The Small House at Allington

In which Bell Dale contemplates with gentle firmness the refusal of her cousin Bernard's suit, while the Dale family prepares with some melancholy for their upcoming removal from the Small House to Guestwick, a matter that has sorely tried their relations with the squire. Meanwhile, an unexpected invitation from Lady Julia De Guest to stay at Guestwick Manor for a week stirs feelings of surprise and hesitation, particularly with Lily’s quiet but resolute refusal to join the proposed visit.