Free A Heritage and its History by Ivy Compton-Burnett Page B

that?”
    â€œYes, it had struck me, sir. And I once hoped to use the words. But the years passed, and the mistress had the place. Now the time is late.”
    â€œIt sounds like Shakespeare,” said Walter.
    â€œWell, sir, I understand he portrayed life. And that is what it is.”
    â€œEverything comes into it,” said Julia.
    â€œYes, ma’am. It is a comprehensive term.”

Chapter 5
    â€œI have never felt less at ease,” said Julia. “How am I to yield a position that has never been mine? I cannot think of an example.”
    â€œAnd not to be at ease is so humbling,” said Walter. “If only the cup would pass from us!”
    â€œWalter, such words are not for our own lives.”
    â€œBut it is in those that things happen to us. There is nothing anywhere else.”
    â€œIt is no good to be clever at this moment,” said Simon.
    â€œOh, I thought it was rather brave.”
    â€œWhat would my father say to the scene? We must ask ourselves that question.”
    â€œHe might in a way be glad of it,” said Julia. “He would not wish his brother to be alone.”
    â€œIt is a noble answer,” said Walter.
    â€œI suppose he would expect him to be,” said Simon. “It is in a sense a debt to be paid.”
    â€œHe was not a person to exact payment,” said Julia.
    â€œBut he might accept it,” said Walter. “And no one could expect anyone to get over his death.”
    â€œThere may be no question of that. People may fill a place, because they cannot bear to have it empty.”
    â€œI would not put up with it. Mine is to be filled with my memory.”
    â€œThat is the trouble,” said Simon, almost sighing. “A place has to be filled with something. And memories are at once not enough and too much.”
    â€œSimon, you sometimes show us your real self,” said Julia.
    Deakin came swiftly and silently through the hall.
    â€œThe sound of wheels!” said Walter. “How they are the heralds of fate!”
    â€œNow here is my welcome,” said Rhoda’s voice. “To the family to which I belong, of which I am to be a part. I feel I shall become one. I shall find my place.”
    â€œIt is surely prepared for you,” said Simon.
    â€œNo, I am to make it. As yet it is not mine. It is a thing I must do for myself.”
    â€œWe have wished you were here oftener,” said Julia. “Now the wish is to be fulfilled.”
    â€œIt is a kind word. It falls on a grateful ear. Kindness at some moments does and means so much.”
    â€œWould you like to come at once and see your room?”
    â€œIf it is mine, if it is no one else’s. I will take it from no one. It is for me to prove my claim.”
    â€œIt was my husband’s. He liked to be near his brother.”
    â€œThen he would wish me to be so. He would yield the place. He would see me as the substitute that I am, the thing I am proud to be.”
    â€œWe are forgetting your existence, Uncle,” said Simon.
    â€œIt is a moment when you may do so.” “You know us better than that, Edwin,” said Julia.
    â€œWell, it can be said of you and me.”
    â€œWould you wish to have tea before you go upstairs, my lady?” said Deakin.
    â€œIf that is when Mrs. Challoner has it.”
    â€œIt is to be as you say,” said Julia.
    â€œNo, as you do, as it has always been. I am a member of your household, one of the many who look to you.”
    â€œThat is what Rhoda wishes,” said Sir Edwin. “She will not alter the order of things. It is to be in your hands, as it has been.”
    â€œYes, that is the basis of the future,” said his wife. “The roots have gone down. They are too deep to be disturbed.”
    â€œYou are sure it is your wish?” said Julia. “Of course you can change at any time. You can easily say the word.”
    â€œI shall not say it. My word is