time to say more; the coach was pulling into the
yard of a
wayside inn where they were to partake of refreshment before
continuing