Hirst groaned that he was quite aware of that.

Helen thought herself justified in asking, “Do you find your family difficult to get on with?”

"Tempter," said Rebecca, "begone!---Not in this last extremity canst thou move me one hair's-breadth from my resting place ---surrounded as I am by foes, I hold thee as my worst and most deadly enemy---avoid thee, in the name of God!"

"You see I have known him a long time and am also fond of Mary, your future sister-in-law. `Husbands` sisters bring up blisters,` but this one wouldn`t hurt a fly. She has asked me to bring you two together. Tomorrow you`ll go with your father to see her. Be very nice and affectionate to her: you`re younger than she. When he comes, he`ll find you already know his sister and father and are liked by them. Am I right or not? Won`t that be best?"