Magnum Bonum

or

Mother Carey's Brood

by

Charlotte M Yonge

CONTENTS. 

I. JOE BROWNLOW'S FANCY

II. THE CHICKENS

III. THE WHITE SLATE

IV. THE STRAY CHICKENS

V. BRAINS AND NO BRAINS

VI. ENCHANTED GROUND

VII. THE COLONEL'S CHICKENS

VIII. THE FOLLY

IX. FLIGHTS

X. ELLEN'S MAGNUM BONUMS

XI. UNDINE

XII. KING MIDAS

XIII. THE RIVAL HEIRESSES

XIV. PUMPING AWAY

XV. THE BELFOREST MAGNUM BONUM

XVI. POSSESSION

XVII. POPINJAY PARLOUR

XVIII. AN OFFER FOR MAGNUM BONUM

XIX. THE SNOWY WINDING-SHEET

XX. A RACE

XXI. AN ACT OF INDEPENDENCE

XXII. SHUTTING THE STABLE DOOR

XXIII. THE LOST TREASURE

XXIV. THE ANGEL MOUNTAIN

XXV. THE LAND OF AFTERNOON

XXVI. MOONSHINE

XXVII. BLUEBEARD'S CLOSET

XXVIII. THE TURN OF THE WHEEL

XXIX. FRIENDS AND UNFRIENDS

XXX. AS WEEL OFF AS AYE WAGGING

XXXI. SLACK TIDE

XXXII. THE COST

XXXIII. BITTER FAREWELLS

XXXIV. BLIGHTED BEINGS

XXXV. THE PHANTOM BLACKCOCK OF KILNAUGHT

XXXVI. OF NO CONSEQUENCE

XXXVII. THE TRAVELLER'S JOY

XXXVIII. THE TRUST FULFILLED

XXXIX. THE TRUANT

XL. EVIL OUT OF GOOD

XLI. GOOD OUT OF EVIL

XLII. DISENCHANTED

MAGNUM BONUM;

OR, MOTHER CAREY'S BROOD. 

CHAPTER I. JOE BROWNLOW'S FANCY. 

The lady said, "An orphan's fateIs sad and hard to bear. "—-Scott. 

"Mother, you could do a great kindness. "

"Well, Joe?"

"If you would have the little teacher at the Miss Heath's here forthe holidays. After all the rest, she has had the measles last andworst, and they don't know what to do with her, for she came from theasylum for officers' daughters, and has no home at all, and they mustgo away to have the house purified. They can't take her with them, for their sister has children, and she will have to roam from room toroom before the whitewashers, which is not what I should wish in thecritical state of chest left by measles. "

"What is her name?"

"Allen. The cry was always for Miss Allen when the sick girls wantedto be amused. "

"Allen! I wonder if it can be the same child as the one Robert wasinterested about. You don't remember, my dear. It was the year youwere at Vienna, when one of Robert's brother-officers died on thevoyage out to China, and he sent home urgent letters for me tocanvass right and left for the orphan's election. You know Robertwrites much better than he speaks, and I copied over and over againhis account of the poor young man to go with the cards. 'CarolineOtway Allen, aged seven years, whole orphan, daughter of CaptainAllen, l07th Regiment;' yes, that's the way it ran. "

"The year I was at Vienna, and Robert went out to China. That waseleven years ago. She must be the very child, for she is onlyeighteen. They sent her to Miss Heath's to grow a little older, forthough she was at the head of everything at the asylum, she looks sochildish that they can't send her out as a governess. Did you seeher, mother?"

"Oh, no! I never had anything to do with her; but if she is daughterto a friend of Robert's—-"

Mother and son looked at each other in congratulation. Robert wasthe stepson, older by several years, and was viewed as therepresentative of sober common sense in the family. Joe and hismother did like to feel a plan quite free from Robert's condemnationfor enthusiasm or impracticability, and it was not the worse for hisinfluence, that he had been generally with his regiment, and whenvisiting them was a good deal at the United Service Club. He hadlately married an heiress in a small way, retired from the army, andsettled in a house of hers in a country town, and thus he could givehis dicta with added weight. 

Only a parent or elder brother would, however, have looked on "Joe"as a youth, for he was some years over thirty, with a mingled air ofkeenness, refinement, and alacrity about his slight but active form, altogether with the air of some implement, not meant for ornament butfor use, and yet absolutely beautiful, through perfection of polish, finish, applicability, and a sharpness never meant to wound, butdeserving to be cherished in a velvet case. 

This case might be the pretty drawing-room, full of the choiceartistic curiosities of a man of cultivation, and presided over byhis mother, a woman of much the same bright, keen, alert sweetness ofair and countenance: still under sixty, and in perfect health andspirits—-as well she might be, having preserved, as well as deserved, the exclusive devotion of her only child during all the years inwhich her early widowhood had made them all in all to each other. Ten years ago, on his election to a lectureship at one of the Londonhospitals, the son had set up his name on the brass plate of the doorof a comfortable house in a once fashionable quarter of London; shehad joined him there, and they had been as happy as affection andfair success could make them. He became lecturer at a hospital, didmuch for the poor, both within and without its walls, and had besidesa fair practice, both among the tradespeople, and also among theliterary, scientific, and artistic world, where their society wasvalued as much as his skill. Mrs. Brownlow was well used to beingcalled on to do the many services suggested by a kind heart in thecourse of a medical man's practice, and there was very little within, or beyond, reason that she would not have done at her Joe's bidding. So she made the arrangement, exciting much gratitude in the heads ofthe Pomfret House Establishment for Young Ladies; though withoutseeing little Miss Allen, till, from the Doctor's own brougham, butescorted only by an elderly maid-servant, there came climbing up thestairs a little heap of shawls and cloaks, surmounted by a big brownmushroom hat. 

"Very proper of Joe. He can't be too particular, —-but such a child!"thought Mrs. Brownlow as the mufflings disclosed a tiny creature, angular in girlish sort, with an odd little narrow wedge of a face, sallow and wan, rather too much of teeth and mouth, large greenish-hazel eyes, and a forehead with a look of expansion, partly due tothe crisp waves of dark hair being as short as a boy's. The nose waswell cut, and each delicate nostril was quivering involuntarily withemotion—-or fright, or both. 

Mrs. Brownlow kissed her, made her rest on the sofa, and talked toher, the shy monosyllabic replies lengthening every time as themotherliness drew forth a response, until, when conducted to thecheerful little room which Mrs. Brownlow had carefully decked withlittle comforts for the convalescent, and with the ornaments likelyto please a girl's eye, she suddenly broke into a littleirrepressible cry of joy and delight. "Oh! oh! how lovely! Am I tosleep here? Oh! it is just like the girls' rooms I always _did_ longto see! Now I shall always be able to think about it. "

"My poor child, did you never even see such a room ?"

"No; I slept in the attic with the maid at old Aunt Mary's, andalways in a cubicle after I went to the asylum. Some of the girlswho went home in the holidays used to describe such rooms to us, butthey could never have been so nice as this! Oh! oh! Mrs. Brownlow, real lilies of the valley! Put there for me! Oh! you dear, delicious, pearly things! I never saw one so close before!"

"Never before. " That was the burthen of the song of the little birdwith wounded wing who had been received into this nest. She had thedimmest remembrance of home or mother, something a little clearer ofher sojourn at her aunt's, though there the aunt had been an invalidwho kept her in restraint in her presence, and her pleasures had beenin the kitchen and in a few books, probably 'Don Quixote' and'Evelina, ' so far as could be gathered from her recollection of them. The week her father had spent with her, before his last voyage, hadbeen the one vivid memory of her life, and had taught her at leasthow to love. Poor child, that happy week had had to serve her eversince, through eleven years of unbroken school! Not that she pitiedherself. Everybody had been kind to her-—governesses, masters, girls, and all. She had been happy and successful, and had madenumerous friends, about whom, as she grew more at home, she freelychatted to Mrs. Brownlow, who was always ready to hear of MaryOgilvie and Clara Cartwright, and liked to draw out the stories ofthe girl-world, in which it was plain that Caroline Allen had been abright, good, clever girl, getting on well, trusted and liked. Shehad been half sorry to leave her dear old school, half glad to go onto something new. She was evidently not so comfortable, while MissHeath's lowest teacher, as she had been while she was the asylum'ssenior pupil. Yet when on Sunday evening the Doctor was summoned andthe ladies were left tete-a-tete, she laughed rather than complained. But still she owned, with her black head on Mrs. Brownlow's lap, thatshe had always craved for something-—something, and she had found itnow!

Everything was a fresh joy to her, every print on the walls, everyornament on the brackets, seemed to speak to her eye and to her soulboth at once, and the sense of comfort and beauty and home, after thebareness of school, seemed to charm her above all. "I always didwant to know what was inside people's windows, " she said. 

And in the same way it was a feast to her to get hold of "a realbook, " as she called it, not only the beginnings of everything, andselections that always broke off just as she began to care aboutthem. She had been thoroughly well grounded, and had a thirst forknowledge too real to have been stifled by the routine she had gonethrough-—though, said she, "I do want time to get on further, and tolearn what won't be of any use!"

"Of no use!" said Mr. Brownlow laughing—-having just found her tryingto make out the Old English of King Alfred's 'Boethius'-—"such asthis?"

"Just so! They always are turning me off with 'This won't be of anyuse to you. ' I hate use—-"

"Like Ridley, who says he reads a book with double pleasure if he isnot going to review it. "

"That Mr. Ridley who came in last evening?"

"Even so. Why that opening of eyes?"

"I thought a critic was a most formidable person. "

"You expected to see a mess of salt and vinegar prepared for hisdiet?"

"I should prepare something quite different—-milk and sweetbreads, I think. "

"To soften him? Do you hear, mother? Take advice. "

Caroline-—or Carey, as she had begged to be called-—blushed, and drewback half-alarmed, as she always was when the Doctor caught up any ofthe little bits of fun that fell so shyly and demurely from her, asthey were evoked by the more congenial atmosphere. 

It was a great pleasure to him and to his mother to show her some ofthe many things she had never seen, watch her enjoyment, and elicitwhether the reality agreed with her previous imaginations. Mr. Brownlow used to make time to take the two ladies out, or to drop inon them at some exhibition, checking the flow of half-droll, half-intelligent remarks for a moment, and then encouraging it again, while both enjoyed that most amusing thing, the fresh simplicity of agrown-up, clever child. 

"How will you ever bear to go back again?" said Carey's school-friend, Clara Cartwright, now a governess, whom Mrs. Brownlow had, with some suppressed growls from her son, invited to share their oneday's country-outing under the horse-chestnut trees of Richmond. 

"Oh! I shall have it all to take back with me, " was the answer, asCarey toyed with the burnished celandine stars in her lap. 

"I should never dare to think of it! I should dread the contrast!"

"Oh no!" said Carey. "It is like a blind person who has once seen, you know. It will be always warm about my heart to know there aresuch people. "

Mrs. Brownlow happened to overhear this little colloquy while her sonwas gone to look for the carriage, and there was something in thebright unrepining tone that filled her eyes with tears, moreespecially as the little creature still looked very fragile-—even atthe end of a month. She was so tired out with her day of almostrapturous enjoyment that Mrs. Brownlow would not let her come downstairs again, but made her go at once to bed, in spite of a feebleprotest against losing one evening. 

"And I am afraid that is a recall, " said Mrs. Brownlow, seeing aletter directed to Miss Allen on the side-table. "I will not give itto her to-night, poor little dear; I really don't know how to sendher back. "

"Exactly what I was thinking, " said the Doctor, leaning over thefire, which he was vigorously stirring. 

"You don't think her strong enough? If so, I am very glad, " said themother, in a delighted voice. "Eh, Joe?" as there was a pause; andas he replaced the poker, he looked up to her with a colour scarcelyto be accounted for by the fire, and she ended in an odd, startled, yet not displeased tone, "It is that-—is it?"

"Yes, mother, it is that, " said Joe, laughing a little, in his reliefthat the plunge was made. "I don't see that we could do better foryour happiness or mine. "

"Don't put mine first" (half-crying). 

"I didn't know I did. It all comes to the same thing. "

"My dear Joe, I only wish you could do it to-morrow, and have no fussabout it! What will Robert do?"

"Accept the provision for his friend's daughter, " said Joe, gravely;and then they both burst out laughing. In the midst came theannouncement of dinner, during which meal they refrained themselves, and tried to discuss other things, though not so successfully butthat it was reported in the kitchen that something was up. 

Joseph was just old enough for his mother, who had always dreaded hismarriage, to have begun to wish for it, though she had never yet seenher ideal daughter-in-law, and the enforced silence during the mealonly made her more eager, so that she began at once as soon as theywere alone. 

"When did you begin to think of this, Joe?"

"Not when I asked you to invite her-—that would have beentreacherous. No, but when I began to realise what it would be tosend her back to her treadmill; though the beauty of it is that shenever seems to realise that it is a treadmill. "

"She might now, though I tried so hard not to spoil her. It is thatcontent with such a life which makes me think that in her you mayhave something more worth than the portion, which-—which I suppose Iought to regret and say you will miss. "

"I shall get all that plentifully from Robert, mother. "

"I am afraid it does entail harder work on you, and later on in life, than if you had chosen a person with something of her own. "

"Something of her own? Her own, indeed! Mother, she has that of herown which is the very thing to help and inspire me to make a name, and work out an idea, worth far more than any pounds, shillings, andpence, or even houses or lands I might get with a serene and solemndame, even with clear notions as to those same L. S. D. !"

"For shame, Joe! You may be as much in love as you please, but don'tbe wicked. "

For this description was applicable to the bride whom Robert hadpresented to them about a year ago, on retiring with a Colonel'srank. 

"So I may be as much in love as I please? Thank you. I always knewyou were the very best mother in the world:" and he came and kissedher. 

"I wonder what she will say, the dear child!"

"May be that she has no taste for such an old fellow. Hush, mother. Seriously, my chief scruple is whether it be fair to ask a girl tomarry a man twice her age, when she has absolutely seen nothing ofhis kind but the German master!"

"Trust her, " said Mrs. Brownlow. "Nay, she never could have a freerchoice than now, when she is too young and simple to be weighted witha sense of being looked down on. It is possible that she may bestartled at first, but I think it will be only at life opening onher; so don't be daunted, and imagine it is your old age andinfirmity, " said the mother, smoothing back the locks which certainlywere not the clustering curls of youth. 

How the mother watched all the next morning, while the unconsciousCarey first marvelled at her nervousness and silence, and then grewalmost infected by it. It was very strange, she thought, that Mrs. Brownlow, always so kind, should say nothing but "humph" on beingtold that Miss Heath's workmen had finished, and that she must returnnext Monday morning. It was the Doctor's day to be early at thehospital, and he had had a summons to see some one on the way, sothat he was gone before breakfast, when Carey's attempts to discussher happy day in the country met with such odd, fitful answers; for, in fact, Mrs. Brownlow could not trust herself to talk, and had nosooner done breakfast than she went off to her housekeeping affairsand others, which she managed unusually to prolong. 

Carey was trying to draw some flowers in a glass before her-—a littlepurple, green-winged orchis, a cowslip, and a quivering dark-browntuft of quaking grass. He came and stood behind her, saying—-

"You've got the character of those. "

"They are very difficult, " sighed Carey; "I never tried flowersbefore, but I wanted to take them with me. "

"To take them with you?" he repeated, rather dreamily. 

"Yes, back to another sort of Heath, " she said, with a little laugh;"don't you know I go next Monday?"

"If you go, I hope it will only be to come back. "

"Oh! if Mrs. Brownlow is so good as to let me come again in theholidays!" and she was all one flush of joy, looking round, and up inhis face, to see whether it could be true. 

"Not only for holidays-—for work days, " he said, and his voice shook. 

"But Mrs. Brownlow can't want a companion?"

"But I do. Caroline, will you come back to us to make home doublysweet to a busy man, who will do his best to make you happy?"

The little creature looked up in his face bewildered, and then saidshyly, the colour surging into her face—-

"Please, what did you say?"

"I asked if you would stay with us, and make this place bright forus, as my wife, " he said, taking both the little brown hands into hisown, and looking into the widely-opened wondering eyes; while sheanswered, "if I may, "-—the very words, almost the very tone, in whichshe had replied to his invitation to come to recover at his house. 

"Ah, my poor child, you have no one's leave to ask!" he said; "youbelong to us, only to us, "—-and he drew her into his arms, and kissedher. 

Then he felt and heard a great sob, and there were two tears on hercheek when he could see her face, but she smiled with happy, quivering lip, and said—-

"It was like when papa kissed me before he went away; he would be soglad. "

In the midst of the caress that answered this, a bell sounded, and inthe certainty that the announcement of luncheon would instantlyfollow, they started apart. 

Two seconds later they met Mrs. Brownlow on the landing—-

"There, mother, " said the Doctor. 

"My child!" and Carey was in her arms. 

"Oh, may I?-—Is it real?" said the girl in a stifled voice. 

After that, they took it very quietly. Carey was so young andignorant of the world that she was not nearly so much overpowered asif she had had the slightest external knowledge either of marriedlife, or of the exceptional thing the doctor was doing. Her motherhad died when she was three years old, and she had never since thattime lived with wedded folk, while even her companions at schoolbeing all fatherless, she had gathered nothing of even second-handexperience from them. All she knew was from books, which had givenglimpses into happy homes; and though she had feasted on a few novelsduring this happy month, they had been very select, and chieflyhistorical romance. She was at the age when nothing is impossible toyouthful dreams, and if Tancredi had come out of the Gerusalemme andthrown himself at her feet, she would hardly have felt it morestrangely dream-like than the transformation of her kind doctor intoher own Joe: and on the other hand, she had from the first momentnestled so entirely into the home that it would have seemed moreunnatural to be torn away from it than to become a part of it. As toher being an extraordinary and very disadvantageous choice for him, she simply knew nothing of the matter; she was used to passiveness asto her own destiny, and now that she did indeed "belong to somebody"she let those somebodies think and decide for her with the onecertainty that what Mr. Brownlow and his mother liked was sure to bethe truly right and happy thing. 

So, instead of being alarmed and scrupulous, she was sweetly, shyly, and yet confidingly gay and affectionate, enchanting both hercompanions, but revealing by her naive questions and remarks suchutter ignorance of all matters of common life that Mrs. Brownlow hadno scruples in not stirring the question, that had never occurred toher son or his little betrothed, namely, her own retirement. Caroline needed a mother far too much for her to be spared. 

What was to be done about Miss Heath? It was due to her for MissAllen to offer to return till her place could be supplied, Mrs. Brownlow said—-but that was only to tease the lovers—-for a quarter, at which Joe made a snarling howl, whereat Carey ventured to laugh athim, and say she should come home for every Sunday, as MissPinniwinks, the senior governess, did. 

"Come home, -—it is enough to say that, " she added. 

Mrs. Brownlow undertook to negotiate the matter, her son sayingprivately—-

"Get her off, if you have to advance a quarter. I'd rather doanything than send her back for even a week, to have all manner ofnonsense put into her head. I'd sooner go and teach there myself. "

"Or send me?" asked his mother. 

"Anything short of that, " he said. 

Miss Heath, as Mrs. Brownlow had guessed, thought an engaged girl asbad as a barrel of gunpowder, and was quite as much afraid of MissAllen putting nonsense into her pupils' heads as the doctor could beof the reverse process: so, young teachers not being scarce, Carey'sbrief connection with Miss Heath was brought to an end in a morningcall, whence she returned endowed with thirteen book-markers, fivemats, and a sachet. 

Carey had of her own, as it appeared, twenty-five pounds a year, which had hitherto clothed her, and of which she only knew that itwas paid to her quarterly by a lawyer at Bath, whose address shegave. Mr. Brownlow followed up the clue, but could not learn muchabout her belongings. The twenty-five pounds was the interest of thesmall sum, which had remained to poor Captain Allen, when he wound uphis affairs, after paying the debts in which his early and imprudentmarriage had involved him. He did not seem to have had anyrelations, and of his wife nothing was known but that she was a MissOtway, and that he had met her in some colonial quarters. The oldlady, with whom the little girl had been left, was her mother'smaternal aunt, and had lived on an annuity so small that on her deaththere had not been funds sufficient to pay expenses without a sale ofall her effects, so that nothing had been saved for the child, excepta few books with her parents' names in them—-John Allen and CarolineOtway—-which she still kept as her chief treasures. The lawyer, whohad acted as her guardian, would hand over to her five hundred poundson her coming of age. 

That was all that could be discovered, nor was Colonel RobertBrownlow as much flattered as had been hoped by the provision for hisfriend's daughter. Nay, he was inclined to disavow the friendship. He was sorry for poor Allen, he said, but as to making a friend ofsuch a fellow, pah! No! there was no harm in him, he was a goodofficer enough, but he never had a grain of common sense; and whereashe never could keep out of debt, he must needs go and marry a younggirl, just because he thought her uncle was not kind to her. It wasthe worst thing he could have done, for it made her uncle cast heroff on the spot, and then she was killed with harass and poverty. Henever held up his head again after losing her, and just died of feverbecause he was too broken down to have energy to live. There wasenough in this to weave out a tender little romance, probably reallyanother aspect of the truth, which made Caroline's bright eyesoverflow with tears, when she heard it couched in tenderer languagefrom Joseph, and the few books and treasures that had been rescuedagreed with it-—a Bible with her father's name, a few devotionalbooks of her mother's, and Mrs. Hemans's poems with "To Lina, fromher devoted J. A. "

Caroline would fain have been called Lina, but the name did not fither, and would not _take_. 

Colonel Brownlow was altogether very friendly, if rather grave anddry towards her, as soon as he was convinced that "it was only Joe, "and that pity, not artfulness, was to blame for the undesirablematch. He was too honourable a man not to see that it could not begiven up, and he held that the best must now be made of it, and thatit would be more proper, since it was to be, for him to assume thepart of father, and let the marriage take place from his house atKenminster. This was a proposal for which it was hard to be asgrateful as it deserved; since it had been planned to walk quietlyinto the parish church, be married "without any fuss, " and then totake the fortnight's holiday, which was all that the doctor allowedhimself. 

But as Robert was allowed to be judge of the proprieties, and as thekindness on his part was great, it was accepted; and Caroline wascarried off for three weeks to keep her residence, and make the housefeel what a blank her little figure had left. 

Certainly, when the pair met again on the eve of the wedding, therenever was a more willing bride. 

She said she had been very happy. The Colonel and Ellen, as she hadbeen told to call her future sister, had been very kind indeed; theyhad taken her for long drives, shown her everything, introduced herto quantities of people; but, oh dear! was it absolutely only threeweeks since she had been away? It seemed just like three years, andshe understood now why the girls who had homes made calendars, andchecked off the days. No school term had ever seemed so long; but atKenminster she had had nothing to do, and besides, now she knew whathome was!

So it was the most cheerful and joyous of weddings, though the bridewas a far less brilliant spectacle than the bride of last year, Mrs. Robert Brownlow, who with her handsome oval face, fine figure, andher tasteful dress, perfectly befitting a young matron, could nothelp infinitely outshining the little girlish angular creature, looking the browner for her bridal white, so that even a deep glow, and a strange misty beaminess of expression could not make herpassable in Kenminster eyes. 

How would Joe Brownlow's fancy turn out?

CHAPTER II. THE CHICKENS. 

John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, "Though wedded we have beenThese twice ten tedious years, yet we No holiday have seen. "—-Cowper. 

No one could have much doubt how it had turned out, who looked, afterfifteen years, into that room where Joe Brownlow and his mother hadonce sat tete-a-tete. 

They occupied the two ends of the table still, neither looking mucholder, in expression at least, for the fifteen years that had passedover their heads, though the mother had-—after the wont of active oldladies—-grown smaller and lighter, and the son somewhat more bald andgrey, but not a whit more careworn, and, if possible, even brighter. 

On one side of him sat a little figure, not quite so thin, someangles smoothed away, the black hair coiled, but still in resolutelittle mutinous tendrils on the brow, not ill set off by a tuft ofcarnation ribbon on one side, agreeing with the colour that touchedup her gauzy black dress; the face, not beautiful indeed—-butdeveloped, softened, brightened with more of sweetness andtenderness-—as well as more of thought—-added to the fresh responsiveintelligence it had always possessed. 

On the opposite side of the dinner-table were a girl of fourteen anda boy of twelve; the former, of a much larger frame than her mother, and in its most awkward and uncouth stage, hardly redeemed by thekeen ardour and inquiry that glowed in the dark eyes, set like twohot coals beneath the black overhanging brows of the massiveforehead, on which the dark smooth hair was parted. The featureswere large, the complexion dark but not clear, and the look ofresolution in the square-cut chin and closely shutting mouth was moreboy-like than girl-like. Janet Brownlow was assuredly a very plaingirl, but the family habit was to regard their want of beauty asrather a mark of distinction, capable of being joked about, if nottriumphed in. 

Nor was Allen, the boy, wanting in good looks. He was fairer, clearer, better framed in every way than his sister, and had apleasant, lively countenance, prepossessing to all. He had a well-grown, upright figure, his father's ready suppleness of movement, andhis mother's hazel eyes and flashing smile, and there was a look ofsuccess about him, as well there might be, since he had come outtriumphantly from the examination for Eton College, and had beeninformed that morning that there were vacancies enough for hisimmediate admission. 

There was a pensiveness mixed with the satisfaction in his mother'seyes as she looked at him, for it was the first break into the home. She had been the only teacher of her children till two years ago, when Allen had begun to attend a day school a few streets off, andthe first boy's first flight from under her wing, for ever so short aspace, is generally a sharp wound to the mother's heart. 

Not that Allen would leave an empty house behind him. Lying at fulllength on the carpet, absorbed in a book, was Robert, a boy on whomthe same capacious brow as Janet's sat better than on the femininecreature. He was reading on, undisturbed by the pranks of threeyounger children, John Lucas, a lithe, wiry, restless elf of nine, with a brown face and black curly head, and Armine and Barbara, youngpersons of seven and six, on whom nature had been more beneficent inthe matter of looks, for though brown was their prevailingcomplexion, both had well-moulded, childish features, and really fineeyes. The hubbub of voices, as they tumbled and rushed about thewindow and balcony, was the regular accompaniment of dinner, thoughon the first plaintive tone from the little girl, the motherinterrupted a "Well, but papa, " from Janet, with "Babie, Babie. "

"It's Jock, Mother Carey! He _will_ come into Fairyland too soon. "

"What's the last news from Fairyland, Babie?" asked the father as thelittle one ran up to him. 

"I want to be Queen Mab, papa, but Armine wants to be Perseus withthe Gorgon's head, and Jock is the dragon; but the dragon will comebefore we've put Polly upon the rock. "

"What! is Polly Andromeda—-?" as a grey parrot's stand was beingtransferred from the balcony. 

"Yes, papa, " called out Armine. "You see she's chained, and Bobuswon't play, and Babie will be Queen Mab-—"

"I suppose, " said the mother, "that it is not harder to bring QueenMab in with Perseus than Oberon with Theseus and Hippolyta-—"

"You would have us infer, " said the Doctor with grave humour, "thatyour children are at their present growth in the Elizabethan age ofculture—-"

But again began a "Well, but papa!" but, he exclaimed, "Do look atthat boy—- Well walloped, dragon!" as Jock with preternaturalcontortions, rolled, kicked and tumbled himself with extended jaws tothe rock, alias stand, to which Polly was chained, she remarking in ahoarse, low whisper, "Naughty boy—-"

"Well moaned, Andromeda!"

"But papa, " persisted Janet, "when Oliver Cromwell-—"

"Oh! look at the Gorgon!" cried the mother, as the battered head ofan ancient doll was displayed over his shoulder by Perseus, decoratedwith two enormous snakes, one made of stamps, and the other a spiralof whalebone shavings out of a box. 

The monster immediately tumbled over, twisted, kicked, and wriggledso that the scandalised Perseus exclaimed: "But Jock-—monster, Imean-—you're turned into stone-—"

"It's convulsions, " replied the monster, gasping frightfully, whileredoubling his contortions, though Queen Mab observed in the mostadmonitory tone, touching him at the same time with her wand, "Don'tyou know, Skipjack, that's the reason you don't grow-—"

"Eh! What's the new theory! Who says so, Babie?" came from thebottom of the table. 

"Nurse says so, papa, " answered Allen; "I heard her telling Jockyesterday that he would never be any taller till he stood still andgave himself time. "

"Get out, will you!" was then heard from the prostrate Robert, themonster having taken care to become petrified right across his legs. 

"But papa, " Janet's voice was heard, "if Oliver Cromwell had nothelped the Waldenses—-"

It was lost, for Bobus and Jock were rolling over together with toomuch noise to be bearable; Grandmamma turned round with anexpostulatory "My dears, " Mamma with "Boys, please don't when papa istired-—"

"Jock is such a little ape, " said Bobus, picking himself up. "Father, can you tell me why the moon draws up the tides on the wrongside?"

"You may study the subject, " said the Doctor; "I shall pack you alloff to the seaside in a day or two. "

There was one outcry from mother, wife, and boys, "Not without you?"

"I can't go till Drew comes back from his outing-—"

"But why should we? It would be so much nicer all together. "

"It will be horribly dull without; indeed I never can see the senseof going at all, " said Janet. 

There was a confused outcry of indignation, in which waves-—crabs-—boats and shrimps, were all mingled together, "I'm sure that's not half so entertaining as hearing people talk inthe evening, " said Janet. 

"You precocious little piece of dissipation, " said her mother, laughing. 

"I didn't mean fine lady nonsense, " said Janet, rather hotly; "Imeant talk like-—"

"Like big guns. Oh, yes, we know, " interrupted Allen; "Janet doesnot think anyone worth listening to that hasn't got a whole alphabettacked behind his name. "

"Janet had better take care, and Bobus too, " said the Doctor, "or weshall have to send them to vegetate on some farm, and see the cowsmilked and the pigs fed. "

"I'm afraid Bobus would apply himself to finding how much caseinematter was in the cow's milk, " said Janet in her womanly tone. 

"Or by what rule the pigs curled their tails, " said her father, witha mischievous pull at the black plaited tail that hung down behindher. 

And then they all rose from the table, little Barbara starting up assoon as grace was said. "Father, please, you _are_ the Giant QueenMab always rides!"

"Queen Mab, or Queen Bab, always rides me, which comes to the samething. Though as to the size of the Giant-—"

There was a pause to let grandmamma go up in peace, upon MotherCarey's arm, and then a general romp and scurry all the way up thestairs, ending by Jock's standing on one leg on the top post of thebaluster, like an acrobat, an achievement which made even his fatherso giddy that he peremptorily desired it never to be attempted again, to the great relief of both the ladies. Then, coming into thedrawing-room, Babie perched herself on his knee, and began, withoutthe slightest preparation, the recitation of Cowper's "Colubriad":—-

 "Fast by the threshold of a door nailed fast Three kittens sat, each kitten looked aghast. "

And just as she had with great excitement--

 "Taught him never to come there no more, "

Armine broke in with "Nine times one are nine. "

It was an institution dating from the days when Janet made her firstacquaintance with the "Little Busy Bee, " that there should besomething, of some sort, said or shown to papa, whenever he was athome or free between dinner and bed-time, and it was consideredsomething between a disgrace and a misfortune to produce nothing. 

So when the two little ones had been kissed and sent off to bed, withmamma going with them to hear their prayers, Jock, on being calledfor, repeated a Greek declension with two mistakes in it, Bobusshowed a long sum in decimals, Janet, brought a neat parallelism ofthe present tense of the verb "to be" in five languages-—Greek, Latin, French, German, and English. 

"And Allen-—reposing on your honours? Eh, my boy?"

Allen looked rather foolish, and said, "I spoilt it, papa, and hadn'ttime to begin another. "

"It-—I suppose I am not to hear what till it has come to perfection. Is it the same that was in hand last time?"

"No, papa, much better, " said Janet, emphatically. 

"What I want to see, " said Dr. Brownlow, "is something finished. I'drather have that than ever so many magnificent beginnings. "

Here he was seized upon by Robert, with his knitted brow and a bookin his hands, demanding aid in making out why, as he said, the tideswelled out on the wrong side of the earth. 

His father did his best to disentangle the question, but Bobus wasnot satisfied till the clock chimed his doom, when he went off withJock, who was walking on his hands. 

"That's too tough a subject for such a little fellow, " said thegrandmother; "so late in the day too!"

"He would have worried his brain with it all night if he had notworked it out, " said his father. 

"I'm afraid he will, any way, " said the mother. "Fancy beingtroubled with dreams of surging oceans rising up the wrong way!"

"Yes, he ought to be running after the tides instead of theorisingabout them. Carry him off, Mother Carey, and the whole brood, without loss of time. "

"But Joe, why should we not wait for you? You never did send us awayall forlorn before!" she said, pleadingly. "We are all quite well, and I can't bear going without you. "

"I had much rather all the chickens were safe away, Carey, " he said, sitting down by her. "There's a tendency to epidemic fever in two orthree streets, which I don't like in this hot weather, and I hadrather have my mind easy about the young ones. "

"And what do you think of my mind, leaving you in the midst of it?"

"Your mind, being that of a mother bird and a doctor's wife, ought tohave no objection. "

"How soon does Dr. Drew come home?"

"In a fortnight, I believe. He wanted rest terribly, poor oldfellow. Don't grudge him every day. "

"A fortnight!" (as if it was a century). "You can't come for afortnight. Well, perhaps it will take a week to fix on a place. "

"Hardly, for see here, I found a letter from Acton when I came in. They have found an unsophisticated elysium at Kyve Clements, and arein raptures which they want us to share-—rocks and waves and all. "

"And rooms?"

"Yes, very good rooms, enough for us all, " was the answer, flinginginto her lap a letter from his friend, a somewhat noted artist inwater-colours, whom, after long patience, Carey's school friend, MissCartwright, had married two years ago. 

There was nothing to say against it, only grandmamma observed, "I amtoo old to catch things; Joe will let me stay and keep house forhim. "

"Please, please let me stay with granny, " insisted Janet; "then Ishall finish my German classes. "

Janet was granny's child. She had slept in her room ever since Allenwas born, and trotted after her in her "housewifeskep, " and the senseof being protected was passing into the sense of protection. Beforeshe could be answered, however, there was an announcement. Friendswere apt to drop in to coffee and talk in the evening, on theunderstanding that certain days alone were free-—people chieflybelonging to a literary, scientific, and artist set, not Bohemian, but with a good deal of quiet ease and absence of formality. 

This friend had just returned from Asia Minor, and had brought anexquisite bit of a Greek frieze, of which he had become the happypossessor, knowing that Mrs. Joseph Brownlow would delight to see it, and mayhap to copy it. 

For Carey's powers had been allowed to develop themselves; Mrs. Brownlow having been always housekeeper, she had been fain to go onwith the studies that even her preparation for governess-ship had notrendered wearisome, and thus had become a very graceful modeller inclay-—her favourite pursuit-—when her children's lessons and otheroccupations left her free to indulge in it. The history of thetravels, and the account of the discovery, were given and heard withall zest, and in the midst others came in—-a barrister and his wifeto say good-bye before the circuit, a professor with a ticket for thegallery at a scientific dinner, two medical students, who had beenmade free of the house because they were nice lads with no availablefriends in town. 

It was all over by half-past ten, and the trio were alone together. "How amusing Mr. Leslie is!" said the young Mrs. Brownlow. "He knowshow describe as few people do. "

"Did you see Janet listening to him, " said her grandmother, "with herbrows pulled down and her eyes sparkling out under them, wanting todevour every word?"

"Yes, " returned the Doctor, "I saw it, and I longed to souse thatblack head of hers with salt water. I don't like brains to grow tothe contempt of healthful play. "

"People never know when they are well off! I wonder what you wouldhave said if you had had a lot of stupid dolts, boys always beingplucked, &c. "

"Don't plume yourself too soon, Mother Carey; only one chick has gonethrough the first ordeal. "

"And if Allen did, Bobus will. "

"Allen is quite as clever as Bobus, granny, if—-" eagerly said themother. 

"If-—" said the father; "there's the point. If Allen has thestimulus, he will do well. I own I am particularly pleased with hissuccess, because perseverance is his weak point. "

"Carey kept him up to it, " said granny. "I believe his success isquite as much her work as his own. "

"And the question is, how will he get on without his mother to coachhim ?"

"Now you know you are not one bit uneasy, papa!" cried his wife, indignantly. "But don't you think we might let Janet have her willfor just these ten days? There can't be any real danger for her withgrandmamma, and I should be happier about granny. "

"You don't trust Joe to take care of me?"

"Not if Joe is to be out all day. There will be nobody to trot upand down stairs for you. Come, it is only what she begs forherself, and she really is perfectly well. "

"As if I could have a child victimised to me, " said granny. 

"The little Cockney thinks the victimising would be in going to thedeserts with only the boys and me, " laughed Carey; "But I think aweek later will be quite time enough to sweep the cobwebs out of herbrain. "

"And you can do without her?" inquired Mrs. Brownlow. "You don'twant her to help to keep the boys in order?"

"Thank you, I can do that better without her, " said Carey. "Sheexasperates them sometimes. "

"I believe granny is thinking whether she is not wanted to keepMother Carey in order as well as her chickens. Hasn't mother beentaken for your governess, Carey?"

"No, no, Joe, that's too bad. They asked Janet at the dancing-schoolwhether her sister was not going to join. "

"Her younger sister?"

"No, I tell you, her half-sister. But Clara Acton will do discretionfor us, granny; and I promise you we won't do anything her husbandsays is very desperate! Don't be afraid. "

"No, " said grandmamma, smiling as she kissed her daughter-in-law, androse to take her candle; "I am never afraid of anything a mother canshare with her boys. "

"Even if she is nearly a tomboy herself, " laughed the husband, withrather a teasing air, towards his little wife. "Good night, mother. Shall not we be snug with nobody left but Janet, who might be great-grandmother to us both?"

"I really am glad that Janet should stay with granny, " said Carey, when he had shut the door behind the old lady; "she would be leftalone so many hours while you are out, and she does need more waitingon than she used to do. "

"You think so? I never see her grow older. "

"Not in the least older in mind or spirits; but she is not so strong, nor so willing to exert herself, and she falls asleep more in theafternoon. One reason for which I am less sorry to go on before, isthat I shall be able to judge whether the rooms are comfortableenough for her, and I suppose we may change if they are not. "

"To another place, if you think best. "

"Only you will not let her stay at home altogether. That's what I'mafraid of. "

"She will only do so on the penalty of keeping me, and you may trusther not to do that, " said Joe, laughing with the confidence of anonly son. 

"I shall come back and fetch you if you don't appear under afortnight. Did you do any more this morning to the great experiment, Magnum Bonum?"

She spoke the words in a proud, shy, exulting semi-whisper, somewhatas Gutenberg's wife might have asked after his printing-press. 

"No. I haven't had half an hour to myself to-day; at least when Icould have attended to it. Don't be afraid, Carey, I'm not dauntedby the doubts of our good friends. I see your eyes reproaching mewith that. "

"Oh no, as you said, Sir Matthew Fleet mistrusts anything entirelynew, and the professor is never sanguine. I am almost glad they areso stupid, it will make our pleasure all the sweeter. "

"You silly little bird, if you sit on that egg it will be sure to beaddled. If it should come to any good, probably it will take longerthan our life-time to work into people's brains. "

"No, " said Carey, "I know the real object is the relieving pain andsaving life, and that is what you care for more than the honour andglory. But do you remember the fly on the coach wheel?"

"Well, the coach wheel means to stand still for a little while. Idon't mean to try another experiment till my brains have been turnedout to grass, and I can come to it fresh. "

"Ah! 'tis you that really need the holiday, " said Carey, wistfully;"much more than any of us. Look at this great crow's foot, " tracingit with her finger. 

"Laughing, my dear. That's the outline of the risible muscle. AMother Carey and her six ridiculous chickens can't but wear outfurrows with laughing at them. "

"I only know I wish it were you that were going, and I that werestaying at home. "

 "'You shall do my work to-day, And I'll go follow the plough, '"

said her husband, laughing. "There are the notes of my lecture, ifyou'll go and give it. "

"Ah! we should not be like that celebrated couple. You would managethe boys much better than I could doctor your patients. "

"I don't know that. The boys are never so comfortable, when I've gotthem alone. But, considering the hour, I should think the bestpreliminary would be to put out the lamp and go to bed. "

"I suppose it is time; but I always think this last talk before goingupstairs, the best thing in the whole day!" said the happy wife asshe took the candle. 

CHAPTER III. THE WHITE SLATE. 

Dark house, by which once more I standHere in the long unlovely street. Doors, where my heart was wont to beatSo quickly, waiting for a hand—-A hand that can be clasped no more. Behold me, for I cannot sleep. -—Tennyson. 

"Mother Carey, " to call her by the family name that her husband hadgiven the first day she held a baby in her arms, had a capacity ofenjoyment that what she called her exile could not destroy. EvenBobus left theory behind him and became a holiday boy, and the wholesix climbed rocks, paddled, boated, hunted sea weeds and sea animals, lived on the beach from morning to night; and were exceedingly amusedby the people, who insisted on addressing the senior of the party as"Miss, " and thought them a young girl and her brothers under thecharge of Mrs. Acton. She, though really not a year older than herfriend, looked like a worn and staid matron by her side, and was byno means disposed to scramble barefoot over slippery seaweed, or totake impromptu a part in the grand defence of the sand and shingleedition of Raglan Castle. 

Even to Mrs. Acton it was a continual wonder to see how entirelyunder control of that little merry mother were those great, lively, spirited boys, who never seemed to think of disobeying her firstword, and, while all made fun together, and she was hardly lessactive and enterprising than they, always considered her comfort andlikings. 

So went things for a fortnight, during which the coming of the othershad been put off by Dr. Drew's absence. One morning Mr. Acton soughtMrs. Brownlow on the beach, where she was sitting with her broodround her, partly reading from a translation, partly telling them thestory of Ulysses. 

He called her aside, and told her that her husband had telegraphed tohim to bid him to carry her the tidings that good old Mrs. Brownlowhad been taken from them suddenly in the night, evidently in hersleep. 

Carey turned very white, but said only "Oh! why did I go withoutthem?"

It was such an overwhelming shock as left no room for tears. Herfirst thought, the only one she seemed to have room for, was to getback to her husband by the next train. She would have taken all thechildren, but that Mrs. Acton insisted, almost commanded, that theyshould be left under her charge, and reminded her that their fatherwished them to be out of London; nor did Allen and Robert show anywish to return to a house of mourning, being just of the age to be somuch scared at sorrow as to ignore it. And indeed their mother wasequally new to any real grief; her parents had been little more thana name to her, and the only loss she had actually felt was that of afavourite schoolfellow. 

She had no time to think or feel till she had reached the train andtaken her seat, and even then the first thing she was conscious ofwas a sense of numbness within, and frivolous observation without, asshe found herself trying to read upside down the direction of heropposite neighbour's parcels, counting the flounces on her dress, andspeculating on the meetings and partings at the stations; yet with aterrible weight and soreness on her all the time, though she couldnot think of the dear grannie, of whom it was no figure of speech tosay that she had been indeed a mother. The idea of her absence fromhome for ever was too strange, too heartrending to be at onceembraced, and as she neared the end of her journey on that long day, Carey's mind was chiefly fixed on the yearning to be with her husbandand Janet, who had suffered such a shock without her. She seemedmore able to feel through her husband-—who was so devoted to hismother, than for herself, and she was every moment more uneasy abouther little daughter, who must have been in the room with hergrandmother. Comfort them? How, she did not know! The others hadalways petted and comforted her, and now—- No one to go to when thechildren were ailing or naughty-—no one to share little anxietieswhen Joe was out late—-no one to be the backbone she leant on—-nodear welcome from the easy chair. That thought nearly set hercrying; the tears burnt in her strained eyes, but the sight of thepeople opposite braced her, and she tried to fix her thoughts on theunseen world, but they only wandered wide as if beyond her owncontrol, and her head was aching enough to confuse her. 

At last, late on the long summer day, she was at the terminus, andwith a heart beating so fast that she could hardly breathe, foundherself in a cab, driving up to her own door, just as the twilightwas darkening. 

How dark it looked within, with all the blinds down! The servant whoopened the door thought Miss Janet was in the drawing-room, but themaster was out. It sounded desolate, and Carey ran up stairs, craving and eager for the kiss of her child-—the child who must haveborne the brunt of the shock. 

The room was silent, all dusky and shadowed; the window-frames weretraced on the blinds by the gas freshly lighted outside, and movingin the breeze with a monotonous dreariness. Carey stood a moment, and then her eyes getting accustomed to the darkness, she discerned alittle heap lying curled up before the ottoman, her head on a greatopen book, asleep—-poor child! quite worn out. Carey moved quietlyacross and sat down by her, longing but not daring to touch her. Thelamp was brought up in a minute or two, and that roused Janet, whosprang up with a sudden start and dazzled eyes, exclaiming "Father!Oh, it's Mother Carey! Oh, mother, mother, please don't let him go!"

"And you have been all alone in the house, my poor child, " saidCarey, as she felt the girl shuddering in her close embrace. 

"Mrs. Lucas came to stay with me, but I didn't want her, " said Janet, "so I told her she might go home to dinner. It's father-—"

"Where is father?"

"Those horrid people in Tottenham Court Road sent for him just as hehad come home, " said Janet. 

"He went out as usual?"

"Yes, though he had such a bad cold. He said he could not be spared;and he was out all yesterday till bedtime, or I should have told himgrandmamma was not well. "

"You thought so!"

"Yes, she panted and breathed so oddly; but she would not let me saya word to him. She made me promise not, but being anxious about himhelped to do it. Dr. Lucas said so. "

There was a strange hardness and yet a trembling in Janet's voice;nor did she look as if she had shed tears, though her face was paleand her eyes black-ringed, and when old nurse, now very old indeed, tottered in sobbing, she flung herself to the other end of the room. It was more from nurse than from Janet that Carey learnt theparticulars, such as they were, namely, that the girl had been half-dressed when she had taken alarm from her grandmother's unresponsivestillness, and had rushed down to her father's room. He had foundthat all had long been over. His friend, old Dr. Lucas, had comeimmediately, and had pronounced the cause to have been heartcomplaint. 

Nurse said her master had been "very still, " and had merely given theneedful orders and written a few letters before going to hispatients, for the illness was at its height, and there were cases forwhich he was very anxious. 

The good old woman, who had lived nearly all her life with hermistress, was broken-hearted; but she did not forget to persuadeCaroline to take food, telling her she must be ready to cheer up themaster when he should come in, and assuring her that the throbbingheadache which disgusted her with all thoughts of eating, would bebetter for the effort. Perhaps it was, but it would not allow her tobring her thoughts into any connection, or to fix them on what shedeemed befitting, and when she saw that the book over which Janet hadbeen asleep in the twilight was "The Last of the Mohicans, " she wasmore scandalised than surprised. 

It was past Janet's bedtime, but though too proud to say so, shemanifestly shrank from her first night of loneliness, and her mother, herself unwilling to be alone, came with her to her room, undressedher, and sat with her in the darkness, hoping for some break in thedull reticence, but disappointed, for Janet hid her head in theclothes, and slept, or seemed to sleep. 

Perhaps Carey herself had been half dozing, when she heard the well-known sounds of arrival, and darted down stairs, meeting indeed thewelcoming eye and smile; but "Ah, here she is!" was said so hoarselyand feebly, that she exclaimed "Oh Joe, you have knocked yourselfup!"

"Yes, " said Dr. Lucas, whom she only then perceived. "He must go tobed directly, and then we will see to him. Not another word, Brownlow, till you are there, nor then if you are wise. "

He strove to disobey, but cough and choking forbade; and as he beganto ascend the stairs, Caroline turned in dismay to the kind, fatherlyold man, who had always been one of the chief intimates of the house, and was now retired from practice, except for very old friends. 

He told her that her husband was suffering from a kind of sore throatthat sometimes attacked those attending on this fever, thoughgenerally not unless there was some predisposition, or unless thesystem had been unduly lowered. Joe had indeed been over-worked inthe absence of several of the regular practitioners and of all thosewho could give extra help; but this would probably have done littleharm, but for a cold caught in a draughty room, and the sudden strokewith which the day had begun. Dr. Lucas had urged him to remain athome, and had undertaken his regular work for the day, but summonsesfrom his patients had been irresistible; he had attended to everyoneexcept himself, and finally, after hours spent over the critical caseof the wife of a small tradesman, he had found himself so ill that hehad gone to his friend for treatment, and Dr. Lucas had brought himhome, intending to stay all night with him. 

Since the wife had arrived, the good old man, knowing how much ratherthey would be alone, consented to sleep in another room, after havingdone all that was possible for the night, and cautioned againsttalking. 

Indeed, Joe, heavy, stupefied, and struggling for breath, knew toowell what it all meant not to give himself all possible chance bysilent endurance, lying with his wife's hand in his, or sometimessmoothing her cheek, but not speaking without necessity. Once hetold her that her head was aching, and made her lie down on the bed, but he was too ill for this rest to last long, and the fits ofstruggling with suffocation prevented all respite save for a fewminutes. 

With the early light of the long summer morning Dr. Lucas looked in, and would have sent her to bed, but she begged off, and a sign fromher husband seemed to settle the matter, for the old physician wentaway again, perhaps because his eyes were full of tears. 

The first words Joe said when they were again alone was "My tablets. "She went in search of them to his dressing-room, and not finding themthere, was about to run down to the consulting-room, when Janet cameout already dressed, and fetched them for her, as well as a whiteslate, on which he was accustomed to write memorandums ofengagements. 

Her father thanked her by a sign, but there was possibility enough ofinfection to make him wave her back from kissing him, and she tookrefuge at the foot of the bed, on a sofa shut off by the curtains. Which had been drawn to exclude the light. 

Joe meantime wrote on the slate the words, "Magnum bonum. "

"Magnum bonum?" read his wife, in amazement. 

"Papers in bureau, " he wrote; "lock all in my desk. Mention to noone. "

"Am I to put them in your desk?" asked Caroline, bewildered as to hisintentions, and finding it hard to read the writing, as he went on—-

"No word to anyone!" scoring it under, "not till one of the boys isready. "

"One of the boys!" in utter amazement. 

"Not as a chance for himself, " he wrote, "but as a great trust. "

"I know, " she said, "it is a great trust to make a discovery whichwill save life. It is my pride to know you are doing it, my own dearJoe. "

"It seems I am not worthy to do it, " was traced by his fingers. "Itis not developed enough to be listened to by anyone. Keep it for thefit one of the boys. Religion, morals, brains, balance. "

She read each word aloud, bending her head in assent; and, after apause, he wrote "Not till his degree. He could not work it outsooner. These is peril to self and others in experimenting-—temptation to rashness. It were better unknown than trifled with. Be an honest judge—-promise. Say what I want. "

Spellbound, almost mesmerised by his will, Caroline pronounced-—"Ipromise to keep the magnum bonum a secret till the boys are grown up, and then only to confide it to the one that seems fittest, when hehas taken his degree, and is a good, religious, wise, able man, withbrains and balance, fit to be trusted to work out and apply such aninvention, and not make it serve his own advancement, but be a realgood and blessing to all. "

He gave her one of his bright, sweet smiles, and, as she sealed herpromise by a kiss, he took up the slate again and wrote, "My dearcomfort, you have always understood. You are to be trusted. It mustbe done worthily or not at all. "

That was the burthen of everything; and his approval and affectiongave a certain sustaining glow to the wife, who was besides soabsorbed in attending to him, as not to look beyond the moment. Hewrote presently, after a little more, "You know all my mind for thechildren. With God's help you can fill both places to them. I shouldlike you to live at Kenminster, under Robert's wing. "

After that he only used the tablets for temporary needs, and to showwhat he wanted Dr. Lucas to undertake for his patients. The husbandand wife had little more time for intimate communings, for thestrangulation grew worse, more remedies were tried, and one of thegreatest physicians of the day was called in, but only to makeunavailing efforts. 

Colonel Brownlow arrived in the middle of the day, and wasthunderstruck at the new and terrible disaster. He was a large, tallman, with a good-humoured, weather-beaten face, and an unwieldy, gouty figure; and he stood, with his eyes brimming over with tears, looking at his brother, and at first unable to read the one word Joetraced for him—-for writing had become a great effort-—"Carey. "

"We will do our best for her, Ellen and I, my dear fellow. Butyou'll soon be better. Horrid things, these quinsies; but they passoff. "

Poor Joe half-smiled at this confident opinion, but he merely wrunghis brother's hand, and only twice more took up the pencil-—once towrite the name of the clergyman he wished to see, and lastly to putdown the initials of all his children: "Love to you all. Let God andyour mother be first with you. -—J. B. "

The daylight of the second morning had come in before that deadlysuffocation had finished its work, and the strong man's struggleswere ended. 

When Colonel Brownlow tried to raise his sister-in-law, he found herfainting, and, with Dr. Lucas's help, carried her to another room, where she lay, utterly exhausted, in a kind of faint stupor, apparently unconscious of anything but violent headache, which madeher moan from time to time, if anything stirred her. Dr. Lucasthought this the effect of exhaustion, for she had not slept, andhardly taken any food since her breakfast at Kyve three days ago; andfinding poor old nurse too entirely broken down to be of any use, heput his own kind wife in charge of her, and was unwilling to admitanyone else—-even Mrs. Robert Brownlow, who arrived in the course ofthe day. She was a tall, fine-looking person, with an oval face-—soft, pleasant brown skin, mild brown eyes, and much tenderness ofheart and manner, but not very well known to Caroline; for herperiodical visits had been wholly devoted to shopping and sight-seeing. She was exceedingly shocked at the tidings that met her, andgathered Janet into her arms with many tears over the poor orphangirl! It was an effusiveness that overwhelmed Janet, who had amiserable, hard, dried-up feeling of wretchedness, and injury too;for the more other people cried, the less she could cry, and sheheard them saying to one another that she was unfeeling. 

Still Aunt Ellen's presence was a sort of relief, for it made thehouse less empty and dreary, and she took upon her the cares thatwere greatly needed in the bereaved household, where old nurse hadlost her head, and could do nothing, and the most effective maid wasaway with the children. So Janet wandered about after her aunt, withan adverse feeling at having her home meddled with, but answeringquestions and giving opinions, called or uncalled for. Her longingwas for her brothers, and it was a great blow to find that her unclehad written to both Allen and Mr. Acton that they had better not comehome at present. She thought it cruel and unjust both towards themand herself; and in her sickening sense of solitude and injury shehad a vague expectation that they were all going to be left whollyorphans, like the children of fiction, dependent on their uncle andaunt, who would be unjust, and prefer their own children; and she hada prevision of the battles she was to fight, and the defensiveinfluence she was to exert. 

That brought to her mind the white slate on which her father had beenwriting, and she hurried to secure it, though she hardly knew whereto go or to look; but straying into her father's dressing-room, shefound both it and the tablets among a heap of other small mattersthat had been, cleared away when the other chamber had been arrangedinto the solemnity of the death-room. Hastily securing them, shecarried them to her own desk in the deserted school-room, feeling asif they were her charge, and thus having no scruple in reading them. 

She had heard what passed aloud; and, as the eldest girl, had been soconstantly among the seniors, and so often supposed to be intent onher own occupations when they were conversing, that she had alreadythe knowledge that magnum bonum, was the pet home term for some greatdiscovery in medical, science that her father had been pursuing, withmany disappointments and much incredulity from the few friends towhom it had been mentioned, but with absolute confidence on his ownpart. What it was she did, not know, but she had fully taken in theinjunction of secrecy and the charge to hand on the task to one ofher brothers; only, while her father had spoken of it as a gravetrust, she viewed it as an inheritance of glory; and felt a strangelonging and repining that it could not be given to her to win andwear the crown of success. 

Janet, did not, however, keep the treasure long, for that veryevening Mrs. Lucas sought her out to tell her that her mother hadbeen saying something, about a slate, and Dr. Lucas thought it wasone on which her father had been writing. If she could find it, theyhoped her mother would rest better. 

Janet produced it, and, being evidently most unwilling to let it goout of her hands, was allowed to carry it in, and to tell her motherthat she had it. There was no need for injunctions to do so softlyand cautiously, for she was frightened by her mother's dull, half-closed eye, and pale, leaden look; but there was a little air ofrelief as she faltered, "Here's the slate, dear mother:" and theanswer, so faint that she could hardly hear it, was, "Lock it up, mydear, till I can look. "

Mrs. Lucas told Janet she might kiss her, and then sent the girlaway. There was need of anxious watch lest fever should set in, andtherefore all that was exciting was kept at a distance as the pooryoung widow verged towards recovery. 

Once, when she heard voices on the stairs, she started nervously, andasked Mrs. Lucas, "Is Ellen there?"

"Yes, my dear; she shall not come to you unless you wish it, " seeingher alarm; and she laid her head down again. 

The double funeral was accomplished while she was still too ill tohear anything about it, though Mrs. Lucas had no doubt that she knew;and when he came home, Colonel Brownlow called for Janet, and askedher whether she could find her grandmother's keys and her father'sfor him. 

"Mother would not like anyone to rummage their things, " said Janet, like a watch-dog. 

"My dear, " said her uncle, in a surprised but kind tone, as one whorespected yet resented her feeling; "you may trust me not to rummage, as you call it, unnecessarily; but I know that I am executor, if youunderstand what that means, my dear. "

"Of course, " said Janet, affronted as she always was by being treatedas a child. 

"To both wills, " continued her uncle; "and it will save your mothermuch trouble and distress if I can take steps towards acting on themat once; and if you cannot tell where the keys are, I shall have tolook for them. "

"Janet ought to obey at once, " said her aunt, not adding to theserenity of Janet's mind; but she turned on her heel, ungraciouslysaying, "I'll get them;" and presently returned with hergrandmother's key-box, full of the housekeeping keys, and a littlekey, which she gave to her uncle with great dignity, adding, "The keyof her desk is the Bramah one; I'll see for the others. "

"A strange girl, that!" said her uncle, as she marched out of theroom. 

"I am glad our Jessie has not her temper!" responded his wife; andthen they both repaired to old Mrs. Brownlow's special apartment, theback drawing-room, while Janet quietly dropped downstairs with thekey she had taken from her father's table on her way to theconsulting-room. She intended to prevent any search, by herselfproducing the will from among his papers, for she was in an agonylest her uncle should discover the clue to the magnum bonum, of whichshe regarded herself the guardian. 

Till she had actually unlocked the sloping lid of the old-fashionedbureau, it did not occur to her that she did not know either what thewill was like, nor yet the magnum bonum, which was scarcely likely tobe so ticketed. She only saw piles of letters and papers, marked, some with people's names, some with a Greek or Latin word, or one ofthe curious old Arabic signs, for which her father had always a turn, having, as his mother used to tell him, something of the alchemist inhis composition. One of these parcels, fastened with elastic rings, must be magnum bonum, and Janet, though without much chance ofdistinguishing it, was reading the labels with a strange, sadfascination, when, long before she had expected him, her uncle stoodbefore her, with greatly astonished and displeased looks, and theword "Janet. "

She coloured scarlet, but answered boldly, "There was something thatI know father did not want anyone but mother to see. "

"Of course there is much, " said her uncle, gravely--"much that I amfitter to judge, of than any little girl. "

Words cannot express the offence thus given to Janet. Somethingswelled in her throat as if to suffocate her, but there could be noreply, and to burst out crying would only make him think her youngerstill; so as he turned to his mournful task, she ensconced herself ina high-backed chair, and watched him from under her dark brows. 

She might comfort herself by the perception that he was less likelythan even herself to recognise the magnum bonum. He would scarcelyhave thought it honourable to cast a glance upon the medical papers, and pushing them aside from where she had pulled them forward, searched till he had found a long cartridge-paper envelope, which helaid on the table behind him while he shut up the bureau, and Janet, by cautiously craning up her neck, managed to read that on it waswritten "Will of Joseph Brownlow, Executors: Mrs. Caroline OtwayBrownlow, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Brownlow. "

Her uncle then put both that and the keys in his pocket, either notseeing her, or not choosing to notice her. 

CHAPTER IV. THE STRAY CHICKENS. 

But when our father came not here, I thought if we could find the seaWe should be sure to meet him there, And once again might happy be. -—Ballad. 

"What was Dr. Lucas saying to you?" asked Carey, sitting up in bedafter her breakfast. 

"He said, my dear, that you were really well now, " said Mrs. Lucas, tenderly; "and that you only wanted rousing. "

She clasped her hands together. 

"Yes, I know it. I have been knowing it all yesterday and lastnight. It hasn't been right of me, keeping you all this time, andnot facing it. "

"I don't think you could, my dear. "

"Not at first. It seems to me like having been in a whirlpool, andthose two went down in it. " She put her hands to her temples. "ButI must do it all now, and I will. I'll get up now. Oh! dear, ifthey only would let me come down and go about quietly. " Then smilinga piteous smile. "It is very naughty, but of all things I dread thebeing cried over and fondled by Ellen!"

Mrs. Lucas shook her head, though the tears were in her eyes, andbethought her whether she could caution Mrs. Robert Brownlow not tobe too demonstrative; but it was a delicate matter in which tointerfere, and after all, whatever she might think beforehand, Caroline might miss these tokens of feeling. 

She had sat up for some hours the evening before, so that there wasno fear of her not being strong enough to get up as she proposed; buthow would it be when she left her room, and beheld all that she couldnot have realised?

However, matters turned out contrary to all expectation. Mrs. Lucaswas in the drawing-room, talking to the Colonel's wife, and Janet upstairs helping her mother to dress, when there was a sound of feet onthe stairs, the door hastily opened for a moment, and two rough-headed, dusty little figures were seen for one moment, startling Mrs. Brownlow with the notion of little beggars; but they vanished in amoment, and were heard chattering up stairs with calls of "Mother!Mother Carey!" And looking out, they beheld at the top of the stairsthe two little fellows hanging one on each side of Carey, who wasjust outside her door, with her hair down, in her white dressinggown, kneeling between them, all the three almost devouring oneanother. 

"Jockie! Armie! my dears! How did you come? Where are the rest?"

"Still at Kyve, " said Jock. "Mother we have done such a thing-—wecame to tell you of it. "

"We've lost the man's boat, " added Armine, "and we must give him themoney for another. "

"What is it? What is it, Caroline?" began her sister-in-law; butMrs. Lucas touched her arm, and as a mother herself, she saw thatmother and sons had best be left to one another, and let them retreatinto the bedroom, Carey eagerly scanning her two little boys, who hada battered, worn, unwashed look that puzzled her as much as theirsudden appearance, which indeed chimed in with the strange dreamystate in which she had lived ever since that telegram. But theirvoices did more to restore her to ordinary life than anything elsecould have done; and their hearts were so full of their ownadventure, that they poured it out before remarking anything, —-

"How did you come, my dear boys?"

"We walked, after the omnibus set us down at Charing Cross, becausewe hadn't any more money, " said Armine. "I'm so tired. " And henestled into her lap, seeming to quell the beating of her achingheart by his pressure. 

"This is it, mother, " said Jock, pulling her other arm round him. "We two went down to the beach yesterday, and we saw a little boat—-Peter Lary's pretty little boat, you know, that is so light—-and wegot in to rock in her, and then I thought I would pull about in hera little. "

"Oh! Jock, Jock, how could you?"

"I'd often done it with Allen and Young Pete, " said Jock, defensively. 

"But by yourselves!" she said in horror. 

"Nobody told us not, " said Jock rather defiantly; and Armine, who, with his little sister Barbara, always seemed to live where dreamlandand reality bordered on each other, looked up in her face andinnocently said—-

"Mrs. Acton read us about the Rocky Island, and she said father andgranny had brought their boats to the beautiful country, and that weought to go after them, and there was the bright path along the sea, and I thought we would go too, and that it would be nicer if Jockwent with me. "

"I knew it did not mean that, " said Jock, hanging his mischievousblack head a little, as he felt her shudder; "but I thought it wouldbe such fun to be Columbus. "

"And then? Oh! my boys, what a fearful thing! Thank God I have youhere. "

"I wasn't frightened, " said Jock, with uplifted head; "we could bothrow, couldn't we, Armie? and the tide was going out, and it was sojolly; it seemed to take us just where we wanted to go, out to thatgreat rock, you know, mother, that Bobus called the Asses' Bridge. "

Carey knew that the current at the mouth of the river did, at hightide, carry much drift to the base of this island, and she couldunderstand how her two boys had been floated thither. Jock went on—-

"We had a boat-hook, and I pulled up to the island; I did, mother, and I made fast the boat to a little stick, and we went out toexplore the island. "

"It has a crater in the top, mother, and we think it must be aninstinct volcano, " said Armine, looking up sleepily. 

"And there were such lots of jolly little birds, " went on Jock. 

"Never mind that now. What happened?"

"Why, the brute of a boat got away, " said Jock, much injured, "whenI'd made her ever so fast. She pulled up the stick, I'm sure shedid, for I can tie a knot as well as Pete. "

"So you could not get away?"

"No, and we'd got nothing to eat but chocolate creams andperiwinkles, and Armie wouldn't look at them, and I don't think Icould while they were alive. So I hoisted a signal of distress, madeof my tie, for we'd lost our pocket-handkerchiefs. I was afraid theywould think we were pirates, and not venture to come near us, forwe'd only got black flags, and it was a very, very long time, but atlast, just as it got a little darkish, and Armie was crying—-poorlittle chap-—that steamer came by that always goes between Portholeand Kyvemouth on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I hailed and I hailed, andthey saw or heard, and sent a boat and took us on board. The peopleall came and looked at us, and one of them said I was a plucky littlechap; he did, mother, and that I'd the making of an admiral in me;and a lady gave us such a jolly paper of sandwiches. But you see thesteamer was going to Porthole, and the captain said he could notanyhow put back to Kyve, but he must take us on, and we must get backby train. "

Mother Carey understood this, for the direct line ran to Porthole, and there was a small junction station whence a branch ran toKyvemouth, from which Kyve St. Clements was some three miles distant. 

"Were you carried on?" she asked. 

"Well, yes, but we meant it, " said Jock. "I remembered the boat. I knew father would say we must buy another, so I asked the captainwhat was the price of one, for Armine and I had each got half-a-sovereign. "

"How was that?"

"An old gentleman the day before was talking to Mr. Acton. I thinkhe is some great swell, for he has got a yacht, and servants, and acarriage, and lots of things; and he said, 'What! are those poorBrownlow's boys? bless me!' and he tipped us each. Allen and Bobuswere to go with Mr. Acton and have a sail in his yacht, but they saidwe should be too many, so we thought we'd get a new boat, but theCaptain—-"

"Said your money would go but a little way, " put in Caroline. 

"He laughed!" said Jock, as a great offence; "and said that was amatter for our governor, and we had better go home and tell as fastas we could. There was a train just starting when we got in toPorthole, and somebody got our tickets for us, and Armie went fastoff to sleep, and I, when I came to think about it, thought we wouldnot get out at the junction, but come on home at once, Mother Carey, and tell you all about it. When Armie woke-—why, he's asleep now—-hesaid he would rather come home than to Kyve. "

"Then you travelled all night?"

"Yes, there was a jolly old woman who made us a bed with her shawl, only I tumbled off three times and bumped myself, and she gave usgooseberries, and cake, and once when we stopped a long time a portergot us a cup of tea. Then when we came to where they take thetickets, I think the man was going to make a row, but the guard cameup and told him all about it, and I gave him my two half-sovereigns, and he gave me back fourteen shillings change, for he said we wereonly half-price and second class. Then when once I was in London, "said Jock, as if his foot was on his native heath, "of course I knewwhat to be at. "

"Have you had nothing to eat?"

"We had each a bun when we got out at Charing Cross, but I'm awfullyhungry, mother!"

"I should think so. Janet, my dear, go and order some breakfast forthem. "

"And, " said Janet, "must not the others be dreadfully frightenedabout them at Kyve?"

That question startled her mother into instant action. 

"Of course they must! Poor Clara! poor Allen! They must be in adreadful state. I must telegraph to them at once. "

She lifted Armine off gently to her bed, scarcely disturbing him, twisted up her hair in summary fashion, and the dress, which herfriends had dreaded her seeing, was on, she hardly knew how, as shebade old nurse see to Jock's washing, dressing, and making himselftidy, and then amazed the other ladies by running into the drawing-room crying breathlessly—-

"I must telegraph to the Actons, " and plunging to the depths of adrawer in the davenport. 

"Caroline, your cap!"

For it was on the back of the head that had never worn a cap before. And not only then, but for the most part whenever they met, thosetears and caresses, that poor Mother Carey so much feared, werechecked midway by the instinct that made Aunt Ellen run at her with agreat pin and cry—-

"Caroline, your cap. "

She was still, after having had it fixed, kneeling down, searchingfor a form for telegraphing, when the door was opened, and in cameColonel Brownlow, looking very pale and fearfully shocked. 

"Ellen!" he began, "how shall I ever tell that poor child? Here isMr. Acton. "

But at that moment up sprang Mother Carey, and as Mr. Acton enteredthe room she leapt forward—-

"Oh! I was just going to telegraph! They are safe! they are here!Jock, Jock!"

And downstairs came tumbling and rushing that same little imp, whilethe astonishment of his uncle and aunt only allowed them to utter theone word, "John!"

Mr. Acton drew a long breath, and said, "You have given us a prettyfright, boy. "

"Here's the paper, " added Carey; "telegraph to Clara at once. Ringthe bell, Jock; I'll send to the office. "

Ail questions were suspended while Mr. Acton wrote the telegram, andthen it appeared that the boat had been picked up empty, withArmine's pocket-handkerchief full of shells in it, and the boys hadbeen given up for lost, it having been concluded that, if they hadbeen seen, the boat also would have been taken in tow, and not castloose to tell the tale. The two elder boys were almost broken-hearted, and would have been wild to come back to their mother, hadit not been impossible to leave poor little Barbara, who clung fastto them, as the only shreds left to her of home and protection. Theywould at least be comforted in the space of a quarter of an hour!

Carey was completely herself and full of vigour while Mr. Acton wasthere, consoling him when he lamented not having taken better care, and refusing when he tried to persuade her to accompany him back toKyve. Neither would Janet return with him, feeling it impossible torelax such watch as she could keep over the Magnum Bonum papers, eventhough she much longed for her brothers. 

"I should insist on her going, " said Aunt Ellen, "after all she hasgone through. "

"I don't think I can, " said Carey. "You would not send away yourJessie?"

Ellen did not quite say that her pretty, sweet, caressing Jessie wasdifferent, but she thought it all the same. 

Carey did not fulfil her intentions of going into matters of businesswith her brother-in-law that day, for little Armine, always delicate, had been so much knocked up by his course of adventures, that heneeded her care all the rest of the day. Nor would she have been fitfor anything else, for when his aunt recommended a totally differenttreatment for his ailments, she had no spirit to argue, but onlylooked pale and determined, being too weary and dejected to produceher arguments. 

Jock was sufficiently tired to be quiescent in the nursery, where shekept him with her, feeling, in his wistful eyes, and even in poorlittle Armine's childish questions, something less like blankdesolation than her recent apathy had been, as if she were waking tothrills of pain after the numbness of a blow. 

Urged by a restless night and an instinctive longing for fresh air, she took a long walk in the park before anyone came down the nextmorning, with only Jock for her companion, and she came to thebreakfast table with a freshened look, though with a tremulousfaintness in her voice, and she let Janet continue tea maker, scarcely seeming to hear or understand the casual remarks around her;but afterwards she said in a resolute tone, "Robert, I am readywhenever you wish to speak to me. "

So in the drawing-room the Colonel, with the two wills in his hand, found himself face to face with her. He was the more nervous of thetwo, being, much afraid of upsetting that composure which scandalisedhis wife, but which he preferred to tears; and as he believed her tobe a mere child in perception, he explained down to her supposedlevel, while she listened in a strange inert way, feeling it hard tofix her attention, yet half-amused by the simplicity of hiselucidations. "Would Ellen need to be told what an executor meant?"thought she. 

She was left sole guardian of the children, "the greatest proof ofconfidence a parent can give, " impressively observed the Colonel, wondering at the languor of her acquiescence, and not detecting thethought, "Dear Joe! of course! as if he would have done anythingelse!"

"Of course, " continued the Colonel, "he never expected that it wouldhave proved more than a nominal matter, a mere precaution. For myown part, I can only say that I shall be always ready to assist youwith advice or authority if ever you should find the charge tooonerous for you. "

"Thank you, " was all she could bring herself to say at that moment, feeling that her boys were her own, though the next she wasrecollecting that this was no doubt the reason Joe had bidden herlive at Kenminster, and in a pang of self-reproach, was hardlyattending to the technicalities of the matters of property which werebeing explained to her. 

Her husband had not been able to save much, but his life insurancewas for a considerable sum, and there was also the amount inheritedfrom his parents. A portion of the means which his mother hadenjoyed passed to the elder brother, and Mrs. Brownlow had sunk mostof her individual property in the purchase of the house in which theylived. By the terms of Joseph's will, everything was left toCaroline unreservedly, save for a stipulation that all, on her death, should be divided among the children, as she should appoint. Thehouse was not even secured to Allen, so that she could let or sell itas she thought advisable. 

"I could not sell it, " said Carey quickly, feeling it her first andonly home. "I hope to see Allen practising there some day. "

"It is not in a situation where you could sell it to so muchadvantage as you would have by letting it to whoever takes thepractice. "

She winced, but it was needful to listen, as he told her of theoffers that had been made for the house and the good-will of thepractice. What he had thought the best offer was, however, rejectedby her with vehemence. She was sure that Joe would never stand thatman coming in upon his patients, and when asked for her reasons, would only reply, that "None of us could bear him. "

"That is no reason why he should not be a good practitioner andrespectable man. He may not be what you like in society, and yet-—"

"Ask Dr. Lucas, " hastily interrupted Carey. 

"Perhaps that will be the best way, " said the Colonel gravely. "Willyou promise to abide by his decision?"

"I don't know! I mean, if everyone decided against me, _nothing_should induce me to let _that_ Vaughan into Joe's house to meddlewith his patients. "

Colonel Brownlow made a sign of displeased acquiescence, so like hisbrother when Carey was a little impetuous or naughty, that sheinstantly felt shocked at herself, and faltered, "I beg your pardon. "

He seemed not to notice this, but went on, "As you say, it may bewise to consult Dr. Lucas. Perhaps, putting it up to competitionwould be the best way. "

"Oh, no, " said Caroline. "Have you a letter from Dr. Drake?"

"No. "

"Then depend upon it he must have too much delicacy to begin about itso soon. I had rather he had it than anyone else. "

"Can he make a fair offer for it? You cannot afford to throw away asubstantial benefit for preferences, " said the Colonel. "At theoutside, you will not have more than five hundred pounds a year, andI fear you will feel much straitened after what you are used to, withfour boys, and such ideas as to their education, " he added smiling. 

"I don't know, but I am sure it is what Joe would wish. He hadrather trust his patients to Harry-—to Dr. Drake—than to anyone, andhe is just going to be married, and wants a practice; I shall writeto him. It is so nice of him not to have pressed forward. "

"You will not commit yourself?" said Colonel Brownlow. "Rememberthat your children's interests are at stake, and must not besacrificed to a predilection. "

Again Caroline felt fiery and furious, and less inclined than ever tosubmit her judgment as she said, "You can inquire, but I know whatJoe thought of him. "

"His worthiness is not the point, but whether he can indemnify you. "

"His worthiness not the point!" cried Caroline, indignantly. "Ithink it all the point. "

"You misunderstand me; you totally misunderstand me, " exclaimed theColonel trying hard to be gentle. "I never meant to recommend anunworthy man. "

"You wanted Vaughan, " murmured Mother Carey, but he did not regardthe words, perhaps did not hear them, for he went on: "My brother insuch a case would have taken a reasonable view, and placed the goodof his children before any amiable desire to benefit a-—a-—oneunconnected with him. However, " he added, "there is no reasonagainst writing to him, provided you do not commit yourself. "

Caroline hated the word, but endured it, and the rest of theinterview was spent upon some needful signatures, and on the questionof her residence at Kenminster, an outlook which she contemplated aspart of the darkness into which her life seemed to have suddenlydashed forward. One place would be much the same as another to her, and she could only hear with indifference about the three houses, possible, and the rent, garden, and number of rooms. 

She was very glad when it was over, and the Colonel, saying he shouldgo and consult Dr. Lucas, gave her back the keys he had taken fromJanet, and said that perhaps she would prefer looking over the papersbefore he himself did so, with a view to accounts; but he shouldadvise all professional records to be destroyed. 

It may be feared that the two executors did not respect or like each, other much the better for the interview, which had made the widowfeel herself even more desolate and sore-hearted. 

She ran, downstairs, locked the door of the consulting room, openedthe lid of the bureau, and kneeling down with her head among all thepapers, she sobbed with long-drawn, tearless sobs, "O father! O Joe!how could you bid me live there? He makes me worse! They will makeme worse and worse, and now you are gone, and Granny is gone, there'snobody to make me good; and what will become of the children?"

Then she looked drearily on the papers that lay before her, as if hishand-writing at least gave a sort of nearness. There was amemorandum book which had been her birthday present to him, and shefelt drawn to open it. The first she saw after her own writing ofhis name was—-

"'Magnum Bonum. So my sweet wife insists on calling thispossibility, of which I will keep the notes in her book. 

"'Magnum Bonum! Whether it so prove, and whether I may be the meansof making it known, must be as God may will. May He give me thepower of persevering, to win, or to fail, or to lay the foundationfor other men, whichever may be the best, with a true heart, heedingHis glory, and acting as His servant to reveal His mysteries ofscience for the good of His children. 

"'And above all, may He give us all to know and feel the true andonly Magnum Bonum, the great good, which alone makes success orfailure, loss or gain, life or death, alike blessed in Him andthrough Him. '"

Carey gazed on those words, as she sat in the large arm-chair, whither she had moved on opening the book. She had always known thatreligion was infinitely more to her husband than ever it had been toherself. She had done what he led her to do, and had a good deal ofintellectual and poetical perception and an uprightness, affection, and loyalty of nature that made her anxious to do right, but devotionwas duty, and not pleasure to her; she was always glad when it wasover, and she was feeling that the thoughts which were said tocomfort others were quite unable to reach her grief. There was nodisbelief nor rebellion about her, only a dull weariness, and aninclination which she could hardly restrain, even while it shockedher, to thrust aside those religious consolations that were powerlessto soothe her. She knew it was not their fault, she did not doubt oftheir reality; it was she who was not good enough to use them. 

These words of Joe were to her as if he were speaking to her again. She laid them on her knee, murmured them over fondly, looked at them, and finally, for she was weak still and had had a bad night, fellfast asleep over them, and only wakened, as shouts of "Mother" wereheard over the house. 

She locked the bureau in a hurry, and opened the door, calling backto the boys, and then she found that Aunt Ellen had taken all thethree out walking, when Jock and Armine, with the remains of theirmoney burning in their pockets, had insisted on buying two littleships, which must necessarily be launched in the Serpentine. Theiraunt could by no means endure this, and Janet did not approve, sothere seemed to have been a battle royal, in which Jock would havebeen the victor, if his little brother had not been led off captivebetween his aunt and sister, when Jock went along on the oppositeside of the road, asserting his independence by every sort of monkeytrick most trying to his aunt's rural sense of London propriety. 

It was very ridiculous to see the tall, grave, stately Mrs. RobertBrownlow standing there describing the intolerable naughtiness ofthat imp, who, not a bit abashed, sat astride on the balustrade inthe comfortable conviction that he was not hers. 

"I hope, at least, " concluded the lady, "that you will make them feelhow bad their behaviour has been. "

"Jock, " said Carey mechanically, "I am afraid you have behaved veryill to your aunt. "

"Why, Mother Carey, " said that little wretch, "it is just that shedoesn't know anything about anything in London. "

"Yes, " chimed in little Armine, who was hanging to his mother'sskirts; "she thought she should get to the Park by Duke Street. "

"That did not make it right for you not to be obedient, " said Carey, trying for severity. 

"But we couldn't, mother. "

"Couldn't?" both echoed. 

"No, " said Jock, "or we should be still in Piccadilly. Mother Carey, she told us not to cross till it was safe. "

"And she stood up like the Duke of Bedford in the Square, " addedArmine. 

Janet caught her mother's eye, and both felt a spasm ofuncontrollable diversion in their throats, making Janet turn herback, and Carey gasp and turn on the boys. 

"All that is no reason at all. Go up to the nursery. I wish I couldtrust you to behave like a gentleman, when your aunt is so kind as totake you out. "

"I _did_, mother! I did hand her across the street, and dragged herout from under all the omnibus horses, " said Jock in an injured tone, while Janet could not refrain from a whispered comparison, "Like alittle steam-tug, " and this was quite too much for all of them, producing an explosion which made the tall and stately dame look fromone to another in such bewildered amazement, that struck the motherand daughter as so comical that the one hid her face in her handswith a sort of hysterical heaving, and the other burst into thatpainful laughter by which strained spirits assert themselves in theyoung. 

Mrs. Robert Brownlow, in utter astonishment and discomfiture, turnedand walked off to her own room. Somehow Carey and Janet felt more ontheir ordinary terms than they had done all these sad days, in theirconsternation and a certain sense of guilt. 

Carey could adjudicate now, though trembling still. She made Jockown that his Serpentine plans had been unjustifiable, and then sheadded, "My poor boy, I must punish you. You must remember it, for ifyou are not good and steady, what _will_ become of us. "

Jock leapt at her neck. "Mother, do anything to me. I don't mind, if you only won't look at me like that!"

She sat down on the stairs, all in a heap again with him, andsentenced him to the forfeit of the ship, which he endured with moretolerable grace, because Armine observed, "Never mind, Skipjack, we'll go partners in mine. You shall have half my cargo of golddust. "

Carey could not find it in her heart to check the voyages of theremaining ship, over the uncarpeted dining-room; but as she wasgoing, Armine looked at her with his great soft eyes, and said, "Mother Carey, have you got to be the scoldy and punishy one now?"

"I must if you need it, " said she, going down on her knees again togather the little fellow to her breast; "but, oh, don't-—don't needit. "

"I'd rather it was Uncle Robert and Aunt Ellen, " said Jock, "for thenI shouldn't care. "

"Dear Jock, if you only care, I think we sha'n't want manypunishments. But now I must go to your aunt, for we did behavehorribly ill to her. "

Aunt Ellen was kind, and accepted Carey's apology when she found thatJock had really been punished. Only she said, "You must be firm withthat boy, Caroline, or you will be sorry for it. My boys know thatwhat I have said is to be done, and they know it is of no use todisobey. I am happy to say they mind me at a word; but that John ofyours needs a tight hand. The Colonel thinks that the sooner he isat school the better. "

Before Carey had time to get into a fresh scrape, the Colonel wasringing at the door. He had to confess that Dr. Lucas had said Mrs. Joe Brownlow was right about Vaughan, and had made it plain that hisoffer ought not to be accepted, either in policy, or in that dutywhich the Colonel began to perceive towards his brother's patients. Nor did he think ill of her plan respecting Dr. Drake; and said hewould himself suggest the application which that gentleman was nodoubt withholding from true feeling, for he had been a favouritepupil of Joe Brownlow, and had been devoted to him. He was sure thatMrs. Brownlow's good sense and instinct were to be trusted, a dictumwhich not a little surprised her brother-in-law, who had never ceasedto think of "poor Joe's fancy" as a mere child, and who forgot thatshe was fifteen years older than at her marriage. 

He told his wife what Dr. Lucas had said, to which she replied, "That's just the way. Men know nothing about it. "

However, Dr. Drake's offer was sufficiently eligible to be accepted. Moreover, it proved that the most available house at Kenminster couldnot be got ready for the family before the winter, so that the movecould not take place till the spring. In the meantime, as Dr. Drakecould not marry till Easter, the lower part of the house was to begiven up to him, and Carey and Janet felt that they had a reprieve. 

CHAPTER V. BRAINS AND NO BRAINS. 

I do say, thou art quick in answers:Thou heatest my blood. -—Love's Labours Lost. 

Kem'ster, as county tradition pronounced what was spelt Kenminster, aname meaning St. Kenelm's minster, had a grand collegiate church anda foundation-school which, in the hands of the Commissioners, had oflate years passed into the rule of David Ogilvie, Esq. , a spare, pale, nervous, sensitive-looking man of eight or nine and twenty, whosat one April evening under his lamp, with his sister at work alittle way off, listening with some amusement to his sighs and groansat the holiday tasks that lay before him. 

"Here's an answer, Mary. What was Magna Charta? The first map ofthe world. "

"Who's that ingenious person?"

"Brownlow Major, of course; and here's French, who says it was a newsort of cow invented by Henry VIII. -—a happy feminine, I suppose, tothe Papal Bull. Here's a third! The French fleet defeated by QueenElizabeth. Most have passed it over entirely. "

"Well, you know this is the first time you have tried such anexamination, and boys never do learn history. "

"Nor anything else in this happy town, " was the answer, accompaniedby a ruffling over of the papers. 

"For shame, David! The first day of the term!"

"It is the dead weight of Brownlows, my dear. Only think! There'sanother lot coming! A set of duplicates. They haven't even thesense to vary the Christian names. Three more to be admitted to-morrow. "

"That accounts for a good deal!"

"You are laughing at me, Mary; but did you never know what it is tofeel like Sisyphus? Whenever you think you have rolled it a littleway, down it comes, a regular dead weight again, down the slope ofutter indifference and dulness, till it seems to crush the very heartout of you !"

"Have you really nobody that is hopeful?"

"Nobody who does not regard me as his worst enemy, and treat all myapproaches with distrust and hostility. Mary, how am I to live itdown?"

"You speak as if it were a crime!"

"I feel as if it were one. Not of mine, but of the pedagogic racebefore me, who have spoilt the relations between man and boy; so thatI cannot even get one to act as a medium. "

"That would be contrary to esprit de corps. "

"Exactly; and the worst of it is, I am not one of those genialfellows, half boys themselves, who can join in the sports con amore;I should only make a mountebank of myself if I tried, and the boyswould distrust me the more. "

"Quite true. The only way is to be oneself, and one's best self, andthe rest will come. "

"I'm not so sure of that. Some people mistake their vocation. "

"Well, when you have given it a fair trial, you can turn to somethingelse. You are getting the school up again, which is at least onetestimony. "

David Ogilvie made a sound as if this were very base kind of solace, and his sister did not wonder when she remembered the bright hopesand elaborate theories with which he had undertaken the mastershiponly nine months ago. He was then fresh from the university, and theloss of constant intercourse with congenial minds had perhapscontributed as much as the dulness of the Kenminster youth to bringhim into a depressed state of health and spirits, which had made hiselder sister contrive to spend her Easter at the seaside with him, and give him a few days at the beginning of the term. Indeed, shewas anxious enough about him, when he went down to the old grammar-school, to revolve the possibility of acceding to his earnest wish, and coming to live with him, instead of continuing in her situationas governess. 

He came back to luncheon next day with a brightened face, that madehis sister say, "Well, have you struck some sparks?"

"I've got some new material, and am come home saying, 'What's in aname?'"

"Eh! Is it those very new Brownlows, that seemed yesterday to be thelast straw on the camel's back?"

"I wish you could have seen the whole scene, Mary. There were half-a-dozen new boys to be admitted, four Brownlows! Think of that!Well, there stood manifestly one of the old stock, with the same ovalface and sleepy brown eyes, and the very same drawl I know so well inthe 'No-—a-—' to the vain question, 'Have you done any Latin?' Andhow shall I do justice to the long, dragging drawl of his reading?Aye, here's the sentence I set him on: 'The-—Gowls-—had—-con—-sen-—ted-—to-—accept-—a-—sum-—of—-gold-—and-—retire. They were en-—gagged-—in-—wag--ging out the sum-—required, and-—' I had to tell himwhat to call Brennus, and he proceeded to cast the sword into thescale, exclaiming, just as to a cart-horse, 'Woh! To the Worsted'(pronounced like yarn). After that you may suppose the feelings withwhich I called his ditto, another Joseph Armine Brownlow; and forthcame the smallest sprite, with a white face and great black eyes, alleagerness, but much too wee for this place. 'Begun Latin?' 'Oh, yes;' and he rattled off a declension and a tense with as much easeas if he had been born speaking Latin. I gave him Phaedrus to seewhether that would stump him, and I don't think it would have done soif he had not made os a mouth instead of a bone, in dealing with the'Wolf and the Lamb. ' He was almost crying, so I put the Romanhistory into his hand, and his reading was something refreshing tohear. I asked if he knew what the sentence meant, and he answered, 'Isn't it when the geese cackled?' trying to turn round the page. 'What do you know about the geese?' said I. To which the answer was, 'We played at it on the stairs! Jock and I were the Romans, andMother Carey and Babie were the geese. '"

"Poor little fellow! I hope no boys were there to listen, or he willnever hear the last of those geese. "

"I hope no one was within earshot but his brothers, who certainly didlook daggers at him. He did very well in summing and in writing, except that he went out of his way to spell fish, p h y c h, and shy, s c h y; and at last, I could not resist the impulse to ask him whatMagna Charta is. Out came the answer, 'It is yellow, and allcrumpled up, and you can't read it, but it has a bit of a great redseal hanging to it. '"

"What, he had seen it?"

"Yes, or a facsimile, and what was more, he knew who signed it. Whoever taught that child knew how to teach, and it is a pity heshould be swamped among such a set as ours. "

"I thought you would be delighted. "

"I should be, if I had him alone, but he must be put with a crew whowill make it their object to bully him out of his superiority, andthe more I do for him, the worse it will be for him, poor littlefellow; and he looks too delicate to stand the ordeal. It is sheercruelty to send him. "

"Hasn't he brothers?"

"Oh, yes! I was going to tell you, two bigger boys, another Robertand John Brownlow-—about eleven and nine years old. The younger oneis a sort of black spider monkey, wanting the tail. We shall havesome trouble with that gentleman, I expect. "

"But not the old trouble?"

"No, indeed; unless the atmosphere affects him. He answered as noboy of twelve can do here; and as to the elder one, I must take himat once into the fifth form, such as it is. "

"Where have they been at school?"

"At a day school in London. They are Colonel Brownlow's nephews. Their father was a medical man in London, who died last summer, leaving a young widow and these boys, and they have just come down tolive in Kenminster. But it can't be owing to the school. No schoolwould give all three that kind of-—what shall I call it?-—culture, and intelligence, that they all have; besides, the little one hasbeen entirely taught at home. "

"I wonder whether it is their mother's doing?"

"I am afraid it is their father's. The Colonel spoke of her as apoor helpless little thing, who was thrown on his hands with all herfamily. "

After the morning's examination and placing of the boys, there was ahalf-holiday; and the brother and sister set forth to enjoy ittogether, for Kenminster was a place with special facilities forenjoyment. It was built as it were within a crescent, formed by lowhills sloping down to the river; the Church, school, and otherremnants of the old collegiate buildings lying in the flat at thebottom, and the rest of the town, one of the small decayed woolstaples of Somerset, being in terraces on the hill-side, with steepstreets dividing the rows. These were of very mixed quality andarchitecture, but, as a general rule, improved the higher they rose, and were all interspersed with gardens running up or down, and with afair sprinkling of trees, whose budding green looked well amid theyellow stone. 

On the summit were some more ornamental villa-like houses, and greystone buildings with dark tiled roofs, but the expansion on that sidehad been checked by extensive private grounds. There were verybeautiful woods coming almost close to the town, and in the absenceof the owner, a great moneyed man, they were open to all those whodid not make themselves obnoxious to the keepers; and these, under anabsentee proprietor, gave a free interpretation to rights of way. Thither were the Ogilvies bound, in search of primrose banks, buttheir way led them past two or three houses on the hill-top, one ofwhich, being constructed on supposed Chinese principles ofarchitecture, was known to its friends as "the Pagoda, " to its foesas "the Folly. " It had been long untenanted, but this winter it hadbeen put into complete repair, and two rooms, showing a sublimeindifference to consistency of architecture, had been lately builtout with sash windows and a slated roof, contrasting oddly with thefrilled and fluted tiles of the tower from which it jutted. 

Suddenly there sounded close to their ears the words-—"School time, my dear!"

Starting and looking round for some impertinent street boy, Mr. Ogilvie exclaimed, "What's that?"

"Mother Carey! We are all Mother Carey's chickens. "

"See, there, " exclaimed Mary, and a great parrot was visible on thebranch of a sumach, which stretched over the railings of the low wallof the pagoda garden. "O you appropriate bird, —-you surely ought notto be here!"

To which the parrot replied, "Hic, haec, hoc!" and burst out in awild scream of laughing, spreading her grey wings, and showingintentions of flying away; but Mr. Ogilvie caught hold of the chainthat hung from her leg. 

Just then voices broke out—-

"That's Polly! Where is she? That's you, Jock, you horrid boy. "

"Well, I didn't see why she shouldn't enjoy herself. "

"Now you've been and lost her. Poll, Poll!"

"I have her!" called back Mr. Ogilvie. "I'll bring her to the gate. "

Thanks came through the hedge, and the brother and sister walked on. 

"It's old Ogre. Cut!" growled in what was meant to be an aside, avoice the master knew full well, and there was a rushing off of feet, like ponies in a field. 

When the sheep gate was reached, a great furniture van was seenstanding at the door of the "Folly, " and there appeared a troop ofboys and girls in black, eager to welcome their pet. 

"Thank you, sir; thank you very much. Come, Polly, " said the eldestboy, taking possession of the bird. 

"I think we have met before, " said the schoolmaster to the youngerones, glad to see that two-—i. E. The new Robert and Armine Brownlow-—had not joined in the sauve qui peut. 

Nay, Robert turned and said, "Mother, it is Mr. Ogilvie. "

Then that gentleman was aware that one of the black figures had awidow's cap, with streamers flying behind her in the breeze, butwhile he was taking off his hat and beginning, "Mrs. Brownlow, " sheheld out her hands to his sister, crying, "Mary, Mary Ogilvie, " andthere was an equally fervent response. "Is it? Is it reallyCaroline Allen?" and the two friends linked eager hands in gladpressure, turning, after the first moment, towards the house, whileMary said, "David, it is my dear old schoolfellow; Carey, this is mybrother. "

"You were very kind to these boys, " said Carey, warmly shaking handswith him. "The name sounded friendly, but I little thought you wereMary's brother. Are you living here, Mary? How delightful!"

"Alas, no; I am only keeping holiday with David. I go back to-morrow. "

"Then stay now, stay and let me get all I can of you, in thisfrightful muddle, " entreated Caroline. "Chaos is come again, but youwon't mind. "

"I'll come and help you, " said Mary. "David, you must go on aloneand come back for me. "

"Can't I be of use?" offered David, feeling rather shut out in thecold; "I see a bookcase. Isn't that in my line ?"

"And here's the box with its books, " said Janet. "Oh! mother, do letthat be finished off at least! Bobus, there are the shelves, and Ihave all their pegs in my basket. "

The case was happily in its place against the wall, and Janet hadseized on her recruit to hold the shelves while she pegged them, while the two friends were still exchanging their first inquiries, Carey exclaiming, "Now, you naughty Mary, where have you been, andwhy didn't you write?"

"I have been in Russia, and I didn't write, because nobody answered, and I didn't know where anybody was. "

"In Russia! I thought you were with a Scottish family, and wrote toyou to the care of some laird with an unearthly name. "

"But you knew that they took me abroad. "

"And Alice Brown told me that letters sent to the place in Scotlandwould find you. I wrote three times, and when you did not answer mylast-—" and Caroline broke off with things unutterable in her face. 

"I never had any but the first when you were going to London. Ianswered that. Yes, I did! Don't look incredulous. I wrote fromSorrento. "

"That must have miscarried. Where did you address it. "

"To the old place, inside a letter to Mrs. Mercer. "

"I see! Poor Mrs. Mercer went away ill, and did not live long after, and I suppose her people never troubled themselves about her letters. But why did not you get ours. "

"Mrs. McIan died at Venice, and the aunts came out, and consideringme too young to go on with the laird and his girls, they fairly mademe over to a Russian family whom we had met. Unluckily, as I seenow, I wrote to Mrs. Mercer, and as I never heard more I gave upwriting. Then the Crimean War cut me off entirely even from David. I had only one letter all that time. "

"How is it that you are a governess? I thought one was sure of apension from a Russian grandee!"

"These were not very grand grandees, only counts, and though theypaid liberally, they could not pension one. So when I had done withthe youngest daughter, I came to England and found a situation inLondon. I tried to look up our old set, but could not get on thetrack of anyone except Emily Collins, who told me you had marriedvery soon, but was not even sure of your name. Very soon! Why, Caroline, your daughter looks as old as yourself. "

"I sometimes think she is older! And have you seen my Eton boy?"

"Was it he who received the delightful popinjay, who 'Up and spak' somuch to the purpose?" asked Mr. Ogilvie. 

"Yes, it was Allen. He is the only one you did not see in themorning. Did they do tolerably?"

"I only wish I had any boys who did half as well, " said Mr. Ogilvie, the lads being gone for more books. 

"I was afraid for John and Armine, for we have been unsettled, and Icould not go on so steadily with them as before, " she said eagerly, but faltering a little. "Armine told me he blundered in Phaedrus, but I hope he did fairly on the whole. "

"So well that if you ask my advice, I should say keep him to yourselftwo years more. "

"Oh! I am so glad, " with a little start of joy. "You'll tell hisuncle? He insisted-—he had some impression that they were verynaughty boys, whom I could not cope with, poor little fellows. "

"I can decidedly say he is learning more from you than he would inschool among those with whom, at his age, I must place him. "

"Thank you, thank you. Then Babie won't lose her companion. Shewanted to go to school with Armie, having always gone on with him. And the other two-—what of them? Bobus is sure to work for the merepleasure of it-—but Jock?"

"I don't promise that he may not let himself down to the standard ofhis age and develop a capacity for idleness, but even he has time tospare, and he is at that time of life when boys do for one anotherwhat no one else can do for them. "

"The Colonel said the boys were a good set and gentlemanly, " saidCarey wistfully. 

"I think I may say that for them, " returned their master. "They arenot bad boys as boys go. There is as much honour and kindlinessamong them as you would find anywhere. Besides, to boys like yoursthis would be only a preparatory school. They are sure to fly off toscholarships. "

"I don't know, " said Carey. "I want them to be where physicalscience is an object. Or do you think that thorough classicaltraining is a better preparation than taking up any individual line?"

"I believe it is easier to learn how to learn through languages thanthrough anything else. "

"And to be taught how to learn is a much greater thing than to becrammed, " said Carey. "Of course when one begins to teach oneself, the world has become "mine oyster, " and one has the dagger. Thepoint becomes how to sharpen the dagger. "

At that moment three or four young people rushed in with arms full ofbooks, and announcing that the uncle and aunt were coming. The nextmoment they appeared, and stood amazed at the accession of volunteerauxiliaries. Mr. Ogilvie introduced his sister, while Carolineexplained that she was an old friend, -—meanwhile putting up a hand tofeel for her cap, as she detected in Ellen's eyes those words, "Caroline, your cap. "

"We came to see how you were getting on, " said the Colonel, kindly. 

"Thank you, we are getting on capitally. And oh, Robert, Mr. Ogilviewill tell you; he thinks Armine too-—too—-I mean he thinks he hadbetter not go into school yet, " she added, thankful that she had notsaid "too clever for the school. "

The Colonel turned aside with the master to discuss the matter, andthe ladies went into the drawing-room, the new room opening on thelawn, under a verandah, with French windows. It was full offurniture in the most dire confusion. Mrs. Robert Brownlow wanted toclear off at once the desks and other things that seemed school-roomproperties, saying that a little room downstairs had always servedthe purpose. 

"That must be nurse's sitting-room, " said Carey. 

"Old nurse! She can be of no use, my dear!"

"Oh yes, she is; she has lived with us ever since dear grandmammamarried, and has no home, and no relations. We could not get onwithout dear old nursey!"

"Well, my dear, I hope you will find it answer to keep her on. Butas to this room! It is such a pity not to keep it nice, when youhave such handsome furniture too. "

"I want to keep it nice with habitation, " said Caroline. "That's theonly way to do it. I can't bear fusty, shut-up smart rooms, and Ithink the family room ought to be the pleasantest and prettiest inthe house for the children's sake. "

"Ah, well, " said Mrs. Brownlow, with a serene good nature, contrasting with the heat with which Caroline spoke, "it is youraffair, my dear, but my boys would not thank me for shutting them inwith my pretty things, and I should be sorry to have them there. Healthy country boys like to have their fun, and I would not coopthem up. "

"Oh, but there's the studio to run riot in, Ellen, " said Carey. "Didn't you see? The upper story of the tower. We have put theboy's tools there, and I can do my modelling there, and make messesand all that's nice, " she said, smiling to Mary, and to Allen, whohad just come in. 

"Do you model, Carey?" Mary asked, and Allen volunteered to show hismother's groups and bas-reliefs, thereby much increasing the litteron the floor, and delighting Mary a good deal more than his aunt, whoasked, "What will you do for a store-room then?"

"Put up a few cupboards and shelves anywhere. "

It is not easy to describe the sort of air with which Mrs. RobertBrownlow received this answer. She said nothing but "Oh, " and wasperfectly unruffled in a sort of sublime contempt, as to thehopelessness of doing anything with such a being on her own ground. 

There did not seem overt provocation, but poor Caroline, used topetting and approval, chafed and reasoned: "I don't think anything soimportant as a happy home for the boys, where they can have theirpursuits, and enjoy themselves. "

Mrs. Brownlow seemed to think this totally irrelevant, and observed, "When I have nice things, I like to keep them nice. "

"I like nice boys better than nice things, " cried Carey. 

Ellen smiled as though to say she hoped she was not an unnaturalmother, and again said "Oh!"

Mary Ogilvie was very glad to see the two gentlemen come in from thehall, the Colonel saying, "Mr. Ogilvie tells me he thinks Armine toosmall at present for school, Caroline. "

"You know I am very glad of it, Robert, " she said, smilinggratefully, and Ellen compassionately observed, "Poor little fellow, he is very small, but country air and food will soon make a man ofhim if he is not overdone with books. I make it a point never toforce my children. "

"No, that you don't, " said Caroline, with a dangerous smile about thecorners of her mouth. 

"And my boys do quite as well as if they had their heads stuffed andtheir growth stunted, " said Ellen. "Joe is only two months older thanArmine, and you are quite satisfied with him, are you not, Mr. Ogilvie?"

"He is more on a level with the others, " said Mr. Ogilvie politely;"but I wish they were all as forward as this little fellow. "

"Schoolmasters and mammas don't always agree on those points, " saidthe Colonel good-humouredly. 

"Very true, " responded his wife. "I never was one for teasing thepoor boys with study and all that. I had rather see them strong andwell grown. They'll have quite worry enough when they go to school. "

"I'm sorry you look at me in that aspect, " said Mr. Ogilvie. 

"Oh, I know you can't help it, " said the lady. 

"Any more than Trois Echelles and Petit Andre, " said Carey, in a lowvoice, giving the two Ogilvies the strongest desire to laugh. 

Just then out burst a cry of wrath and consternation, making everyonehurry out into the hall, where, through a perfect cloud of whitepowder, loomed certain figures, and a scandalised voice cried "AuntCaroline, Jock and Armine have been and let all the arrowroot flyabout. "

"You told me to be useful and open parcels, " cried Jock. 

"Oh, jolly, jolly! first-rate!" shouted Armine in ecstasy. "It's justlike Paris in the cloud! More, more, Babie. You are Venus, youknow. "

"Master Armine, Miss Barbara! For shame, " exclaimed the nurse'svoice. "All getting into the carpet, and in your clothes, I dodeclare! A whole case of best arrowroot wasted, and worse. "

"'Twas Jessie's doing, " replied Jock. "She told me. "

Jessie, decidedly the most like Venus of the party, being a verypretty girl, with an oval face and brown eyes, had retreated, and waswith infinite disgust brushing the white powder out of her dress, only in answer ejaculating, "Those boys!"

Jock had not only opened the case, but had opened it upside down, andthe classical performances of Armine and Barbara had powderedthemselves and everything around, while the draught that was rushingthrough all the wide open doors and windows dispersed the mischieffar and wide. 

"Can you do nothing but laugh, Caroline?" gravely said Mrs. Brownlow. "Janet, shut that window. Children, out of the way! If you weremine, I should send you to bed. "

"There's no bed to be sent to, " muttered Jock, running round to givea sly puff to the white heap, diffusing a sprinkling of white powderover his aunt's dress. 

"Jock, " said his mother with real firmness and indignation in hervoice, "that is not the way to behave. Beg your aunt's pardon thisinstant. "

And to everyone's surprise the imp obeyed the hand she had laid onhim, and muttered something like, "beg pardon, " though it made hisface crimson. 

His uncle exclaimed, "That's right, my boy, " and his aunt said, withdignity, "Very well, we'll say no more about it. "

Mary Ogilvie was in the meantime getting some of the powder back intothe tin, and Janet running in from the kitchen with a maid, a souptureen, and sundry spoons, everyone became busy in rescuing theremains-—in the midst of which there was a smash of glass. 

"Jock again!" quoth Janet. 

"Oh, mother!" called out Jock. "It's so long! I thought I'd get thefeather-brush to sweep it up with, and the other end of it has beenand gone through this stupid lamp. "

"Things are not unapt to be and go through, where you are concerned, Mr. Jock, I suspect, " said Mr. Ogilvie. "Suppose you were to comewith me, and your brothers too, and be introduced to the swans on thelake at Belforest. "

The boys brightened up, the mother said, "Thank you most heartily, ifthey will not be a trouble, " and Babie put her hand entreatingly intothe schoolmaster's, and said, "Me too?"

"What, Venus herself! I thought she had disappeared in the cloud!Let her come, pray, Mrs. Brownlow. "

"I thought the children would have been with their cousins, " observedthe aunt. 

"So we were, " returned Armine; "but Johnnie and Joe ran away whenthey saw Mr. Ogilvie coming. "

Babie having by this time had a little black hat tied on, and as mucharrowroot as possible brushed out of her frock; Carey warned theschoolmaster not to let himself be chattered to death, and he walkedoff with the three younger ones. 

Caroline would have kept her friend, but Mary, seeing that littlegood could be gained by staying with her at present, replied that shewould take the walk now, and return to her friend in a couple ofhours' time; and Carey was fain to consent, though with a verywistful look in her eyes. 

At the end of that time, or more, Janet met the party at the gardengate. "You are to go down to my uncle's, children, " she said;"mother has one of her very bad headaches. "

There was an outcry that they must take her the flowers, of whichtheir hands and arms were full; but Janet was resolute, though Babiewas very near tears. 

"To-morrow-—to-morrow, " she said. "She must lie still now, or shewon't be able to do anything. Run away, Babie, they'll be waitingtea for you. Allen's there. He'll take care of you. "

"I want to give Mother Carey those dear white flowers, " stillentreated Babie. 

"I'll give them, my dear. They want you down there-—Ellie andEsther. "

"I don't want to play with Ellie and Essie, " sturdily declaredBarbara. "They say it is telling falsehoods when one wants to playat anything. "

"They don't understand pretending, " said Armine. "Do let us stay, Janet, we'll not make one smallest little atom of noise, if Jockdoesn't stay. "

"You can't, " said Janet, "for there's nothing for you to eat, andnurse and Susan are as savage as Carribee islanders. "

This last argument was convincing. The children threw their flowersinto Janet's arms, gave their hands to Miss Ogilvie, and Babiebetween her two brothers, scampered off, while Miss Ogilvie utteredher griefs and regrets. 

"My mother would like to see you, " said Janet; "indeed, I think itwill do her good. She told me to bring you in. "

"Such a day of fatigue, " began Mary. 

"That and all the rest of it, " said Janet moodily. 

"Is she subject to headaches?"

"No, she never had one, till-—" Janet broke off, for they had reachedher mother's door. 

"Bring her in, " said a weary voice, and Mary found herself beside alow iron bed, where Carey, shaking off the handkerchief steeped invinegar and water on her brow, and showing a tear-stained, swollen-eyed face, threw herself into her friend's arms. 

But she did not cry now, her tears all came when she was alone, andwhen Mary said something of being so sorry for her headache, shesaid, "Oh! it's only with knocking one's head against a mattress likemad people, " in such a matter-of-fact voice, that Mary for a momentwondered whether she had really knocked her head. 

Mary doubted what to say, and wetted the kerchief afresh with thevinegar and water. 

"Oh, Mary, I wish you were going to stay here. "

"I wish! I wish I could, my dear!"

"I think I could be good if you were here!" she sighed. "Oh, Mary, why do they say that troubles make one good?"

"They ought, " said Mary. 

"They don't, " said Carey. "They make me wicked!" and she hid herface in the pillow with a great gasp. 

"My poor Carey!" said the gentle voice. 

"Oh! I want to tell you all about it. Oh! Mary, we have been sohappy!" and what a wail there was in the tone. "But I can't talk, "she added faintly, "it makes me sick, and that's all her doing too. "

"Don't try, " said Mary tenderly. "We know where to find each othernow, and you can write to me. "

"I will, " said Caroline; "I can write much better than tell. And youwill come back, Mary?"

"As soon as I can get a holiday, my dear, indeed I will. "

Carey was too much worn out not to repose on the promise, and thoughshe was unwilling to let her friend go, she said very little more. 

Mary longed to give her a cup of strong coffee, and suggested it toJanet; but headaches were so new in the family, that domesticremedies had not become well-known. Janet instantly rushed down toorder it, but in the state of the house at that moment, it was nearlyas easy to get a draught of pearls. 

"But she shall have it, Miss Ogilvie, " said Janet, putting on herhat. "Where's the nearest grocer?"

"Oh, never mind, my dear, " sighed the patient. "It will go off ofitself, when I can get to sleep. "

"You shall have it, " returned Janet. 

And Mary having taken as tender a farewell as Caroline was able tobear, they walked off together; but the girl did not respond to thekindness of Miss Ogilvie. 

She was too miserable not to be glum, too reserved to be open to astranger. Mary guessed a little of the feeling, though she fearedthat an uncomfortable daughter might be one of poor Carey's troubles, and she could not guess the girl's sense of banishment from all thatshe had enjoyed, society, classes, everything, or her feeling thatthe Magnum Bonum itself was imperilled by exile into the land ofdulness, which of course the poor child exaggerated in herimagination. Her only consolation was to feel herself the MastermanReady of the shipwreck. 

CHAPTER VI. ENCHANTED GROUND. 

And sometimes a merry trainComes upon us from the laneAll through April, May, or June, Every gleaming afternoon;All through April, May, and June, Boys and maidens, birds and bees, Airy whisperings from all trees. Petition of the Flowers-—Keble. 

The headache had been carried off by a good night's rest; a droll, scrambling breakfast had been eaten, German fashion, with its head-quarters on the kitchen table; and everybody running aboutcommunicating their discoveries. Bobus and Jock had set off toschool, and poor little Armine, who firmly believed that hisrejection was in consequence of his confusion between os, ossis, andos, oris, and was very sore about it, had gone with Allen and Barbarato see them on their way, and Mother Carey and Janet had agreed toget some real work done and were actually getting through business, when in rushed, rosy and eager, Allen, Armine, and Babie, with armsstretched and in breathless haste. 

"Mother Carey! Oh, mother! mammie, dear! come and see!"

"Come-—where?"

"To fairy-land. Get her bonnet, Babie. "

"Out of doors, you boy? just look there!"

"Oh! bother all that! It can wait. "

"Do pray come, mother, " entreated Armine;" you never saw anythinglike it!"

"What is it? Will it take long?" said she, beginning to yield, asBabie danced about with her bonnet, Armine tugged at her, and Allenlook half-commanding, half-coaxing. 

"She is not to know till she sees! No, don't tell her, " said Armine. "Bandage her eyes, Allen. Here's my silk handkerchief. "

"And Janet. She mustn't see, " cried Babie, in ecstasy. 

"I'm not coming, " said Janet, rather crossly. "I'm much too busy, and it is only some nonsense of yours. "

"Thank you, " said Allen, laughing; "mother shall judge of that. "

"It does seem a shame to desert you, my dear, " said Carey, "but yousee-—"

What Janet was to see was stifled in the flap of the handkerchiefwith which Allen was binding her eyes, while Armine and Babie sangrapturously—-

 "Come along, Mother Carey, Come along to land of fairy;"

an invocation to which, sooth to say, she had become so muchaccustomed that it prevented her from expecting a fairy-land where itwas not necessary to "make believe very much. "

Janet so entirely disapproved of the puerile interruption that shenever looked to see how Allen and Babie managed the bonnet. She onlyindignantly picked up the cap which had fallen from the sofa to thefloor, and disposed of it for security's sake on the bronze head ofApollo, which was waiting till his bracket could be put up. 

Guided most carefully by her eldest son, and with the two little onesdancing and singing round her, and alternately stopping each other'smouths when any premature disclosure was apprehended, pausing inwonder when the cuckoo note, never heard before, came on them, makingthem laugh with glee. 

Thus she was conducted much further than she expected. She heard theswing of the garden gate and felt her feet on the road andremonstrated, but she was coaxed on and through another gate, and apath where Allen had to walk in front of her, and the little onesfell behind. 

Then came an eager "Now. "

Her eyes were unbound, and she beheld what they might well callenchanted ground. 

She was in the midst of a curved bank where the copsewood had nodoubt been recently cut away, and which was a perfect marvel ofprimroses, their profuse bunches standing out of their wrinkledleaves at every hazel root or hollow among the exquisite moss, variedby the pearly stars of the wind-flower, purple orchis spikesspringing from black-spotted leaves, and deep-grey crested dog-violets. On one side was a perfect grove of the broad-leaved, waxen-belled Solomon's seal, sloping down to moister ground where was agolden river of king-cups, and above was a long glade between youngbirch-trees, their trunks gleaming silvery white, the boughs overhead breaking out into foliage that looked yellow rather than greenagainst the blue sky, and the ground below one sheet of thatunspeakably intense purple blue which is only produced by masses ofthe wild hyacinth. 

"There!" said Allen. 

"There!" re-echoed the children. "Oh mammy, mammy dear! Is it notdelicious?"

Carey held up her hand in silence, for a nightingale was pouring outhis song close by; she listened breathlessly, and as it ceased sheburst into tears. 

"O mother!" cried Allen, "it is too much for you. "

"No, dear boy, it is-—it is-—only too beautiful. It is what papaalways talked of and would have so enjoyed. "

"Do you think he has better flowers up there?" asked Babie. "I don'tthink they can be much better. "

And without waiting for more she plunged down among the primroses andspread her little self out with a scream of ecstasy. 

And verily the strange sense of rapture and enchantment was no lessin the mother herself. There is no charm perhaps equal to that of aprimrose bank on a sunny day in spring, sight, sound, scent all alikeexquisite. It comes with a new and fresh delight even to those towhom this is an annual experience, and to those who never saw thelike before it gives, like the first sight of the sea or of a snowymountain, a sensation never to be forgotten. Fret, fatigue, anxiety, sorrow all passed away like dreams in that sweet atmosphere. Carey, like one of her children, absolutely forgot everything in the charmand wonder of the scene, in the pure, delicate unimaginable odour ofthe primroses, in debating with Allen whether (cockneys that theywere) it could be a nightingale "singing by day when every goose iscackling, " in listening to the marvellous note, only pausing to beanswered from further depths, in the beauty of the whole, and in theindividual charm of every flower, each heavily-laden arch of darkblue-bells with their curling tips, so infinitely more graceful thantheir pampered sister, the hyacinth of the window-glass, of each puredelicate anemone she gathered, with its winged stem, of the smilingprimrose of that inimitable tint it only wears in its own woodlandnest; and when Allen lighted on a bed of wood-sorrel, with itsscarlet stems, lovely trefoil leaves, and purple striped blossomslike insect's wings, she absolutely held her breath in an enthusiasmof reverent admiration. No one can tell the happiness of those four, only slightly diminished by Armine's getting bogged on his way to thegolden river of king-cups, and his mother in going after him, tillAllen from an adjacent stump pulled them out, their feet deeply ladenwith mud. 

They had only just emerged when the strokes of a great bell camepealing up from the town below; Allen and his mother looked at eachother in amused dismay, then at their watches. It was twelveo'clock! Two hours had passed like as many minutes, and the boyswould be coming home to dinner. 

"Ah! well, we must go, " said Carey, as they gathered up theirarmloads of flowers. "You naughty children to make me forgeteverything. "

"You are not sorry you came though, mother. It has done you good, "said Allen solicitously. He was the most affectionate of them all. 

"Sorry! I feel as if I cared for nothing while I have a place likethat to drink up delight in. "

With which they tried to make their way back to the path again, butit was not immediately to be found; and their progress was furtherimpeded by a wood-pigeon dwelling impressively on the notes "Take twocows, Taffy; Taffy take TWO!" and then dashing out, flapping andgrey, in their faces, rather to Barbara's alarm, and then by Armine'sstumbling on his first bird's nest, a wren's in the moss of an oldstump, where the tiny bird unadvisedly flew out of her leafy holefull before their eyes. That was a marvel of marvels, a delightequal to that felt by any explorer the world has seen. Armine andBarbara, who lived in one perpetual fairy tale, were saying to oneanother that

"One needn't make believe here, it was every bit real. "

"And more;" added the other little happy voice. Barbara did howeverbegin to think of the numerous children in the wood, and to takecomfort that it was unprecedented that their mother and big brothershould be with them, but they found the park palings at last, andthen a little wicket gate, where they were very near home. 

"Mother, where _have_ you been?" exclaimed Janet, somewhat suddenlyemerging from the door. 

"In Tom Tiddler's ground, picking up gold and silver, " said Carey, pointing to the armsful of king-cups, cuckoo-flowers, and anemones, besides blue-bells, orchises, primroses, &c. "My poor child, it wasa great shame to leave you, but they got me into the enchanted landand I forgot all about everything. "

"I think so, " said a gravely kind voice, and Caroline was aware ofEllen's eye looking at her as the Court Queen might have looked atOphelia if she had developed her taste for "long purples" as Hamlet'swidow. At least so it struck Mother Carey, who immediately becameconscious that her bonnet was awry, having been half pulled off by abramble, that her ankles were marked by the bog, and that bits ofgreen were sticking all over her. 

"Have you been helping Janet? Oh, how kind!" she said, refreshed byher delightsome morning into putting a bright face on it. 

"We have done all we could in your absence, " said her sister-in-law, in a reproachful voice. 

"Thank you; I'm sure it is very good of you. Janet—-Janet, where'sthe great Dutch bowl-—and the little Salviati? Nothing else isworthy of this dear little fairy thing. "

"What is it? Just common wood-sorrel, " said the other lady, in utteramaze. 

"Ah, Ellen, you think me demented. You little know what it is to seespring for the first time. Ah! that's right, Janet. Now, Babie, we'll make a little bit of fairy-land-—"

"Don't put all those littering flowers on that nice clean chintz, children, " exclaimed the aunt, as though all her work were about tobe undone. 

And then a trampling of boy's boots being heard and shouts of"Mother, " Carey darted out into the hall to hear fragments of schoolintelligence as to work and play, tumbling over one another, fromBobus and Jock both at once, in the midst of which Mrs. RobertBrownlow came out with her hat on, and stood, with her air of patientserenity, waiting for an interval. 

Caroline looked up, and said, "I beg your pardon, Ellen-—what is it?"

"If you can attend a moment, " said she, gravely; "I must be going tomy boys' dinner. But Robert wishes to know whether he shall orderthis paper for the drawing-room. It cannot be put up yet, of course;but Smith has only a certain quantity of it, and it is so stylishthat he said the Colonel had better secure it at once. "

She spread the roll of paper on the hall table. It was a whitepaper, slightly tinted, and seemed intended to represent coralbranches, with starry-looking things at the ends. 

"The aquarium at the Zoo, " muttered Bobus; and Caroline herself, meeting Allen's eye, could not refrain from adding, "The worms they crawled in, And the worms they crawled out. "

"Mother!" cried Jock, "I thought you were going to paint it all overwith jolly things. "

"Frescoes, " said Allen; "sha'n't you, mother?"

"If your uncle does not object, " said his mother, choking down agiggle. "Those plaster panels are so tempting for frescoes, Ellen. "

"Frescoes! Why, those are those horrid improper-looking gods andgoddesses in clouds and chariots on the ceilings at Belforest, "observed that lady, in a half-puzzled, half-offended tone of voice, that most perilously tickled the fancy of Mother Carey and her brood!and she could hardly command her voice to make answer, "Never fear, Ellen; we are not going to attempt allegorical monstrosities, only tomake a bower of green leaves and flowers such as we see round us;though after what we have seen to-day that seems presumptuous enough. Fancy, Janet! golden green trees and porcelain blue ground, all inone bath of sunshine. Such things must be seen to be believed in. "

Poor Mrs. Robert Brownlow! She went home and sighed, as she said toher husband, "Well, what is to become of those poor things I do notknow. One would sometimes think poor Caroline was just a littletouched in the head. "

"I hope not, " said the Colonel, rather alarmed. 

"It may be only affectation, " said his lady, in a consolatory tone. "I am afraid poor Joe did live with a very odd set of people-—artists, and all that kind of thing. I am sure I don't blame her, poor thing! But she is worse to manage than any child, because youcan't bid her mind what she is about, and not talk nonsense. Whenshe leaves her house in such a state, and no one but that poor girlto see to anything, and comes home all over mud, raving about fairy-land, and gold trees and blue ground; when she has just got into abog in Belforest coppice—-littering the whole place, too, with commonwild flowers. If it had been Essie and Ellie, I should just have putthem in the corner for making such a mess!"

The Colonel laughed a little to himself, and said, consolingly, "Well, well, you know all these country things are new to her. Youmust be patient with her. "

Patient! That had to be the burthen of the song on both sides. Carey was pushing back her hair with a fierce, wild sense ofimpatience with that calm assumption that fretted her beyond allbearing, and made her feel desolate beyond all else. She would have, she thought, done well enough alone with her children, and scrambledinto her new home; but the directions, however needful, seemed to becontinually insulting her understanding. When she was advised as tothe best butcher and baker, there was a ring in her ears as if Ellenmeant that these were safe men for a senseless creature like her, andshe could not encounter them with her orders without wonderingwhether they had been told to treat her well. 

Indeed, one of the chief drawbacks to Carey's comfort was herdifficulty in attending to what her brother and sister-in-law said toher. Something in the measured tones of the Colonel always made herthoughts wander as from a dull sermon; and this was more unlucky inhis case than in his wife's-—for Ellen used such reiterations thatthere was a fair chance of catching her drift the second or thirdtime, if not the first, whereas all he said was well weighed andarranged, and was only too heavy and sententious. 

Kencroft, the home of the Colonel and his family, Mrs. RobertBrownlow's inheritance, was certainly "a picture of a place. " It hadprobably been an appendage of the old minster, though the house wasonly of the seventeenth century; but that was substantial andvenerable of its kind, and exceedingly comfortable and roomy, witheverything kept in perfect order. Caroline could not quite think thefurniture worthy of it, but that was not for want of the desire to doeverything handsomely and fashionably. Moreover, in spite of theschoolroom and nurseryful of children, marvels of needlework andknitting adorned every table, chair, and sofa, while even in themidst of the town Kencroft had its own charming garden; a lawn, oncedevoted to bowls and now to croquet, an old-fashioned walled kitchengarden, sloping up the hill, and a paddock sufficient to make cowsand pigs part of the establishment. 

The Colonel had devoted himself to gardening and poultry with themingled ardour and precision of a man who needed something to supplythe place of his soldierly duties; and though his fervour had relaxedunder the influence of ease, gout, and substantial flesh, enoughremained to keep up apple-pie order without-doors, and renderKencroft almost a show place. The meadow lay behind the house, and agravel walk leading along its shaded border opened into the laneabout ten yards from the gate of the Pagoda, as Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow and the post office laboured to call it; the Folly, as cameso much more naturally to everyone's lips. It had been the work ofthe one eccentric man in Mrs. Robert Brownlow's family, and was thusher property. It had hung long on hand, being difficult to let, andafter making sufficient additions, it had been decided that, at anominal rent, it would house the family thrown upon the hands of thegood Colonel. 

CHAPTER VII. THE COLONEL'S CHICKENS. 

They censured the bantam for strutting and crowing, In those vile pantaloons that he fancied looked knowing;And a want of decorum caused many demursAgainst the game chicken for coming in spurs. The Peacock at Home. 

Left to themselves, Mother Carey, with Janet and old nurse, completedtheir arrangements so well that when Jessie looked in at fiveo'clock, with a few choice flowers covering a fine cucumber in herbasket, she exclaimed in surprise, "How nice you have made it alllook, I shall be so glad to tell mamma. "

"Tell her what?" asked Janet. 

"That you have really made the room look nice, " said Jessie. 

"Thank you, " said her cousin, ironically. "You see we have as manyhands as other people. Didn't Aunt Ellen think we had?"

"Of course she did, " said Jessie, a pretty, kindly creature, but slowof apprehension; "only she said she was very sorry for you. "

"And why?" cried Janet, leaping up in indignation. 

"Why?" interposed Allen, "because we are raw cockneys, who go intoraptures over primroses and wild hyacinths, eh, Jessie?"

"Well, you have set them up very nicely, " said Jessie; "but fancytaking so much trouble about common flowers. "

"What would you think worth setting up?" asked Janet. "A big dahlia, I suppose, or a great red cactus?"

"We have a beautiful garden, " said Jessie: "papa is very particularabout it, and we always get the prize for our flowers. We had thefirst prizes for hyacinths and forced roses last week, and we shouldhave had the first for forced cucumbers if the gardener at Belforesthad not had a spite against Spencer, because he left him for us. Everybody said there was no comparison between the cucumbers, and Mr. Ellis said-—"

Janet had found the day before how Jessie could prattle on in anendless quiet stream without heeding whether any one entered into itor replied to it; but she was surprised at Allen's toleration of it, though he changed the current by saying, "Belforest seems a jolly, place. "

"But you've only seen the wood, not the gardens, " said Jessie. 

"I went down to the lake with Mr. Ogilvie, " said Allen, "and sawsomething splendiferous looking on the other side. "

"Oh! they are beautiful!" cried Janet, "all laid out in ribbongardens and with the most beautiful terrace, and a fountain-—onlythat doesn't play except when you give the gardener half-a-crown, andmamma says, that is exorbitant—-and statues standing all round—-realmarble statues. "

"Like the groves of Blarney, " muttered Janet:

 "Heathen goddesses most rare, Homer, Venus, and Nebuchadnezzar, All standing naked in the open air. "

Allen, seeing Jessie scandalised, diverted her attention by asking, "Whom does it belong to ?"

"Mr. Barnes, " said Jessie; "but he is hardly ever there. He is anold miser, you know-—what they call a millionaire, or mill-owner;which is it?"

"One is generally the French for the other, " put in Janet. 

"Never mind her, Jessie, " said Allen, with a look of infinitedispleasure at his sister. "What does he do which keeps him away?"

"I believe he is a great merchant, and is always in Liverpool, " saidJessie. "Any way, he is a very cross old man, and won't let anybodygo into his park and gardens when he comes down here; and he is verycruel too, for he disinherited his own nephew and niece for marrying. Only think Mrs. Watson at the grocer's told our Susan that there's alittle girl, who is his own great-niece, living down at River HollowFarm with Mr. And Mrs. Gould, just brought up by common farmers, youknow, and he won't take any notice of her, nor give one farthing forbringing her up. Isn't it shocking? And even when he is at home, heonly has two chops or two steaks, or just a bit of kidney, and thatwhen he is literally rolling in gold. "

Jessie opened her large brown eyes to mark her horror, and Allen, made a gesture of exaggerated sympathy, which his sister took formore earnest than it was, and she said, scornfully, "I should like tosee him literally rolling in gold. It must be like Midas. Do youmean that he sleeps on it, Jessie? How hard and cold!"

"Nonsense, " said Jessie; "you know what I mean. "

"I know what literally rolling in gold means, but I don't know whatyou mean. "

"Don't bully her, Janet, " said Allen; "we are not so stupid, are we, Jessie? Come and show me the walnut-tree you were telling me about. "

"What's the matter, Janet?" said her mother, coming in a moment ortwo after, and finding her staring blankly out of the window, wherethe two had made their exit. 

"O mother, Jessie has been talking such gossip, and Allen likes it, and won't have it stopped! I can't think what makes Allen and Bobusboth so foolish whenever she is here. "

"She is a very pretty creature, " said Carey, smiling a little. 

"Pretty!" repeated Janet. "What has that to do with it?"

"A great deal, as you will have to find out in the course of yourlife, my dear. "

"I thought only foolish people cared about beauty. "

"It is very convenient for us to think so, " said Carey, smiling. 

"But mother-—surely everybody cares for you just as much or more thanif you were a great handsome, stupid creature! How I hate that wordhandsome!"

"Except for a cab, " said Carey. 

"Ah! when shall I see a Hansom again?" said Janet in a slightlysentimental tone. But she returned to the charge, "Don't go, mother, I want you to answer. "

"Beauty versus brains! My dear, you had better open your eyes to thetruth. You must make up your mind to it. It is only veryexceptional people who, even in the long run, care most for femininebrains. "

"But, mother, every one did. "

"Every one in our world, Janet; but your father made our home set ofthose exceptional people, and we are cast out of it now!" she added, with a gasp and a gesture of irrepressible desolateness. 

"Yes, that comes of this horrid move, " said the girl, in quiteanother tone. "Well, some day-—" and she stopped. 

"Some day?" said her mother. 

"Some day we'll go back again, and show what we are, " she said, proudly. 

"Ah, Janet! and that's nothing now without _him_. "

"Mother, how can you say so, when-—?" Jane just checked herself, asshe was coming to the great secret. 

"When we have his four boys, " said her mother. "Ah! yes, Janet-—if-—and when-—But that's a long way off, and, to come back to our formersubject, " she added, recalling herself with a sigh, " it will be wisein us owlets to make up our minds that owlets we are, and to give theplace to the eaglets. "

"But eaglets are very ugly, and owlets very pretty, " quoth Janet. 

Carey laughed. "That does not seem to have been the opinion of theBeast Epic, " said she, and the entrance of Babie prevented them fromgoing further. 

Janet turned away with one of her grim sighs at the unappreciativeworld to which she was banished. She had once or twice been on thepoint of mentioning the Magnum Bonum to her mother, but the reserveat first made it seem as if an avowal would be a confession, and tothis she could not bend her pride, while the secrecy made a strangebarrier between her and her mother. In truth, Janet had never beenso devoted to Mother Carey as to either granny or her father, and nowshe missed them sorely, and felt it almost an injury to have no onebut her mother to turn to. 

Her character was not set in the same mould, and though both couldmeet on the common ground of intellect, she could neither enter intothe recesses of her mother's grief, nor understand those flashes ofbrightness and playfulness which nothing could destroy. If Carey hadchosen to unveil the truth to herself, she would have owned thatAllen, who was always ready, tender and sympathetic to her, was amuch greater comfort than his sister; nay, that even little Babiegave her more rest and peace than did Janet, who always rubbedagainst her whenever they found themselves tete-a-tete or inconsultation. 

Meantime Babie had been out with her two little cousins, and camehome immensely impressed with the Belforest gardens. The house wasshut up, but the gardens were really kept up to perfection, and thelittle one could not declare her full delight in the wonderful blazeshe had seen of banks of red, and flame coloured, and white, flowering trees. "They said they would show me the Americans, " shesaid. "Why was it, mother? I thought Americans were like thegentleman who dined with you one day, and told me about the snowbirds. But there were only these flower-trees, and a pond, andstatues standing round it, and I don't think they were Americans, forI know one was Diana, because she had a bow and quiver. I wanted tolook at the rest, but Miss James said they were horrid heathen gods, not fit for little girls to look at; and, mother, Ellie is so silly, she thought the people at Belforest worshipped them. Do come and seethem, mother. It is like the Crystal Palace out-of-doors. "

"Omitting the Crystal, " laughed some one; but Babie had more to say, exclaiming, "O mother, Essie says Aunt Ellen says Janet and I are todo lessons with Miss James, but you won't let us, will you?"

"Miss James!" broke out Janet indignantly; "we might as well learn ofold nurse! Why, mother, she can't pronounce French, and she neverheard of terminology, and she thinks Edward I. Killed the bards!"For the girls had spent a day or two with their cousins in the courseof the move. 

"Yes, " broke in Barbara, "and she won't let Essie and Ellie teachtheir dolls their lessons! She was quite cross when I was showingthem how, and said it was all nonsense when I told her I heard yousay that I half taught myself by teaching Juliet. And so the poordolls have no advantages, mother, and are quite stupid for want ofeducation, " pursued the little girl, indignantly. "They aren'tpeople, but only dolls, and Essie and Ellie can't do anything withthem but just dress them and take them out walking. "

"That's what they would wish to make Babie like!" said her eldersister. 

"But you'll not let anybody teach me but you, dear, dear MotherCarey, " entreated the child. 

"No, indeed, my little one. " And just then the boys came rushing into their evening meal, full of the bird's nest that they had beenvisiting in their uncle's field, and quite of opinion that Kenminsterwas "a jolly place. "

"And then, " added Jock, "we got the garden engine, and had such fun, you don't know. "

"Yes, " said Bobus, "till you sent a whole cataract against the house, and that brought out her Serene Highness!"

The applicability of the epithet set the whole family off into alaugh, and Jock further made up a solemn face, and repeated—-

 "Buff says Buff to all his men, And I say Buff to you again. Buff neither laughs nor smiles, But carries his face With a very good grace. "

It convulsed them all, and the mother, recovering a little, said, "Iwonder whether she ever can laugh. "

"Poor Aunt Ellen!" said Babie, in all her gravity; "she is like KingHenry I. And never smiled again. "

And with more wit than prudence, Mrs. Buff, her Serene Highness, SuaSerenita, as Janet made it, became the sobriquets for Aunt Ellen, andwere in continual danger of oozing out publicly. Indeed the youngerpopulation at Kencroft probably soon became aware of them, for on thenext half-holiday Jock crept in with unmistakable tokens of combatabout him, and on interrogation confessed, "It was Johnnie, mother. Because we wanted you to come out walking with us, and he said 'twasno good walking with one's mother, and I told him he didn't know whata really jolly mother was, and that his mother couldn't laugh, andthat you said so, and he said my mother was no better than a tomboy, and that she said so, and so—-"

And so, the effects were apparent on Jock's torn and stained collarand swelled nose. 

But the namesake champions remained unconvinced, except that Johnniemay have come over to the opinion that a mother no better than atomboy was not a bad possession, for the three haunted the "Folly" agood deal, and made no objection to their aunt's company after thefirst experiment. 

Unfortunately, however, their assurances that their mother couldlaugh as well as other people were not so conclusive but that Jockmade it his business to do his utmost to produce a laugh, in which hewas apt to be signally unsuccessful, to his own great surprise, though to that of no one else. For instance, two or three dayslater, when his mother and Allen were eating solemnly a dinner atKencroft, by way of farewell ere Allen's return to Eton, anextraordinarily frightful noise was heard in the poultry yard, wheredwelt various breeds of Uncle Robert's prize fowls. 

Thieves—-foxes-—dogs-—what could it be? Even the cheese and celerywere deserted, and out rushed servants, master, mistress, and guests, being joined by the two girls from the school-room; but even thenCarey was struck by the ominous absence of boys. The poultry housedoor was shut-—locked-—but the noises within were more and morefrightful-—of convulsive cocks and hysterical hens, mingled withhuman scufflings and hushes and snortings and snigglings that madethe elders call out in various tones of remonstrance and reprobation, "Boys, have done! Come out! Open the door. "

A small hatch door was opened, a flourish on a tin trumpet was heard, and out darted, in an Elizabethan ruff and cap, a respectable Dorkingmother of the yard, cackling her displeasure, and instantly dashingto the top of the wall, followed at once by a stately black Spaniard, decorated with a lace mantilla of cut paper off a French plum box, squawking and curtseying. Then came a dapper pullet, with a doll'shat on her unwilling head, &c. , &c. 

The outsiders were choking with breathless surprise at first, thenthe one lady began indignantly to exclaim, "Now, boys! Have done-—let the poor things alone. Come out this minute. " The other fairlyreeled against the wall with laughter, and Janet and Jessie screamedat each fresh appearance, till they made as much noise as theoutraged chickens, though one shrieked with dismay, the other withdiversion. At last the Colonel, slower of foot than the rest, arrived on the scene, just as the pride of his heart, the old KingChanticleer of the yard, made his exit, draped in a royal red paperrobe and a species of tinsel crown, out of which his red face lookedmost ludicrous as he came halting and stupefied, haying evidentlybeen driven up in a corner and pinched rather hard; but close behindhim, chuckling forth his terror and flapping his wings, came the pertlittle white bantam, belted and accoutred as a page. 

Colonel Brownlow's severe command to open the door was not resistedfor one moment, and forth rushed a cloud of dust and feathers, aquacking waggling substratum of ducks, and a screaming flappingrabble of chickens, behind whom, when the mist cleared, were seen, looking as if they had been tarred and feathered, various black andgrey figures, which developed into Jock, Armine, Robin, Johnny, andJoe. Jock, the foremost, stared straight up in his aunt's face, Armine ran to his mother with-—"Did you see the old king, mother, andhis little page? Wasn't it funny—-"

But he was stopped by the sight of his uncle, who laid hold of hiseldest son with a fierce "How dare you, sir?" and gave him a shakeand blow. Robin stood with a sullen look on his face, and hands inhis pockets, and his brothers followed suit. Armine hid his face inhis mother's dress, and burst out crying; but Jock stepped forth and, with that impish look of fearlessness, said, "I did it, Uncle Robert!I wanted to make Aunt Ellen laugh. Did she laugh, mother?" he askedin so comical and innocent a manner that, in spite of her fullconsciousness of the heinousness of the offence, and its generalunluckiness, Mother Carey was almost choked. This probably added tothe gravity with which the other lady decreed with Juno-likeseverity, "Robin and John must be flogged. Joe is too young. "

"Certainly, " responded the Colonel; but Caroline, instead of, as theyevidently expected of her, at once offering up her victim, sprangforward with eager, tearful pleadings, declaring it was all Jock'sfault, and he did not know how naughty it was-—but all in vain. "Robert knew. He ought to have stopped it, " said the Colonel. "Goto the study, you two. "

Jock did not act as the generous hero of romance would have done, andvolunteer to share the flogging. He cowered back on his mother, andput his arm round her waist, while she said, "Jock told the truth, soI shall not ask you to flog him, Uncle Robert. He shall not do suchmischief again. "

"If he does, " said his uncle, with a look as if her consent would notbe asked to what would follow. 

CHAPTER VIII. THE FOLLY. 

There will we sit upon the rocks, And see the shepherds feed their flocksBy summer rivers, by whose fallsMelodious birds sing madrigals. -—Marlowe. 

"How does my little schoolfellow get on?" asked Mary Ogilvie, whenshe had sat down for her first meal with her brother in her summerholidays. 

"Much as Ariel did in the split pine, I fancy. "

"For shame, David! I'm afraid you are teaching her to see Sycoraxand Caliban in her neighbours. "

"Not I! How should I ever see her! Do you hear from her?"

"Sometimes; and I heard of her from the Actons, who had an immenseregard for her husband, who, they say, was a very superior man. "

"It is hardly necessary to be told so. "

"They mean to take lodgings somewhere near here this next month, andsee what they can do to cheer her in her present life, which must bethe greatest possible contrast to her former one. Do you wish to setout on our expedition before August, Davie? I should like you to seethem. "

"By all means let us wait for them. Indeed I should not be atliberty till the last week in July. "

"And how go the brains of Kenminster? You look enlivened since lasttime I saw you. "

"It is the infusion the brains have received. That one woman hasmade more difference to the school than I could have done in tenyears. "

"You find her boys, at any rate, pupils worth teaching. "

"More than that. Of course it is something to have a fellow capableof ideas before one; but besides that, lads who had gone oncontentedly at their own level have had to bestir themselves not tobe taken down by him. When he refused to have it forced upon himthat study was not the thing at Kenminster, they found the only wayto make him know his place was to keep theirs, and some of them havereally found the use of their wits, and rejoice in them. Even in thelower form, the Colonel's second boy has developed an intellect. Then the way those boys bring their work prepared has raised thestandard!"

"I heard something of that on my way. "

"You did?"

"Yes; two ladies were in full career of talk when the train stoppedat the Junction, and I heard-—'I am always obliged to spend one hourevery evening seeing that Arthur knows his lessons. So troublesomeyou know; but since that Mrs. Joseph Brownlow has come, she helps herboys so with their home-work that the others have not a chance if onedoes not look to it oneself. ' Then it appeared that she told Mr. Ogilvie it wasn't fair, and that he would give her no redress. "

"Absurd woman! It is not a matter of unfairness, as I told her. They don't get help in sums or exercises; they only have grammar tolearn and construing to prepare, and all my concern is that it shouldbe got up thoroughly. If their mothers help them, so much thebetter. "

"The mothers don't seem to think so. However, she branched off intoincredulity that Mrs. Joe Brownlow could ever really teach herchildren anything, for she was always tramping all over the countrywith them at all hours of the day and night. She has met herherself, with all those boys after her, three miles from home, in agreat straw hat, when her husband hadn't been dead a year. "

"I'm sure she is always in regulation veils, and all the rest of it, at Church, if that's what you ladies want. "

"But the crown of the misdoings seemed to be that she had been met atsome old castle, sacred to picnics, alone with her children—-no partynor anything. I could not make out whether the offence consisted inmaking the ruin too cheap, or in caring for it for its own sake, andnot as a lion for guests. "

"The latter probably. She has the reputation of being veryaffected!!!"

"Poor dear! I heard that she was a great trial to dear Mrs. Brownlow, " said Mary, in an imitative voice. "Why, do you know, shesometimes is up and out with her children before six o'clock in themorning; and then Colonel Brownlow went in one day at twelve o'clock, and found the whole family fast asleep on different sofas. "

"The sensible way, too, to spend such days as these. To go out inthe cool of the morning, and take a siesta, is the only rationalplan!"

"I'm afraid one must conform to one's neighbours' ways. "

"Trust a woman for being conventional. "

"I confess I did not like the tone in which my poor Carey was spokenof. I am afraid she can hardly have taken care enough not to bethought flighty. "

"Mary! you are as absurd as the rest of them!"

"Why? what have you seen of her?"

"Nothing, I tell you, except once meeting her in the street, and oncecalling on her to ask whether her boy should learn German. " AndDavid Ogilvie spoke with a vehemence that somewhat startled hissister. 

It was a July evening, and though the walls of the schoolmaster'shouse were thick, it was sultry enough within to lead the brother andsister out immediately after dinner, looking first into the play-fields, where cricket was of course going on among the bigger boys, but where Mary looked in vain for her friend's sons. 

"No, they are not much of cricketers, " said her brother; "they aresmall for it yet, and only take their turn in watching-out bycompulsion. I wish the senior had more play in him. Shall we walkon by the river?"

So they did, along a paved causeway which presently got clear of thecottages and gables of old factories, and led along, with thebrightly glassy sheet of water on one side, and the steep woodedslope on the other, loose-strife and meadow-sweet growing thickly onthe bank, amid long weeds with feathery tops, rich brown fingers ofsedge, and bur-reeds like German morgensterns, while above the longwreaths of dog-roses projected, the sweet honeysuckle twined about, and the white blossoms of traveller's joy hung in festoons from thehedge of the bordering plantation. After a time they came on a kindof glade, opening upwards though the wood, with one large oak-treestanding alone in the centre, and behold! on the grass below sat orlay a company-—Mrs. Joseph Brownlow in the midst, under the obnoxiousmushroom-hat, reading aloud. Radiating from her were five boys, thebiggest of all on his back, with his hat over his eyes, fast asleep;another cross-legged, with a basket between his knees, dividing hisattention between it and the book; two more lying frog-like, withelbows on the ground, feet erected behind them, chin in hand, devouring the narrative with their eyes; the fifth wrigglingrestlessly about, evidently in search of opportunities of mischief orof tormenting tricks. Just within earshot, but sketching thepicturesque wooden bridge below, sat one girl. The little one, withher youngest brother, was close at their mother's feet, threadingflowers to make a garland. It was a pretty sight, and so intent weremost of the party on their occupations that they never saw the pairon the bank till Joe, the idler, started and rolled round with"Hollo!" when all turned, it may be feared with muttered growls fromsome of the boys; but Carey herself gave a cry of joy, ran down thebank like a girl, and greeted Mary Ogilvie with an eager embrace. 

"You are holding a Court here, " said the school-master. 

"We have had tea out here. It is too hot for indoors, and I amreading them the 'Water Babies. '"

"To a large audience, I see. "

"Yes, and some of which are not quite sure whether it is fact orfiction. Come and sit down. "

"The boys will hate us for breaking up their reading, " said Mary. 

"Why should not we listen!" said her brother. 

"Don't disturb yourselves, boys; we've met before to-day. "

Bobus and Jock were, however, on their feet, and Johnny had halfrisen; Robin lay still snoring, and Joe had retreated into the woodfrom the alarming spectacle of "the schoolmaster abroad. "

After a greeting to the two girls, who comported themselves, according to their ages, as young ladies might be expected to do, theOgilvies found accommodation on the roots of the tree, and listened. The "Water Babies" were then new, and Mr. Ogilvie had never heardthem. Luckily the reading had just come to the history of the "Do asYou Likes, " and the interview between the last of the race and M. DuChaillu diverted him beyond measure. He laughed so much over thepoor fellow's abortive attempt to say "Am I not a man and a brother?"that his three scholars burst out into a second edition of shouts oflaughter at the sight of him, and thus succeeded in waking Robin, who, after a great contortion, sat up on the grass, and, rubbing hiseyes, demanded in an injured tone what was the row?

"'The Last of the Do as You Likes, '" said Armine. 

"Oh I say--isn't it jolly, " cried Jock, beating his breast gorilla-fashion and uttering a wild murmur of "Am I not a man and a brother?"then tumbling head over heels, half in ecstasy, half in imitation ofthe fate of the Do as You Like, setting everybody off into fitsagain. 

"It's just what Robin is coming to, " observed Bobus, as his namesakestretched his arms and delivered himself of a waking howl; thensuddenly becoming conscious of Mr. Ogilvie, he remained petrified, with one arm fully outstretched, the other still lifted to his head. 

"Never mind, Brownlow maximus, " said his master; "it was hardly fairto surprise you in private life, was it?"

The boy made no answer, but scrambled up, sheepish and disconcerted;and indeed the sun was entirely down and the dew almost falling, sothat the mother called to the young ones to gather up their thingsand come home. 

Such a collection! Bobus picked up a tin-case and basket full offlowers, interspersed with bottles of swimming insects. The trio andArmine shouldered their butterfly-nets, and had a distribution ofpill-boxes and bottles, in some of which were caterpillars intendedto live, in others butterflies dead (or dying, it may be feared) oflaurel leaves. Babie had a mighty nosegay; Janet put up the sketch, which showed a good deal of power; and the whole troop moved up theslope to go home by the lanes. 

"What collectors you are!" said Mr. Ogilvie. 

"For the museum, " answered Armine, eagerly. 

"Haven't you seen our museum?" cried Barbara, who had taken his hand. "Oh, it is such a beauty! We have got an Orobanche major, only it isnot dry yet. "

"I'm afraid Babie likes fine words, " said her mother; "but our museumis a great amusement to us Londoners. "

They all walked home together, talking merrily, and Mr. And MissOgilvie came in with them, on special entreaty, to share the supper-—milk, fruit, bread and butter and cheese, and sandwiches, which waslaid out on the round table in the octagon vestibule, which formedthe lowest story of the tower. It was partaken of standing, orsitting at case on the window-seats, a form or two, an old carvedchair, or on the stairs, the children ascending them after theirmeal, and after securing in their own fashion their treasures for themorrow. The two cousins had already bidden good-night at the gateand gone home, and the Ogilvies followed their example in tenminutes, Caroline begging Mary to come up to her as soon as Mr. Ogilvie was disposed of by school hours. 

"But you will be busy?" said Mary. 

"Never mind, I am afraid we are not very regular, " said Carey. 

It was by this time ten o'clock, and the two younger children werestill to be heard shouting to one another up stairs about the leavesfor their chrysalids. So when Mary came up the hill at half-past tenthe next morning, she was the less surprised to find these two onlyjust beginning breakfast, while their mother was sitting at the endof the table knitting, and hearing Janet repeat German poetry. Theboys had long been in school. 

Caroline jumped up and threw her arms round Mary's neck, declaringthat now they would enjoy themselves. "We are very late, " she added, "but these late walks make the little people sleep, and I think it isbetter for them than tossing about, hot and cross. "

Mary was rather entertained at this new code, but said nothing, asCarey pointed out to the children how they were to occupy themselvesunder Janet's charge, and the work they had to do showed that fortheir age they had lost no time. 

The drawing-room showed indeed a contrast to the chaotic state inwhich it had been left. It was wonderfully pleasant-looking. Thewindows of the deep bay were all open to the lawn, shaded with blindsprojecting out into the garden, where the parrot sat perched on herpole; pleasant nooks were arranged in the two sides of the baywindow, with light chairs and small writing-tables, each with itsglass of flowers; the piano stood across the arc, shutting off thesewindows into almost a separate room; low book-cases, with chiffoniercupboards and marble tops, ran round the walls, surmounted with manyartistic ornaments. The central table was crowned with a tall glassof exquisitely-arranged grasses and wild flowers, and the choice andgraceful nicknacks round it were such as might be traced to a Londonlife in the artist world, and among grateful patients. 

Brackets with vases and casts here and there projected from thewalls, and some charming crayons and water-colours hung round them. The plastered walls had already been marked out in panels, and agrowth of frescoes of bulrushes, ivy, and leaves of all kinds wasbeginning to overspread them, while on a nearer inspection the leavesproved to be fast becoming peopled with living portraits ofbutterflies and other insects; indeed Mary started at finding herselfin, as she thought, unpleasant proximity to a pair of cockchafers. 

"Ah! I tell the children that we shall be suspected of putting thosecreatures there as a trial to the old ladies' nerves, " said Caroline, laughing. 

"I confess they are startling to those who don't like creepingthings! Have you many old ladies, Carey?"

"Not very many. I fancy they don't take to me more than I take tothem, so we are mutually satisfied. "

"But is that a good thing?" said Mary anxiously. 

"I don't know, " said Carey, indifferently. "At least I do know, " sheadded, "that I always used to be told I didn't try to make smalltalk, and I can do it less than ever now that it is the smallest ofsmall, and my heart faints from it. Oh Mary!"

"My poor dear Caroline! But you say that you were told you ought todo it?"

"Well, yes. Dear granny wished it; but I think that was rather witha view to Joe's popularity, and we haven't any patients to think ofnow. I should think the less arrant gossip the children heard, thebetter. "

"But is it well to let them despise everybody?"

"Then the less they see of them, the better!"

"For shame, Carey!"

"Well, Mary, I dare say I am naughty. I do feel naughtier now thanever I did in my life; but I can't help it! It just makes me mad tobe worried or tied down, " and she pushed back her hair so that herunfortunate cap was only withheld from tumbling entirely off by thepin that held it. 

"Oh, that wretched cap!" she cried, jumping up, petulantly, and goingto the glass to set it to rights, but with so hasty a hand that thepin became entangled in her hair, and it needed Mary's quiet hand toset it to rights; "it's just an emblem of all the rest of it; Iwouldn't wear it another day, but that I'm afraid of Ellen andRobert, and it perfectly drives me wild. And I know Joe couldn'thave borne to see me in it. " At the Irishism of which she burst outlaughing, and laughed herself into the tears that had never come whenthey were expected of her. 

Mary caressed and soothed her, and told her she could well guess itwas sadder to her now than even at first. 

"Well, it is, " said Carey, looking up. "If one was sent out to seain a boat, it wouldn't be near so bad as long as one could see thedear old shore still, as when one had got out-—out into the wideopen-—with nothing at all. "

And she stretched out her hands with a dreary, yearning gesture intothe vacant space, such as it went to her friend's heart to see. 

"Ah! but there's a haven at the end. "

"I suppose there is, " said Carey; "but it's a long way off, andthere's dying first, and when people want to begin about it, they getso conventional, and if there's one thing above another that I can'tstand, it is being bored. "

"My poor child!"

"There, don't be angry with me, because I'm telling you just what Iam!"

Before any more could be said Janet opened the door, saying, "Mother, Emma wants to see you. "

"Oh! I forgot, " cried Carey, hurrying off, while Janet came forwardto the guest in her grown-up way, and asked—-

"Have you been to the Water-Colour Exhibition, Miss Ogilvie?"

"Yes; Mr. Acton took me one Saturday afternoon. "

"Oh! then he would be sure to show you Nita Ray's picture. I want somuch to know how it strikes people. "

And Janet had plunged into a regular conversation about exhibitions, pictures, artists, concerts, lectures, &c. , before her mother cameback, talking with all the eagerness of an exile about her nativecountry. As a governess in her school-room, Miss Ogilvie had hadlittle more than a key-hole view of all these things; but then whatshe had seen and heard had been chiefly through the Actons, and thuscoincided with Janet's own side of the world, and they were in fulldiscussion when Caroline came back. 

"There, I've disposed of the butcher and baker!" she said. "Now wecan be comfortable again. "

Mary expected Janet to repair to her own lessons, or to listen tothose scales which Babie might be heard from a distance playing; butshe only appealed to her mother about some picture of last year, andsat down to her drawing, while the conversation on pictures and bookscontinued in animated style. So far from sending her away, Maryfancied that Carey was rather glad to keep to surface matters, and tobe prevented from another outbreak of feeling. 

The next interruption was from the children, each armed with a pileof open books on the top of a slate. Carey begged Mary to wait, andwent outside the window with them, sitting down under a tree whencethe murmured sounds of repetition could be heard, lasting abouttwenty minutes between the two, and then she returned, the littleones jumping on each side of her, Armine begging that Miss Ogilviewould come and see the museum, and Barbara saying that Jock wanted tohelp to show it off. 

"Well, run now and put your own corners tidy, " suggested theirmother. "If Jock does not stay in the playground, he will come backin a quarter of an hour. "

"And Mr. Ogilvie will come then. I invited him, " said Babie. 

At which Carey laughed incredulously; but Janet, observing that shemust go and see that the children did not do more harm than good, walked off, and Mary said—-

"I should not wonder if he did act on the invitation. "

"I hope he will. It would have only been civil in me to have askedhim, considering that I have taken possession of you, " said Caroline. 

"I fully expect to see him on Miss Barbara's invitation. Do youknow, Carey, he says you have transformed his school. "

"Translated it, like Bottom the Weaver. "

"In the reverse direction. He says you have made the mothers see totheir boys' preparation, and wakened up the intellects. "

"Have I? I thought I had only kept my own boys up to the mark. Yes, and there's Johnny. Do you know, Mary, it is very funny, but thatboy Johnny has adopted me. He comes after me everywhere like ashadow, and there's nothing he won't do for me, even learning hislessons. You see the poor boy has a good deal of native sense, Brownlow sense, and mind had been more stifled than wanting in him. Nobody had ever put things to him by the right end, and when he oncelet me do it for him, it was quite a revelation, and he has been sohappy and prosperous that he hardly knows himself. Poor boy, thereis something very honest and true about him, and so affectionate! Heis a little like his uncle, and I can't help being fond of him. ThenRobin is just as devoted to Jock, though I can't say the results areso very desirable, for Jock _is_ a monkey, I must confess, and it isirresistible to a monkey to have a bear that he can lead to doanything. I hear that Robin used to be the good boy of theestablishment, and I am afraid he is not that now. "

"But can't you stop that?"

"My dear, nobody could think of Jock's devices so as to stop them, who had not his own monkey brain. Who would have thought of hisgetting the whole set to dress up as nigger singers, with black facesand banjoes, and coming to dance and sing in front of the windows?"

"There wasn't much harm in that. "

"There wouldn't have been if it had been only here. And, oh dear, the irresistible fun of Jock's capering antics, and Rob moving bymechanism, as stiff and obedient as the giant porter to Flibberti-gibbet. " Carey stopped to laugh. "But then I never thought of theirgoing on to present themselves to Ellen in the middle of a mighty andsolemn dinner party! All the grandees, the county people (this in adeep and awful voice), sitting up in their chignons of state, in theawful pause during the dishing-up, when these five little wretches, in finery filched from the rag bag, appear on the smooth lawn, mownand trimmed to the last extent for the occasion, and begin to strikeup at their shrillest, close to the open window. Ellen rises withgreat dignity. I fancy I can see her, sending out to order them off. And then, oh dear, Jock only hopping more frantically than ever roundthe poor man the hired waiter, who, you must know, is theundertaker's chief mute, and singing—-

 'Leedle, leedle, leedle, Our cat's dead. What did she die wi'? Wi' a sair head. A' you that kenned her While she was alive, Come to her burying At half-past five. '

And then the Colonel, bestirring himself to the rescue, with 'go awayboys, or I'll send for the police. ' And then the discovery, when inthe height of his wrath, Jock perked up, and said, 'I thought youwould like to have the ladies amused, Uncle Robert. ' He did box hisears then—-small blame to him, I must say. I could stand that betterthan the jaw Ellen gave us afterwards. I beg your pardon, Mary, butit really was one. She thinks us far gone in the ways of depravity, and doesn't willingly let her little girls come near us. "

"Isn't that a pity?"

"I don't know; Essie and Ellie have feelings in their clothes, anddon't like our scrambling walks, and if Ellie does get allured by ourwicked ways, she is sure to be torn, or splashed, or something, andwe have shrieks and lamentations, and accusations of Jock and Joe, amid floods of tears; and Jessie comes to the rescue, primly shakingher head and coaxing her little sister, while she brings out a needleand thread. I can't help it, Mary. It does aggravate me to look ather!"

Mary could only shake her head with a mixture of pity, reproof, andamusement, and as a safer subject could not help asking—-

"By the bye, why do you confuse your friends by having all the twofamilies named in pairs?"

"We didn't know we were going to live close together, " said Carey. "But the fact is that the Janets were named after their fathers' onlysister, who seems to have been an equal darling to both. We wouldhave avoided Robert, but we found that it would have been thoughtdisrespectful not to call the boy after his grandfather and uncle. "

"And Bobus _is_ a thoroughly individual name. "

"Then Jock's name is John Lucas, and we did mean to call him by thesecond, but it wouldn't stick. Names won't sometimes, and there's aformality in Lucas that would never fit that skipjack of a boy. Hegot called Jock as a nickname, and now he will abide by it. ButJoseph Armine's second name does fit him, and so we have kept to it;and Barbara was dear grandmamma's own name, and quite our own. "

Therewith Babie rushed downstairs with "He's coming, Mother Carey, "and darted out at the house door to welcome Mr. Ogilvie at the gate, and lead him in in triumph, attended by her two brothers. The twoladies laughed, and Carey said, with a species of proud apology—-

"Poor children, you see they have been used to be noticed by clevermen. "

"Mr. Ogilvie is come to see our museum, " cried Babie, in herpatronising tone, jumping and dancing round during his greetings andremarks that he hoped he might take advantage of her invitation; hehad been thinking whether to begin a school museum would not be avery good thing for the boys, and serve to open their minds to commonthings. On which, before any one else could answer, the parrot, in alow and sententious tone, observed, "Excellent. "

"There, you have the consent of your first acquaintance, " said Carey, while the bird, excited by one of those mysterious likings that herkind are apt to take, held her grey head to Mr. Ogilvie to bescratched, chuckling out, "All Mother Carey's chickens, " and Janetexclaimed—-

"That's an adoption. "

The troop were climbing the stairs to the third story, where Armineand Bobus were already within an octagon room, corresponding to thelittle hall below, and fitted with presses and shelves, belonging tothe store-room of the former thrifty inhabitant; but now dividedbetween the six children, Mother Carey, as Babie explained, being"Mine own, and helping me more specially. "

The table was likewise common to all; but one of the laws of theplace was that everything left there after twelve o'clock on Saturdaywas, as Babie's little mouth rolled out the long words, "confiscatedby the inexorable Eumenides. "

"And who are they?" asked Mr. Ogilvie, who was always muchentertained by the simplicity with which the little maid uttered thesyllables as if they were her native speech. 

"Janet, and Nurse, and Emma, " she said; "and they really are inex-o-rable. They threw away my snail shell that a thrush had been eating, though I begged and prayed them. "

"Yes, and my femur of a rabbit, " said Armine, "and said it was anasty old bone, and the baker's Pincher ate it up; but I did find myturtle-dove's egg in the ash-heap, and discovered it over again, andyou don't see it is broken now; it is stuck down on a card. "

"Yes, " said his mother, "it is wonderful how valuable things becomeprecisely at twelve on Saturday. "

Each had some department: Janet's, which was geology, was thefullest, as she had inherited some youthful hoards of her father's;Bobus's, which was botany, was the neatest and most systematic. Marythought at first that it did not suit him; but she soon saw that withhim it was not love of flowers, but the study of botany. Hepronounced Jock's butterflies to be perfectly disgraceful. 

"You said you'd see to them, " returned Jock. 

"Yes, I shall take up insects when I have done with plants, " saidBobus, coolly. 

"And say, 'Solomon, I have surpassed thee'?" asked Mr. Ogilvie. 

Bobus looked as if he did not like it; but his mother shook her headat him as one who well deserved the little rebuke for self-sufficiency. There was certainly a wonderful winning way about her-—there was a simplicity of manner almost like that of Babie herself, and yet the cleverness of a highly-educated woman. Mary Ogilvie didnot wonder at what Mr. And Mrs. Acton had said of the charm of thatunpretending household, now broken up. 

There was, too, the perception that, beneath the surface on which, like the children, she played so lightly, there were depths of sorrowthat might not be stirred, which added a sweetness and pathos to allshe said and did. 

Of many a choice curiosity the children said, in lowered tones ofreverence, that "_he_ found it;" and these she would not allow to bepassed over, but showed fondly off in all their best points, tellingtheir story as if she loved to dwell upon it. 

Barbara, who had specially fastened herself on Mr. Ogilvie, accordingto the modern privileges of small girls, after having much amused himby doing the honours of her own miscellaneous treasury, insisted onexhibiting "Mother Carey's studio. "

Caroline tried to declare that this meant nothing deserving of sogrand a name; it was only the family resort for making messes in. She never touched clay now, and there was nothing worth seeing; butit was in vain; Babie had her way; and they mounted to the higheststage of the pagoda, where the eaves and the twisted monsters thatsupported them were in close juxtaposition with the four windows. 

The view was a grand one. Belforest Park on the one side, the townalmost as if in a pit below, with a bird's-eye prospect of the roofs, the gardens and the school-yard, the leaden-covered church, lyinglike a great grey beetle with outspread wings. Beyond were the ups-and-downs of a wooded, hilly country, with glimpses of blue riverhere and there, and village and town gleaming out white; a largehouse, "bosomed high in tufted trees;" a church-tower and spire, nestled on the hill-side, up to the steep grey hill with the tallland-mark tower, closing in the horizon—-altogether, as Carey said, a thorough "allegro" landscape, even to "the tanned haycock in themead. " But the summer sun made the place dazzling and almostuninhabitable, and the visitors, turning from the glare, could hardlysee the casts and models that filled the shelves; nor was thereanything in hand; so that they let themselves be hurried away toshare the midday meal, after which Mr. Ogilvie and the boys betookthemselves to the school, and Carey and her little ones to the shadeof the garden-wall, to finish their French reading, while Marywondered the less at the Kenminster ladies. 

CHAPTER IX. FLIGHTS. 

Have you no wit, manners, nor honesty, but to gabble like tinkers atthis time of night? Is there no respect of place, persons, nor timein you?-—Twelfth-Night. 

The summer holidays not only brought home Allen Brownlow from Eton, but renewed his mother's intercourse with several of her friends, whoso contrived their summer outing as to "see how poor little Mrs. Brownlow was getting on, " and she hailed them as fragments of herdear old former life. 

Mr. And Mrs. Acton came to a farmhouse at Redford, about a mile and ahalf off, where Mr. Acton was to lay up a store of woodland and homesketches, and there were daily meetings for walks, and often out-of-door meals. Mr. Ogilvie declared that he was thus much more restedthan by a long expedition in foreign scenery, and he and his sisterstayed on, and usually joined in the excursion, whether it werepremeditated or improvised, on foot, into copse or glade, or by trainor waggonette, to ruined abbey or cathedral town. 

Then came two sisters, whom old Mrs. Brownlow had befriended when theelder was struggling, as a daily governess, to provide home andeducation for the younger. Now, the one was a worthy, hard-workinglaw-copier, the other an artist in a small way, who hadtransmogrified her name of Jane into Juanita or Nita, wore a crop, short petticoats, and was odd. She treated Janet on terms of equalfriendship, and was thus a much more charming companion than Jessie. They always came into cheap sea-side lodgings in the vacation, butthis year had settled themselves within ten minutes walk of theFolly, a title which became more and more applicable, in Kenminstereyes, to the Pagoda, and above all in those of its proper owner. Mrs. Robert Brownlow, in the calm dignity of the heiress, in a smallway, of a good family, had a bare toleration for professional people, had regretted the vocation of her brother-in-law, and classedgovernesses and artists as "that kind of people, " so that Caroline'sassociation with them seemed to her absolute love of low company. She would have stirred up her husband to remonstrate, but he had seenmore of the world than she had, and declared that there was no harmin Caroline's friends. "He had met Mr. Acton in the reading-room, smoked pipes with him in the garden, and thought him a very nicefellow; his wife was the daughter of poor Cartwright of theArtillery, and a sensible ladylike woman as ever he saw. "

With a resigned sigh at the folly of mankind, his wife asked, "Howabout the others? That woman with the hair? and that man with thevelvet coat? Jessie says Jock told her that he was a mere play-actor!"

"Jock told Jessie! Nonsense, my dear! The man is going out to Chinain the tea trade, and is come to take leave. I believe he did singin public at one time; but Joe attended him in an illness whichdamaged his voice, and then he put him in the way of other work. Youneed not be afraid. Joe was one of the most particular men in theworld in his own way. "

Mrs. Brownlow could do no more. She had found that her littlesister-in-law could be saucy, and personal squabbles, as she justlythought, had better be avoided. She could only keep Jessie from thecontamination by taking her out in the carriage and to gardenparties, which the young lady infinitely preferred to long walks thattired her and spoilt her dress; to talk and laughter that she couldnot understand, and games that seemed to her stupid, though everybodyelse seemed to find them full of fun. True, Allen and Bobus werealways ready to push and pull her through, and to snub Janet forquizzing her; but Jessie was pretty enough to have plenty of suchhomage at her command, and not specially to prefer that of hercousins, so that it cost her little to turn a deaf ear to all theirinvitations. 

Her brothers were not of the same mind, for Rob was never happy outof sight of Jock. Johnny worshipped his aunt, and Joe wasgregarious, so there was generally an accompanying rabble of six orseven boys, undistinguishable by outsiders, though very individualindeed in themselves and adding a considerable element of noise, highspirits, and mischievous enterprise. The man in the velvet coat, whose proper name was Orlando Hughes, was as much of a boy as any ofthem, and so could Mr. Acton be on occasion, thus giving a certainBohemian air to their doings. 

Things came to a crisis on one of the dog-days. Young Dr. Drake hadbrought his bride to show to his old friend, and they were staying atthe Folly, while a college friend of Mr. Ogilvie's, a London curate, had come to see him in the course of a cathedral tour, and had stayedon, under the attraction of the place, taking the duty for a fewSundays. 

The weather was very sultry, forbidding exertion on the part of allsave cricketers; but there was a match at Redford, and Kenminster waseager about it, so that all the boys, grown up or otherwise, walkedover to see it, accompanied by Nita Ray with her inseparable Janet, meaning to study village groups and rustic sports. The other ladieswalked in the cool to meet them at the Acton's farmhouse, chiefly, itwas alleged, in deference to the feelings of the bride, who could notbrave the heat, but had never yet been so long separated from herbridegroom. 

The little boys, however, were alone to be found at the farm, reporting that their elders had joined the cricket supper. So Mrs. Acton made them welcome, and spread her cloth in the greensward, whence could be seen the evening glow on the harvest fields. Thenthere was a feast of cherries, and delicious farmhouse bread andbutter, and inexhaustible tea, which was renewed when the cricketersjoined them, and called for their share. 

Thus they did not set out on their homeward walk, over fragrant heathand dewy lanes, till just as the stars were coming out, and amagnificent red moon, scarcely past the full, was rising in the east, and the long rest, and fresh dewiness after the day's heat, gave adelightful feeling of exhilaration. 

Babie went skipping about in the silvery flood of light, quite wildwith delight as they came out on the heath, and, darting up to Mr. Ogilvie, asked if now he did not think they might really see a fairy. 

"Perhaps I do, " he said. 

"Oh where, where, show me?"

"Ah! you're the one that can't see her. "

"What, not if I did my eyes with that Euphrasia and Verbenaofficinalis?" catching tight hold of his hand, as a bright red lightwent rapidly moving in a straight line in the valley beneath theirfeet. 

"Robin Goodfellow, " said Mr. Hughes, overhearing her, and immediatelybegan to sing—-

 "I know a bank"—-

Then the curate, as he finished, began to sing some other appropriatesong, and Nita Ray and others joined in. It was very pretty, verycharming in the moonlight, very like "Midsummer Night's Dream;" butMary Ogilvie, who was a good way behind, felt a start of dismay asthe clear notes pealed back to her. She longed to suggest a littleexpediency; but she was impeded; for poor Miss Ray, entirely unusedto long country walks and nocturnal expeditions, and furthertormented by tight boots, was panting up the hill far in the rear, half-frightened, and a good deal distressed, and could not, for veryhumanity's sake, be left behind. 

"And after all, " thought Mary, as peals of the boys' merry laughtercame to her, and then again echoes of "spotted snakes with doubletongue" awoke the night echoes; "this is such a solitary place thatit cannot signify, if they will only have the sense to stop when weget into the roads. "

But they hadn't. Mary heard a chorus from "Der Freischutz, "beginning just as she was dragging her companion over a stile, whichhad been formidable enough by day, but was ten times worse in theconfusing shadows. That brought them into a lane darkened by itshigh hedges, where there was nothing for it but to let Miss Raytightly grapple her arm, while the songs came further and further onthe wind, and Mary felt the conviction that middle-aged spinstersmust reckon on being forgotten, and left behind alike by brothers, sisters, and friends. 

Nor did they come up with the party till they found them waiting inthe road, close to the Rays' lodgings, having evidently just missedthem, for Mr. Ogilvie and the clergyman were turning back to look forthem when they were gladly hailed, half apologised to, half laughedat by a babel of voices, among which Nita's was the loudest, informing her sister that she had lost the best bit of all, for justat the turn of the lane there had come on them Babie's fiery-eyedmonster, which had "burst on the path, " when they were in mid song, flashing over them, and revealing, first a horse, and then abrougham, wherein there sat the august forms of Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow, going home from a state dinner, the lady's very maraboutsquivering with horror. 

Mary stepped up to Nita, and gave her a sharp, severe grasp. 

"Hush! remember their boys are here, " she whispered; and, with anexaggerated gesture, Nita looked about her in affected alarm, and, seeing that none were near, added—-

"Thank you; I was just going to say it would be a study for Punch"

"O do send it up, they'll never know it, " cried Janet; but thereCaroline interfered—-

"Hush, Janet, we ought to be at home. Don't stand here, Armine istired to death! 11. 5 at the station to-morrow. Good-night. "

They parted, and Mary and her brother turned away to their own home. If it had not been for the presence of the curate, Mary would havesaid a good deal on the way home. As it was, she was so silent as toinspire her brother with enough compunction for having deserted her, to make him follow her, when she went to her own room. "Mary, I amsorry we missed you, " he said; "I ought to have looked about for youmore, but I thought—-"

"Nonsense, David; of course I do not mind that, if only I could havestopped all that singing. "

"That singing; why it was very pretty, wasn't it?"

"Pretty indeed! Did it never occur to you what a scrape you may begetting that poor little thing into with her relations, and yourself, too?"

David looked more than half-amused, and she proceeded moreresolutely—-

"Well! what do you think must be Mrs. Brownlow's opinion of what shesaw and heard to-night? I blame myself exceedingly for not havingurged the setting off sooner; but you must remember that what is allvery well for holiday people, only here for a time, may do infinitemischief to residents. "

David only observed, "I didn't want all those men, if that's what youmean. They made the noise, not I. "

"No, nor I; but we swelled the party, and I am much disposed tobelieve that the best thing we can do is to take ourselves off, or doanything to break up this set. "

He looked for a moment much disconcerted; but then with a littlemasculine superiority, answered—-

"Well, well, we'll think over it, Mary. See how it appears to youto-morrow when you aren't tired, " and then, with a smile and a kiss, bade her good-night. 

"So that's what we get, " said Mary, to herself, half amused, halfannoyed; "those men think it is all because one is left behind in thedark! David is the best boy in the world, but there's not a man ofthem all who has a notion of what gets a woman into trouble! Ibelieve he was rather gratified than otherwise to be found out on alark. Well, I'll talk to Clara; she will have some sense!"

They were all to meet at the station the next morning, to go to anold castle, about an hour from Kenminster by railway; and they filledthe platform, armed with sketching tools, sandwich baskets, botanicaltins, and all other appliances; but when Mr. Ogilvie accosted Mrs. Joseph Brownlow, saying, "You have only half your boys, " she lookedup, with a drolly guilty air, saying, "No, there's an embargo on theother poor fellows. "

They had just taken their seats, and the train was in motion, when aheated headlong boy came dashing over the platform, and clung to thedoor of the carriage, standing on the step. It was Johnny. OrlandoHughes, who was next the window, grasped his hands, and, in answer tothe cries of dismay and blame that greeted him, he called out, "Yes, here I am; Rob and Joe couldn't run so fast. "

"Then you've got leave?" asked his aunt. 

Johnny's grin said "No. "

She looked up at Mr. Ogilvie in much vexation and anxiety. 

"Don't say any more to him now. It might put him in great danger. Wait till the next station, " he said. 

It was a stopping train, and ten minutes brought a halt, when theguard came up in a fury, and Johnny found no sympathy for his boldattempt. Carey had no notion of fostering flat disobedience, and shetold Johnny that unless he would promise to go home by himself andbeg his father's pardon, she should stay behind and go back with him, for she could have no pleasure in an expedition with him when he wasbehaving so outrageously. 

The boy looked both surprised and abashed. His affection for hisaunt was very great, as for one who had opened to him the gates of anew world, both within himself and beyond himself. He would not hearof her giving up the expedition, and promised her with all his heartto walk home, and confess, "Though 'twasn't papa, but mamma!" werehis last words, as they left him on the platform, crestfallen, butwith a twinkle in his eye, and with the station-master keeping watchover him as a dangerous subject. 

Mr. Ogilvie said it would do the boy good for life; Caroline mournedover him a little, and wondered how his mother would treat him; andMary sat and thought till the arrival at their destination, when theyhad to walk to the castle, dragging their appurtenances, and then torouse their energies to spread out the luncheon. 

Then, when there had been the usual amount of mirth, mischief, andmishap, and the party had dispersed, some to sketch, some toscramble, some to botanize, the "Duck and Drake to spoon, "-—as saidthe boys, Mary Ogilvie found a turfy nook where she could holdcouncil with Mrs. Acton about their poor little friend, for whosewelfare she was seriously uneasy. 

But Clara did not sympathise as much as she expected, having beenmuch galled by Mrs. Robert Brownlow's supercilious manner, andthinking the attempt to conciliate her both unworthy and useless. 

"Of course I do not mean that poor Carey should truckle to her, " saidMary, rather nettled at the implication; "but I don't think theseirregular hours, and all this roaming about the country at all times, can be well in themselves for her or the children. "

"My dear Mary, did you never take a party of children into thecountry in the spring for the first time? If not, you never saw theprettiest and most innocent of intoxications. I had once to take thelittle Pyrtons to their place in the country one April and May, months that they had always spent in London; and I assure you theywere perfectly mad, only with the air, the sight of the hawthorns, and all the smells. I was obliged to be content with what they coulddo, not what ought to be done, of lessons. There was no sittingstill on a fine morning. I was as bad myself; the blood seemed todance in one's veins, and a room to be a prison. "

"This is not spring, " said Mary. 

"No, but she began in spring, and habits were formed. "

"No doubt, but they cannot be good. They keep up flightiness andexcitability. "

"Oh, that's grief, poor dear!"

"We bain't carousing, we be dissembling grief, as the farmer told theclergyman who objected to merry-making after a funeral, " said Mary, rather severely. Then she added, seeing Clara looked annoyed, "Youthink me hard on poor dear Carey, but indeed I am not doubting heraffection or her grief. "

"Remember, a woman with children cannot give herself entirely up tosorrow without doing them harm. "

"Poor Carey, I am sure I do not want to see her given up to sorrow, only to have her a little more moderate, and perhaps select-—so asnot to do herself harm with her relations-—who after all must be moreimportant to her than any outsiders. "

The artist's wife could not but see things a little differently fromthe schoolmaster's sister, who moreover knew nothing of Carey'sformer life; and Clara made answer—-

"Sending her down to these people was the greatest error of dear goodDr. Brownlow's life. "

"I am not sure of that. Blood is thicker than water. "

"But between sisters-in-law it is apt to be only ill-blood, and veryturbid. "

"For shame, Clara. "

"Well, Mary, you must allow something for human nature's reluctanceto be treated as something not quite worthy of a handshake from alittle country town Serene Highness! I may be allowed to doubtwhether Dr. Brownlow would not have done better to leave her unboundto those who can never be congenial"

"Granting that (not that I do grant it, for the Colonel is worthy), should not she be persuaded to conform herself. "

"To purr and lay eggs? My dear, that did not succeed with the uglyduckling, even in early life. "

"Not after it had been among the swans? You vain Clara!"

"I only lay claim to having seen the swans-—not to having broughtmany specimens down here. "

"Such as _that_ Nita, or Mr. Hughes?"

"More like the other bird, certainly, " said Clara, smiling; "butMary, if you had but seen what that house was. Joe Brownlow was oneof those men who make themselves esteemed and noted above theiractual position. He was much thought of as a lecturer, and wouldhave had a much larger practice but for his appointment at thehospital. It was in the course of the work he had taken for a friendgone out of town that he caught the illness that killed him. Hislectures brought men of science about him, and his practice had madehim acquainted with us poor Bohemians, as you seem to think us. OldMrs. Brownlow had means of her own, and theirs was quite a wealthyhouse among our set. Any of us were welcome to drop into fiveo'clock tea, or at nine at night, and the pleasantness and goodinfluence were wonderful. The motherliness and yet the enthusiasm ofMrs. Brownlow made her the most delightful old lady I ever saw. Ican't describe how good she was about my marriage, and many morewould say they owed all that was brightest and best in them to thathouse. And there was Carey, like a little sunshiny fairy, thedarling of everyone. No, not spoilt-—I see what you are going tosay. "

"Only as we all spoilt her at school. Nobody but her Serene Highnessever could help making a pet of her. "

"That's more reasonable, Mary, " said Mrs. Acton, in a more placablevoice; "she did plenty of hard work, and did not spare herself, orhave what would seem indulgences to most women; but nobody could seethe light of her eyes and smile without trying to make it sparkle up;and she was just the first thought in life to her husband and hismother. I am sure in my governess days I used to think that houseparadise, and her the undoubted queen of it. And now, that youshould turn against her, Mary, when she is uncrowned, andunappreciated, and brow-beaten. "

She had worked herself up, and had tears in her eyes. 

Mary laughed a little. 

"It is hard, when I only want to keep her from making herself beunappreciated. "

"And I say it is in vain!" cried Clara, "for it is not in the natureof the people to appreciate her, and nothing will make them get ontogether. "

Poor Mary! she had expected her friend to be more reasonable and lessdefensive; but she remembered that even at school Clara had alwaysprotected Caroline whenever she had attempted to lecture her. Allshe further tried to say was—-

"Then you won't help me to advise her to be more guarded, and notshock them?"

"I will not tease the poor little thing, when she has enough totorment her already. If you had known her husband, and watched herlast winter, you would be only too thankful to see her a little morelike herself. "

Mary was silent, finding that she should only argue round and roundif they went on, and feeling that Clara thought her old-maidish, andcould not enter into her sense that, the balance-weight being gone, gusts of wind ought to be avoided. She sat wondering whether sheherself was prim and old-maidish, or whether she was right in feelingit a duty to expostulate and deliver her testimony. 

There was no doing it on this day. Carey was always surrounded bychildren and guests, and in an eager state of activity; but thoughagain they all went home in the cool of the evening, an attempt tosing in the second-class carriage, which they filled entirely, wasquashed immediately-—no one knew how, and nothing worse happened thanthat a very dusty set, carrying odd botanical, entomological, andartistic wares, trailed through the streets of Kenminster, just asMrs. Coffinkey, escorted by her maid, was walking primly home fromdrinking tea at the vicarage. 

Still Mary's reflections only strengthened her resolution. On thenext day, which was Sunday, she ascended to the Folly, at about fouro'clock in the afternoon, and found the family, including the parrot, spread out upon the lawn under the shade of the acacia, the motherreading to them. 

"Oh, please don't stop, mother, " cried Babie; while the morecourteous Armine exclaimed—-

"Miss Ogilvie, don't you like to hear about Bevis and JocelinJoliffe?"

"You don't mind waiting while we finish the chapter, " added theirmother; "then we break up our sitting. "

"Pray go on with the chapter, " said Mary, rather coolly, for she wasa good deal taken aback at finding them reading "Woodstock" on aSunday; "but afterwards, I do want to speak to you. "

"Oh! don't want to speak to me. The Colonel has been speaking tome, " she said, with a cowering, shuddering sort of action, irresistibly comic. 

"And he ate up half our day, " bemoaned more than one of the boys. 

Miss Ogilvie sat down a little way off, not wishing to listen to"Woodstock" on a Sunday, and trying to work out the difficultSabbatarian question in her mind. 

"There!" said Caroline, closing the book, amid exclamations of "Iknow who Lewis Kerneguy was. " "Wasn't Roger Wildrake jolly?" "O, mother, didn't he cut off Trusty Tomkins' head?" "Do let us have awee bit more, mother; Miss Ogilvie won't mind. "

But Carey saw that she did mind, and answered—-

"Not now; there won't be time to feed all the creatures, or to getnurse's Sunday nosegays, if you don't begin. Then, coming up to herguest, she said, "Now is your time, Mary; we shall have the Rays andMr. Hughes in presently; but you see we are too worldly and profanefor the Kencroft boys on Sunday; and so they make experiments insmoking, with company less desirable, I must say, than Sir HarryLee's. Am I very bad to read what keeps mine round me?"

"Is it an old fashion with you?"

"Well, no; but then we had what was better than a thousand stories!And this is only a feeble attempt to keep up a little wateryreflection of the old sunshine. "

It was a watery reflection indeed!

"And could it not be with something that would be-—"

"Dull and goody?" put in Carey. "No, no, my dear, that would beutterly futile. You can't catch my birds without salt. Can we, Polly?"

To which the popinjay responded, "We are all Mother Carey'schickens. "

"I did mean salt-—very real salt, " said Mary, rather sadly. 

"I have not got the recipe;" said Carey. "Indeed I do try to do whatmust be done. My boys can hold their own in Bible and Catechismquestions! Ask your brother if they can't. And Army is a dearlittle fellow, with a bit of the angel, or of his father, in him; butwhen we've done our church, I see no good in decorous boredom; and ifI did, what would become of the boys?"

"I don't agree to the necessity of boredom, " said Mary; "but let thatpass. There are things I wanted to say. "

"I knew it was coming. The Colonel has been at me already, levellinghis thunders at my devoted head. Won't that do?"

"Not if you heed him so little. "

"My dear, if I heeded, I should be annihilated. When he says 'Mygood little sister, ' I know he means 'You little idiot;' so if I didnot think of something else, what might not be the consequence? Why, he said I was not behaving decently!"

"No more you are. "

"And that I had no proper feeling, " continued she, laughing almosthysterically. 

"No one can wonder at his being pained. It ought never to havehappened. "

"Are you gone over to Mrs. Grundy? However, there's this comfort, you'll not mention Mrs. Coffinkey's sister-in-law. "

"I'm sure the Colonel didn't!"

"Ellen does though, with tragic effect. "

"You are not like yourself, Carey. "

"No, indeed I'm not! I was a happy creature a little while ago; orwas it a very long, long time ago? Then I had everybody to help meand make much of me! And now I've got into a great dull mist, and amalways knocking my head against something or somebody; and when I tryto keep up the old friendships and kindnesses-—poor little fragmentsas they are-—everybody falls upon me, even you, Mary. "

"Pardon me, dearest. Some friendships and kindnesses that were onceadmirable, may be less suitable to your present circumstances. "

"As if I didn't know that!" said Carey, with an angry, hurt littlelaugh; "and so I waited to be chaperoned up to the eyes between ClaraActon and the Duck in the very house with me. Now, Mary, I put it toyou. Has one word passed that could do harm? Isn't it much moreinnocent than all the Coffinkey gossip? I have no doubt Mrs. Coffinkey's sister-in-law looks up from her black-bordered pocket-handkerchief to hear how Mrs. Brownlow's sister-in-law went to thecricket-match. Do you know, Robert really thought I had been there?I only wonder how many I scored. I dare say Mrs. Coffinkey's sister-in-law knows. "

"It just shows how careful you should be. "

"And I wonder what would become of the children if I shut myself upwith a pile of pocket-handkerchiefs bordered an inch deep. Whatright have they to meddle with my ways, and my friends, and my boys?"

"Not the Coffinkeys, certainly, " said Mary; "but indeed, Carey, Imyself was uncomfortable at that singing in the lanes at eleven atnight. "

"It wasn't eleven, " said Carey, perversely. 

"Only 10. 50-—eh?"

"But what was the possible harm in it?"

"None at all in itself, only remember the harm it may do to thechildren for you to be heedless of people's opinion, and to get areputation for flightiness and doing odd things. "

"I couldn't be like the Coffinkey pattern any more than I could betied down to a rope walk. "

"But you need not do things that your better sense must tell you maybe misconstrued. Surely there was a wish that you should live nearthe Colonel and be guided by him. "

"Little knowing that his guidance would consist in being set at me byEllen and the Coffinkeys!"

"Nonsense, " said Mary, vexed enough to resume their old school-girlmanners. "You know I am not set on by anybody, and I tell you thatif you do not pull up in time, and give no foundation for ill-naturedcomments, your children will never get over it in people'sestimation. And as for themselves, a little steadiness andregularity would be much better for their whole dispositions. "

"It is holiday time, " said Carey, in a tone of apology. 

"If it is only in holiday time-—"

"The country has always seemed like holiday. You see we used to go-—all of us-—to some seaside place, and be quite free there, keeping noparticular hours, and being so intensely happy. I haven't yet gotover the feeling that it is only for a time, and we shall go backinto the dear old home and its regular ways. " Then clasping herhands over her side as though to squeeze something back, she brokeout, "O Mary, Mary, you mustn't scold me! You mustn't bid me tiemyself to regular hours till this summer is over. If you knew theintolerable stab when I recollect that he is gone-—gone-—gone forever, you would understand that there's nothing for it but jumping upand doing the first thing that comes to hand. Walking it down isbest. Oh! what will become of me when the mornings get dark, and Ican't get up and rush into those woods? Yes"-—as Mary made someaffectionate gesture-—"I know I have gone on in a wild way, but whowould not be wild who had lost _him_? And then they goad me, andthink me incapable of proper feeling, " and she laughed that horridlittle laugh. "So I am, I suppose; but feeling won't go as otherpeople think _proper_. Let me alone, Mary, I won't damage thechildren. They are Joe's children, and I know what he wanted andwished for them better than Robert or anybody else. But I must go myown way, and do what I can bear, and as I can, or-—or I think myheart would break quite, and that would be worse for them thananything. "

Mary had tears in her eyes, drawn forth by the vehement passion ofgrief apparent in the whole tone of her poor little friend. She hadno doubts of Carey's love, sorrow, or ability, but she did seriouslydoubt of her wisdom and judgment, and thought her undisciplined. However, she could say no more, for Nita Ray and Janet were advancingon them. 

The next day Caroline was in bed with one of her worst headaches. Mary felt that she had been a cruel and prim old duenna, and meeklybore Clara's reproachful glances. 

CHAPTER X. ELLEN'S MAGNUM BONUMS. 

He put in his thumbAnd he pulled out a plum, And cried, "What a good boy am I!" Jack Horner. 

Whether it were from the effects of the warnings, or from that ofnative good sense, from that time forward Mrs. Joseph Brownlowsobered down, and became less distressing to her sister-in-law. Mary carried off her brother to Wales, and the Acton and Ray partydispersed, while Dr. And Mrs. Lucas came for a week, giving muchrelief to Mrs. Brownlow, who could discuss the family affairs withthem in a manner she deemed unbecoming with Mrs. Acton or MissOgilvie. Had Caroline heard the consultation, she would haveacquitted Ellen of malice; and indeed her Serene Highness was muchtoo good to gossip about so near a connection, and had only confidedher wonder and perplexity at the strange phenomenon to her favouritefirst cousin, who unfortunately was not equally discreet. 

With the end of the holidays finished also the trying series of firstanniversaries, and their first excitements of sorrow, so that itbecame possible to be more calm and quiet. 

Moreover, two correctives came of themselves to Caroline. The firstwas Janet's inordinate correspondence with Nita Ray, and thediscovery that the girl held herself engaged to stay with the sistersin November. 

"Without asking me!" she exclaimed, aghast. 

"I thought you heard us talking, " said Janet, so carelessly, that hermother put on her dignity. 

"I certainly had no conception of an invitation being given andaccepted without reference to me. "

"Come, now, Mother Carey, " said this modern daughter; "don't becross! We really didn't know you weren't attending. "

"If I had I should have said it was impossible, as I say now. Youcan never have thought over the matter!"

"Haven't I? When I am doing no good here, only wasting time?"

"That is my fault. We will set to work at once steadily. "

"But my classes and my lectures!"

"You are not so far on but that our reading together will teach youquite as much as lectures. "

Janet looked both sulky and scornful, and her mother continued—-

"It is not as if we had not modern books, and I think I know how toread them so as to be useful to you. "

"I don't like getting behindhand with the world. "

"You can't keep up even with the world without a sound foundation. Besides, even if it were more desirable, the Rays cannot afford tokeep you, nor I to board you there. "

"I am to pay them by helping Miss Ray in her copying. "

"Poor Miss Ray!" exclaimed Carey, laughing. "Does she know yourhandwriting?"

"You do not know what I can do, " said Janet, with dignity. 

"Yes, I hope to see it for myself, for you must put this notion ofgoing to London out of your head. I am sure Miss Ray did not givethe invitation—-no, nor second it. Did she, Janet?"

Janet blushed a little, and muttered something about Miss Ray beingafraid of stuck-up people. 

"I thought so! She is a good, sensible person, whom grandmammaesteemed very much; but she has never been able to keep her sister inorder; and as to trusting you to their care, or letting you live intheir set, neither papa nor grandmamma would ever have thought ofit. "

"You only say so because her Serene Highness turns up her nose ateverything artistic and original. "

"Janet, you forget yourself, " Caroline exclaimed, in a tone whichquelled the girl, who went muttering away; and no more was ever heardof the Ray proposal, which no doubt the elder sister at least hadnever regarded as anything but an airy castle. 

However, Caroline was convinced that the warnings against theintimacy had not been so uncalled for as she had believed; for shefound, when she tried to tighten the reins, that her daughter wasrestive, and had come to think herself a free agent, as good as grownup. Spirit was not, however, lacking to Caroline, and when she hadroused herself, she made Janet understand that she was not to bedisregarded or disobeyed. Regular hours were instituted, and thedifficulty of getting broken into them again was sufficient proof toher that she had done wrong in neglecting them. Armine yawnedportentously, and declared that he could not learn except at his owntimes; and Babie was absolutely naughty more than once, when hermother suffered doubly in punishing her from the knowledge of whosefault it was. However, they were good little things, and it was nothard to re-establish discipline with them. After a little breakingin, Babie gave it to her dolls as her deliberate opinion that"Wegulawity settles one's mind. One knows when to do what. "

Janet could not well complain of the regularity in itself, though shedid cavil at the actual arrangements, and they were altered all roundto please her, and she showed a certain contempt for her teacher inthe studies she resumed with her mother; but after the dictionary, encyclopaedia and other authorities, including Mr. Ogilvie, provedalmost uniformly to be against her whenever there was a difference ofopinion, she had sense enough to perceive that she could still learnsomething at home. 

Moreover, after one or two of these references, Mr. Ogilvie offeredto look over her Latin and Greek exercises, and hear her construe onhis Saturday half-holidays, declaring that it would be quite arefreshment. Caroline was shocked at the sacrifice, but she couldnot bear to affront her daughter, so she consented; but as shethought Janet was not old enough to need a chaperon, and as her boysdid want her, she was hardly ever present at the lessons. 

Moreover, Mr. Ogilvie had a lecturer from London to give weeklylectures on physical science to his boys, and opened the doors toladies. This was a great satisfaction, chiefly for the sake of Bobusand Jock, but also for Janet's and her mother's. The difficulty wasto beat up for ladies enough to keep one another in countenance; buthappily two families in the country, and one bright little bride inthe town, were found glad to open their ears, so that Ellen had nojust cause of disapproval of the attendance of her sister and niece. 

Ellen had more cause to sigh when Michaelmas came, and for the firsttime taught poor Carey what money matters really meant. Throughouther married life, her only stewardship had concerned her own dressand the children's; Mrs. Brownlow's occasional plans of teaching herhousekeeping had always fallen through, Janet being always hergrandmamma's deputy. 

Thus Janet and nurse had succeeded to the management when poor Careywas too ill and wretched to attend to it; and it had gone on in theirhands at the Pagoda. Janet was pleased to be respected accordinglyby her aunt, who always liked her the best, in spite of her muchworse behaviour, for were not her virtues her own, and her vices hermother's?

Caroline had paid the weekly books, and asked no questions, until thewinding up of the executor's business; and the quarterly settlementof accounts made startling revelations that the balance at herbankers was just eleven shillings and fourpence halfpenny, and whatwas nearly as bad, the discovery was made in the presence of herfellow executor, who could not help giving a low whistle. She turnedpale, and gasped for breath, in absolute amazement, for she was quitesure they were living at much less expense than in London, and therehad been no outgoings worth mentioning for dress or journeys. Whatwere they to do? Surely they could not live upon less! Was it herfault?

She was so much distressed, that the good-natured Colonel pitied her, and answered kindly—-

"My good little sister, you were inexperienced. You will do betteranother year. "

"But there's nothing to go on upon!"

He reminded her of the rent for the London house, and the dividendsthat must soon come in. 

"Then it will be as bad as ever! How can we live more cheaply thanwe do?"

"Ellen is an excellent manager, and you had better consult her on thescale of your expenditure. "

Caroline's spirit writhed, but before she had time to say anything, or talk to Janet, the Colonel had heard his excellent housewife'svoice, and called her into the council. She was as good as possible, too serenely kind to manifest surprise or elation at the fulfilmentof her forebodings. To be convicted of want of economy would havebeen so dreadful and disgraceful, that she deeply felt for poorCaroline, and dealt with her tenderly and delicately, even when theweekly household books were opened, and disclosed how much had beenspent every week in items, the head and front of which were oftrepeated in old nurse's self-taught writing—-

 "Man . . . . . . Glas of beare . 1d. Creme . . . . . . . . . . . 3d. "

For had not the Colonel's wife warned against the endless hospitalityof glasses of beer to all messengers; and had not unlimited creamwith strawberries and apple-tarts been treated as a kind ofspontaneous luxury produced at the Belforest farm agent's? To these, and many other small matters, Caroline was quite relieved to pleadguilty, and to promise to do her best by personal supervision; andEllen set herself to devise further ways of reduction, not realisinghow hopeless it is to prescribe for another person's householddifficulties. It is not in the nature of things that such adviceshould be palatable, and the proverb about the pinching of the shoeis sure to be realised. 

"Too many servants, " said prudence. "If old nurse must be providedfor-—and she ought to have saved enough to do without-—it would bemuch better to pension her off, or get her into an almshouse. "

Caroline tried to endure, as she made known that she viewed nurse asa sacred charge, about whom there must be no question. 

Ellen quietly said—-

"Then it is no use to argue, but she must be allowed no morediscretion in the housekeeping. "

"No, I shall do that myself, " said Caroline. 

"An extravagant cook. "

"That may be my fault. I will try to judge of that. "

"Irregular hours. "

"They shall end with the holidays. "

There was still another maid, whom Ellen said was only kept to waiton nurse, but who, Caroline said, did all their needlework, bothmaking and mending. 

"That, " said Ellen, "I should have thought you and Janet could do. I do nearly all our work with the girls' help; I am happy to say thatJessie is an excellent needlewoman, and Essie and Ellie can dosomething. I only direct the nursery maid; I never trust anything toservants. "

"I could never bear not to trust people, " said Caroline. 

Ellen sighed, believing that she would soon be cured of that; andCarey added—-

"On true principles of economy, surely it is better that Emma, whoknows how, should mend the clothes, than that I should botch them upin any way, when I can earn more than she costs me!"

"Earn!"

"Yes; I can model, and I can teach. Was I not brought up to it?"

"Yes, but now it is impossible! It is not a larger income that youwant, but proper attention to details in the spending of it, as Iwill show you. "

Whereupon Mrs. Brownlow, in her neat figures, built up a prettylittle economical scheme, based on a thorough knowledge of thesubject. Caroline tried to follow her calculations, but a dreaminesscame over her; she found herself saying "Yes, " without knowing whatshe was assenting to; and while Ellen was discoursing on coals andcoke, she was trying to decide which of her casts she could bear tooffer for sale, and going off into the dear old associationsconnected with each, so that she was obliged at the end, instead ofgiving an unqualified assent, to say she would think it over; andEllen, who had marked her wandering eye, left off with a convictionthat she had wasted her breath. 

Certainly she was not prepared for the proposal with which MotherCarey almost rushed into the room the next day, just as she waslocking up her wine, and the Colonel lingering over his first glanceat the day's Times. 

"I know what to do! Miss James is not coming back? And you have notheard of any one? Then, if you would only let me teach your girlswith mine! You know that is what I really can do. Yes, indeed, Iwould be regular. I always was. You know I was, Robert, till I camehere, and didn't quite know what I was about; and I have been regularever since the end of the holidays, and I really can teach. "

"My dear sister, " edged in the Colonel, as she paused for breath, "noone questions your ability, only the fitness of-—"

"I had thought over two things, " broke in Caroline again. "If youdon't like me to have Jessie, and Essie, and Ellie, I would offer toprepare little boys. I've been more used to them than to girls, andI know Mr. Ogilvie would be glad. I could have the little Wrights, and Walter Leslie, and three or four more directly, but I thought youmight like the other way better. "

"I can see no occasion for either, " said Ellen. "You need noincrease in income, only to attend to details. "

"And I had rather do what I can-—than what I can't, " said Caroline. 

"Every lady should understand how to superintend her own household, "said her Serene Highness. 

"Granted; oh, granted, Ellen! I'm going to superintend with all mymight and main, but I don't want to be my own upper servant, and Iknow I should make no hand of it, and I had much rather earnsomething by my wits. I can do it best in the way I was trained; andyou know it is what I have been used to ever since my own childrenwere born. "

Ellen heaved a sigh at this obtuseness towards what she viewed as thedignified and ladylike mission of the well-born woman, not to be thebread-winner, but the preserver and steward, of the household. Herewas poor little Caroline so ignorant as actually to glory in havingbeen educated for a governess!

The Colonel, wanting to finish his Times in peace, looked up andsaid, with the gracious tone he always used to his brother's wife—-

"My good little sister, it is very praiseworthy in you to wish toexert yourself, and very kind and proper to desire to begin at home, but you must allow us a little time to consider. "

She took this as a hint to retreat; and her Serene Highness likewisefeeling it a dismissal, tried at once to obviate all ungraciousnessby saying, "We are preserving our magnum bonums, Caroline dear; Iwill send you some. "

"Magnum bonum!" gasped Caroline, hearing nothing but the name. "Do you know-—?"

"I know the recipe of course, and can give you an excellent one. I will come over by-and-by and explain it to you. "

Caroline stood confounded. Had Joe revealed all to his brother?Was it to be treated as a domestic nostrum? "Then you know what themagnum bonum is?" she faltered. 

"Are you asking as a philosopher, " said the Colonel, amused by hertone

"I don't know what you mean, Colonel, " said his wife. "I offeredCaroline a basket of magnum bonums for preserving, and one wouldthink I had said something very extraordinary. "

"Perhaps it is my cockney ignorance, " said Caroline, beginning tobreathe freely, and thinking it would have been less oppressive ifSua Serenita would have either laughed or scolded, instead of gravelyleading her past the red-baize door which shut out the lower regionsto the room where white armies of jam-pots stood marshalled, and inthe midst two or three baskets of big yellow plums, which awoke inher a remembrance of their name, and set her laughing, thanking, andpreparing to carry home the basket. 

This, however, as she was instantly reminded, was not country-townmanners. The gardener was to be sent with them, and Ellen herselfwould copy out the recipe, and by-and-by bring it, with fulldirections. 

Each lady felt herself magnanimously forbearing, as Caroline wenthome to the lessons, and Ellen repaired to her husband on his morninginspection of his hens and chickens. 

"Poor thing, " she said, "there are great allowances to be made forher. I believe she wishes to do right. "

"She knows how to teach, " rejoined the Colonel. "Bobus is nearly atthe head of the school, and Johnny has improved greatly since he hasbeen so much with her. "

"Johnny was always clever, " said his mother. "For my part, I hadrather see them playing at good honest games than messing about withthat museum nonsense. The boys did not do half so much mischief, nordestroy so many clothes, before they were always running down to thePagoda. And as to this setting up a school, you would never consentto have Joe's wife doing that!"

"There is no real need. "

"None at all, if she only would-—if she only knew how to attend toher proper duties. "

"At the same time, I should be very glad of an excuse for making heran advance, enough to meet the weekly bills, till her rent comes in, so that she may not begin a debt. Could you not send the girls toher for a few hours every day?"

"That's not so bad as her taking pupils, for nobody need know thatshe was paid for it, " said his wife, considering. "I don't believeit will answer, or that she will ever keep to it steadily; but it canhardly hurt the children to try, if Jessie has an eye on Essie andEllie. I will not have them brought on too fast, nor taught Latin, and all that poor little Babie is learning. I am sure it is dreadfulto hear that child talk. I am always expecting that she will havewater on the brain. "

The decision, which really involved a sacrifice and a certain senseof risk on the part of these good people, was conveyed in a note, together with a recipe for the preservation of magnum bonums, and avery liberal cheque in advance for the first quarter of her threepupils, stipulating that no others should be admitted, that the termsshould be kept secret, that the hours should be regular, and aboveall, that the pupils should not be forced. 

Caroline was touched and grateful, but could hardly keep a littlesatire out of her promise that Essie and Ellie should not be tooprecocious. She wrote her note of thanks, despatched it, and then, in the interest of some arithmetical problems which she was workingwith Janet, forgot everything else, till a sort of gigantic buzz washeard near at hand. A sudden thought struck her, and out she dartedinto the hall. There stood the basket in the middle of the table, just where the boys were wont to look for refections of fruit or cakewhen they tumbled in from school. Six boys and Babie hovered round, each in the act of devouring a golden-green, egg-like plum, and onlytwo or three remained in the leaves at the bottom!

"Oh, the magnum bonums!" she cried; and Janet came rushing out indismay at the sound, standing aghast, but not exclaiming. 

"Weren't they for us?" asked Bobus, the first to get the stone out ofhis mouth. 

"No; oh, no!" answered his mother, as well as laughter would permit;"they are your aunt's precious plums, which she gave us as a greatfavour, and I was going to be so good and learn to preserve andpickle them! Oh, dear!"

"Never mind, Mother Carey, " mumbled her nephew Johnny, with his stoneswelling out his cheek, where it was tucked for convenience ofspeech; "I'll go and get you another jolly lot more. "

"You can't, " grunted Robin; "they are all gathered. "

"Then we'll get them off the old tree at the bottom of the orchard, where they are just as big and yellow, and mamma will never know thedifference. "

"But they taste like soap!"

"That doesn't matter. She'd no more taste a magnum bonum, before itis all titivated up with sugar, than-—than-—than-—"

"Babie's head with brain sauce, " gravely put in Bobus, as his cousinpaused for a comparison. "It's a wasting of good gifts to make jamof these, for jam is nothing but a vehicle for sugar. "

"Then the grocer's cart is jam, " promptly retorted Armine, "for I sawa sugarloaf come in one yesterday. "

"Come on, then, " cried Jock, ripe for the mischief; "I know the tree!They are just like long apricots. Aunt Ellen will think her plumshave been all a-growing!"

"No, no, boys!" cried his mother, "I can't have it done. To stealyour aunt's own plums to deceive her with!"

"We always may do as we like with that tree, " said Johnny, "becausethey are so nasty, and won't keep. "

"How nice for the preserves!" observed Bobus. 

"They would do just as well to hinder Mother Carey from catching it. "

"No, no, boys; I ought to 'catch it!' It was all my fault for notputting the plums away. "

"You won't tell of us, " growled Robin, between lips that he openedwide enough the next moment to admit one of three surviving plums. 

"If I tell her I left them about in the boys' way, she will arrive atthe natural conclusion. "

"Do they call those things magnum bonum?" asked Janet, as the boysdrifted away. 

"Yes, " said her mother, looking at her rather wonderingly; andadding, as Janet coloured up to the eyes, "My dear, have you anyother association with the name?"

Many a time Janet had longed to tell all she knew; now, when so goodan opportunity had come, all was choked back by the strange leadenweight of reserve, and shame in that long reserve. 

She opened her eyes and stared as stupidly at her mother as Robincould have done, feeling an utter incapacity of making any reply; andCaroline, who had for a moment thought she understood, was baffled, and durst not pursue the subject for fear of betraying her ownsecret, deciding within herself that Janet might have caught up theword without understanding. 

They were interrupted the next minute, and Janet ran away, feelingthat she had had an escape, yet wishing she had not. 

Caroline did effectually shelter her nephews under her general term"the boys, " and if their mother was not conciliated, their fellow-feeling with her was strengthened, as well as their sense of honour. Nay, Johnny actually spent the next half-holiday in walking threemiles and back to his old nurse, whom he beguiled out of a basket ofplums-—hard, little blue things, as unlike magnum bonums as couldwell be, but which his aunt received as they were meant, as fullcompensation; nay, she took the pains to hunt up a recipe, and havethem well preserved, in hopes of amazing his mother. 

It was indeed one difficulty that the two sisters-in-law had suchdifferent notions of the aim and end of economy. The income atKencroft had not increased with the family, which numbered eight, forthere were two little boys in the nursery, and it was only bydiligent housewifery that Mrs. Brownlow kept up the somewhat handsomeestablishment she had started with at her marriage. Caroline feltthat she neither could nor would have made herself such a slave todomestic details; yet this was life and duty and interest to Ellen. Where one sister would be unheeding of shabby externals, so that allher children might be free and on an equality, if they did not gobeyond her, in all enjoyments, physical, artistic, or intellectual;the other toiled to keep up appearances, kept her children underrestraint and in the background, and made all sorts of unseensacrifices to the supposed duty of always having a handsome dinnerfor whomsoever the Colonel might bring in, and keeping the horses, carriages, and servants that she thought his due. 

But then Ellen had a husband, and, as Caroline sighed to herself, that made all the difference! and she was no Serene Highness, and hadno dignity. 

The three girls from Kencroft did actually become pupils at theFolly, but the beginnings were not propitious, for, in her newteacher's eyes, Jessie knew nothing accurately, but needed to haveher foundations looked to-—to practise scales, draw square boxes, andwork the four first rules of arithmetic. 

"Simple things, " complained Jessie to her mother, "that I used to dowhen I was no bigger than Essie, and yet she is always teasing oneabout how and why! She wanted me to tell why I carried one. "

"Have a little patience for the present, my dear, your papa wants tohelp her just at present, and after this autumn we will manage foryou to have some real good music lessons. "

"But I don't like wasting time over old easy things made difficult, "sighed Jessie. 

"It is very tiresome, my dear; but your papa wishes it, and you see, poor thing, she can't teach you more than she knows herself; andwhile you are there, I am sure it is all right with Essie and Ellie. "

"She does not teach them a bit like Miss James, " said Jessie. "Shemakes their sums into a story, and their spelling lessons too. It islike a game. "

Indeed, Essie and Ellie were so willing to go off to their lessonsevery morning, that their mother often thought it could not be allright, and that the progress, which they undoubtedly made, must be bysome superficial trick; but as their father had so willed it, shesubmitted to the present arrangement, deciding that "poor Carolinewas just able to teach little children. "

The presence of Essie and Ellie much assisted in bringing Babie backto methodical habits; nor was she, in spite of her precociousintelligence, too forward in the actual drill of education to be ableto work with her little cousins. 

The incongruous elements were the two elder girls, who could by nomeans study together, since they were at the two opposite ends of thescale; but as Jessie was by no means aggressive, being in fact assweet and docile a shallow girl as ever lived, things went onpeaceably, except when Janet could not conceal her displeasure thatBobus would not share her contempt for Jessie's intellect. 

If she told him that Jessie thought that the Odyssey was about avoyage to Odessa, and was written by Alfred Tennyson, he onlydeclared that anything was better than being a spiteful cat; and whenhe came in from school, and found his cousin in wild despair over theconversion of 2, 861 florins into half-crowns, he stood by, tellingher every operation, and leaving her nothing to do but to write downthe figures. He was reckless of Janet, who tried to wither them bothby her scorn; but Jessie looked up with her honest eyes, saying—-

"I wish you hadn't put it into my head, Janet, for now I must rub itout and do it again, and it won't be so hard now Bobus has shown mehow. "

"No, no, Jessie, " said Bobus; "I wouldn't be bullied. "

"For shame, Bobus, " said his sister; "how is she to learn anything inthat way?"

"And if she doesn't?" said Bobus. 

"That's a disgrace. "

"A grace, " said provoking Bobus. "She is much nicer as she is, thanyou will ever be. "

"Don't talk such nonsense, " said Janet, with an elder sisterly air. "It is not kind to encourage Jessie to think anyone can care for anempty-headed doll. "

"Empty-headed dolls are all the go, " said Bobus. "Never mind, Jessie, a girl's business is to be pretty and good-humoured, not tostuff herself with Latin and Greek. You should leave that to us poorbeggars!"

"Yes, I know, that's all your envy and jealousy, " retorted Janet. 

All the time Jessie stood by, plump, gentle, and pretty, though witha certain cloud of perplexity on her white open brow, and as her auntreturned into the room, she said—-

"I think my sum is right now, Aunt Caroline; but Bobus helped me. Must I do it over again?"

"You shall begin with it to-morrow, my dear, " said her aunt; "then Idaresay it will go off easily. "

Jessie thanked with an effusion of gratitude which made her prettierthan ever, and then was claimed by Bobus to help him in the making ofsome paper bags that he needed for some of his curiosities. 

Janet liked to fancy that it was beauty versus genius that madeJessie the greater favourite. She had not taken into account thatshe was always too much engrossed with her own concerns to behelpful, while Jessie's pretty dexterous hands were always ateveryone's service, and without in the least entering into the causeof science, she was invaluable in the museum, whenever her ideas ofneatness and symmetry were not in too absolute opposition to therequirements of system. 

The two little ones, Essie and Ellie, were equally graceful, orindeed still more so, as being still in their kittenhood, and theirattitudes were so charming as to revive their aunt's artisticinstincts. 

All the earlier part of the year, when her time was her own, it hadbeen mere wretchedness and heart-sickness to think of the art whichhad given her husband so much pleasure, and, but for Allen, thestudio would never have been arranged. But no sooner was her timeengrossed, than the artist fever awoke in her, and all the time shecould steal by early rising, or on wet afternoons, and birthdayholidays, was devoted to her clay. 

Before the end of the autumn she had sent up to Mr. Acton some lovelylittle groups of children, illustrating Wordsworth's poems. She hadbeen taught anatomy enough to make her work superior to that of mostwomen, and Mr. Acton found no difficulty in disposing of them to aporcelain manufactory, to be copied in Parian, bringing in a sum thatmade her feel rich. 

Vistas opened before her sanguine eyes of that clay educating her sonfor the Magnum Bonum, her great thought. Her boys must be brought upto be worthy of the quest, high-minded, disinterested, and devoted, as well as intellectual and religious. So said their father; andthus the Magnum Bonum had become very nearly a religion to her, giving her a definite aim and principle. 

Unfortunately there was not much in her present surroundings to leadher higher. The vicar, Mr. Rigby, was a dull, weak man, of a worn-out type, a careful visitor of the sick and poor, but taking littleheed to the educated, except as subscribers and Sunday-schoolteachers. Carey had done little in the first capacity, Janet hadrefused to act in the latter. 

His sermons were very sleepy performances, except for a tendency tojumble up metaphors, that kept the audience from the Folly just awakeenough to watch for them. The hearer was proud who could repeat byheart such phrases as "let us not, beloved brethren, as gaudyinsects, flutter out life's little day, bound to the chariot wheelsof vanity, whirling in the vortex of dissipation, until at length welie moaning over the bitter dregs of the intoxicating draught. " Someof these became household proverbs at "the Folly, " under the title of"Rigdum Funnidoses, " and might well be an extreme distress to thegood, reverent, and dutiful Jessie. 

Mrs. Rigby was an inferior woman, a sworn member of the Coffinkeyclique, admiring and looking up to her Serene Highness as the greatlady of the place, and wearing an almost abject manner whenreceiving good counsels from her. Neither of them commanded respect, nor were they likely to change the belief, which prevailed at theFolly, that all ability resided among the London clergy. 

CHAPTER XI. UNDINE. 

Lithest, gaudiest harlequin, Prettiest tumbler ever seen, Light of heart and light of limb. Wordsworth. 

Long walks continued to be almost a necessity to Mrs. JosephBrownlow, even when comparatively sobered down, and there were fewdays on which she was not to be met a mile or two from Kenminster, attended by a train of boys larger or smaller, according to thedemands of the school for work or play. 

The winter was of the description least favourable to collectiveboyish sports, as there was no snow and very little frost. TheChristmas holidays led to more walking than ever. The gravelledroads of Belforest were never impassable, even in moist weather; andeven the penetralia of the place had been laid open to the Brownlows, in consequence of a friendship which the two Johns had establishedwith Alfred Richards, the agent's son. They had brought him in tosee the museum, and he had proved so nice and intelligent a lad, thatMother Carey, to the great scandal of her Serene Highness, allowedJock to ask him to partake of a birthday feast. 

When Allen came home at Christmas, he introduced stilt walking, andthe Coffinkey world had the pleasure of communicating to one anotherthat "Mrs. Folly Brownlow" had been seen with all her boys walking onstilts; and of course in the next stage, Mrs. "Folly" Brownlowherself was said to have been walking on stilts with all her boys, alibel, which caused Mrs. Robert Brownlow much pain and trouble in thecontradiction. 

"Poor Caroline! walking seemed to be necessary to her health, and shewas out a great deal, but always walking along in the lanes on footwith her little girls-—yes, I assure you, always on foot!"

It was thus that Caroline, with Babie and Armine, was descending ahill on the other side of Belforest Park, fully employed in pickingthe way through the mud from stone to stone, when a cry of dismaycame to them from a distance, and whilst they were still strugglingtowards a gate, which broke the line of the high hedge, the two Johnscame back at speed, crying-—"Mother, Mother Carey! come quick, here'sAllen had a spill-—came down on his shoulder—-his stilt went into ahole, and he went right over; they think he must have brokensomething, he howls so when they touch him. "

Feeling her limbs and breath inadequate to bear her on as fast as herspirit flew forward, Caroline dashed through the slippery mud far tooswiftly for poor little Babie to keep up with her, leaving one boy totake care of the little ones, while the other acted as her guide downthe long steep lane. She was unable to see over the hedges till shecame through a gate into a meadow, where Jock looked about, rubbedhis eyes, and exclaimed-—"Hallo, where are they?" pointing to theplace where Allen had fallen, but whence he seemed to have beenspirited away like Sir Piercie Shafton. However, Rob and Joe camerunning out of a farmyard at a little distance, with tidings thatAllen had been taken in there, and replying to her breathlessquestion, that they could not tell how much he was hurt. 

A fine looking white-haired farmer met her next, saying—-"Your younggentleman is not very seriously hurt, ma'am. I think a dislocationof the shoulder is the extent of the injury. He is feeling ratherfaint, but you must not be alarmed. "

It was spoken with a kind courtesy that gave her confidence, and theold man led her to the parlour, where his daughter-in-law, a gentlelooking person, was most kindly attending on Allen, who lay on thesofa, exceedingly white, and in much pain, but able to smile at hismother, and assure her that he should soon be all right. 

"Had they sent for a surgeon?"

"No, but they had sent for a bone-setter, who would be there in aminute. "

The old farmer explained that it would be two hours at the leastbefore a surgeon could be fetched from Kenminster, while Higg, theblacksmith, who lived close at hand, was better for man and beastthan any surgeon he had known, and his son had instantly set out tofetch him. As the mother doubtfully asked of his fitness, instanceswere quoted of his success. The family had a "gift, " inherited andkept up from time immemorial, and the farmer's wife declared that hewas as tender as possible; she had seen him operate on a neighbour'schild, and should not be afraid to trust him with one of her own. 

The man's voice was heard; they went out to speak to him, andCaroline was left with her boy. 

"What do you think, Ali, my dear, she said, kneeling by him, "I haveoften heard dear papa speak of the wonderful instinct of those bone-setting families. "

"I'd have nothing to do with a humbugging quack, " put in Bobus. 

"He may humbug as much as he likes, if he'll only get me out of thispain, " said poor Allen. 

"He will only make it ever so much worse, and then you'll have tohave it done over again, " croaked Bobus. 

"That is not the way to talk of it, Bobus, " said his mother. "I knowa dislocated shoulder does not require any great skill, and thatpromptness is of greater use than knowledge in such a case. "

"Well, if you like to encourage abominable humbug and have Allenlamed for life, I don't, " said Bobus. "I shan't stay in the housewith the blackguard. "

He stalked out of the room with great loftiness of demeanour, just asthe operator was being introduced-—a tall, sinewy man, with one ofthose strong yet meek faces often to be found among the peasantry. He came in after the old farmer, pulling his forelock to the lady, and waiting for orders as if he had been sent for to mend the grate;but Caroline saw in a moment that he was a man to trust in, and thathis hands were not only clean, but were well-formed, and powerful, with a great air of dexterity. 

"I am afraid my boy's arm is put out, " she said, trembling a gooddeal. 

"Yes, ma'am. "

"And-—and, " said she, feeling sick, and more desolate and left to herown judgment than ever before. "Can you undertake to push it inagain. "

"Please God, ma'am, " Higg said, gravely, coming nearer forexamination. 

Allen shrank and shuddered. 

"Won't it hurt awfully?" he asked. 

"Well, sir, it won't just be a bed of roses, but it won't last, notlong, if you sets your will to it. "

He asked for various needments, and while he was inspecting them, Allen's courage began to fail, and he breathed out whispers that theman was rougher and more ignorant than he expected, and they hadbetter wait and send to Kenminster for a doctor; but those whothought Caroline helpless and childish would have been amazed at thegentle resolution with which she refused to listen to his falterings, and braced him to endure, knowing well that her husband had said thatskill was hardly needed in such a case, only resolution. She wouldnot let herself be taken out of the room, and indeed never thought ofherself, only of Allen, whose other hand she held, and to whom sheseemed to give patience and courage. When all was well over, therewas a hospitable invitation to the patient to remain till he was fitto return, and an extension of the invitation to his mother, but withpromises of every care if she must leave him, and this she was forcedto decide on doing, as such a household as hers could not well spareher, especially on a Saturday evening; and she also saw that theinconvenience to her hosts would have been great. 

Allen was so much relieved, that she had no fear of leaving him tothese kind people, to whom she had taken a great fancy. 

"I shall learn the habits of the genuine species, British farmer, "said he, as his mother kissed him, and declared him the best and mostconformable of boys. 

Old Mr. Gould would not be denied driving her home in his gig, andwhen she thought about it, she found she had a strange relaxed achingof the knees, which made her glad of kindness for herself and thelittle ones. In the fine old kitchen she found that Armine had hadan overpowering fit of crying, which had been kindly soothed bymotherly Mrs. Gould, and the whole party were partaking of aluxurious tea, enlivened by mince pies and rosy-cheeked apples, whichhad diverted his attention to the problem why the next year'sprosperity should depend on the number of mince pies consumed beforeChristmas. 

Bobus was not among them, having marched off in his contempt of thebone-setter, and his mother was not without fears that he might bringa real surgeon down on her at any moment, so she quickly drank offher cup of tea, and took her seat in Farmer Gould's gig with Babie asbodkin in front, and Joe and Armine in the little seat behind. Robinand the two Johns were to stilt themselves home, while she was takenso long and rugged a way, that at every jolt she was ready to renewher thanks for sparing it to her son's shoulder; and they were athome before her. 

The whole family came pouring out to meet her, and the Colonel madewarm acknowledgments of the farmer's kindness, speaking of him whenhe was gone as one of the most estimable men in the neighbourhood, staunch in his politics, and very ill-used by old Barnes ofBelforest. 

Caroline looked anxiously for Bobus; and Janet, who had stayed athome to finish some papers for her essay society, said that he hadonly hurried in to tell her and take off his stilts, and had thengone down to Dr. Leslie's. 

"Then has Dr. Leslie gone? We did not meet him, but he may have gonethrough Belforest, " exclaimed Caroline. 

"O no, he has not gone; he would not when he heard about that Higg, "said Janet, with uneasy and much disgusted face. "He couldn't do anygood after his meddling. "

"Do you mean that he said so?" asked Carey, much alarmed. 

"Never mind, " said the Colonel, "you did quite right, Caroline, whatever the doctor says. Any man of sense, with good strong hands, can manage a shoulder like that, and I should have thought Leslie hadsense to see it; but those professional men can't stand outsiders. "

"Where is Bobus?" asked Caroline; "I should like to distinguishbetween what Dr. Leslie said to him and what he told Janet. He mightbe more zealous for Dr. Leslie than Dr. Leslie for himself. "

Bobus was unearthed, and by much pumping was made to allow that Dr. Leslie had told him that there was nothing more to be done, and thathis brother was quite safe in Higg's hands; but Bobus evidently didnot believe it. He kept silence while his uncle remained, but he hadhunted up his father's surgical books, and went on about humeralclavicles and ligatures all the evening, till his mother felt sick, in the nervous contemplation of possibilities, though her bettersense was secure that she had done right, while Janet was moodilysilent and angered with her, in the belief that she had weakly letAllen be injured for life; and Bobus seemed as if he had rather itshould be so than that he should be wrong, and Higg's nativeendowments turn out a reality. 

Caroline abstained from looking at the book herself, partly becauseshe thought she might only alarm herself the more without confutingBobus, and partly because she knew that the old law which forbadeJanet to meddle with the medical books, would be considered asabrogated if she touched them herself. 

Both she and Janet were much more anxious than they confessed, exceptby the looks which betrayed their broken rest the next morning. Eachwas bent on walking to River Hollow, and they would fain have done soimmediately after breakfast, but to take the whole tribe wasimpossible; and to let them go to Church without her, wouldinfallibly lead to Jock's getting into a scrape with his relatives, if not with the whole congregation. Was it not all her eyes could doto hinder palpable smiles in the sermon, and her monkey from playingtricks on his bear, who, by some fatality, always sat in front, withhis irresistible broad back, down which, in spite of all hervigilance, Jock had once thrust a large bluebottle fly. She alsoknew that both her husband and his mother would have thought sheought to go to Church, and that if matters went amiss with her boy, she should reproach herself with the omission. Her children, too, influenced her, though very oppositely, for Janet was found preparingto start for River Hollow, and on being told that she must wait, togo with her mother, till after Church, declared defiantly that "shesaw no sense in staying at home to hear Rigdum when she did not knowhow ill Allen might be. "

"You would not have said that to grandmamma, " said Carey. 

"Well, if you like to go to Church, you can. I can go alone. "

"No, I will not have you take that long walk alone. "

"Then I will take one of the boys. "

"No, Janet, I mean to be obeyed. Go and put on your other hat, anddo not make us late for Church. "

Janet was forced to submit, for she never came to the point of actualdisobedience to her mother. Caroline's ruffled feelings were soothedby little Armine, who ran in from feeding his rabbits to ask to havethe place in his Prayer-book shown to him where he should pray forpoor Allen. She marked the Litany sentence for him, and meant tohave thrown her own heart into it, but when the moment came, her mindwas far astray, building vague castles about her boys. 

Still she felt as if her church going had its reward, for Dr. Lesliemet her a little way outside the porch, and, after asking after herboy, said—-

"I hope his brother explained to you that Higg is quite to betrusted. He always knows what he can do, and when a case is beyondhim. If I had come there would have been nothing for me to do. "

"There!" said Jock, triumphantly to his brother and sister. 

"Much you know about it, " grunted Bobus. 

"Mother Carey was right. She always is, " persisted Jock. 

"It would have been just the same if the man had known nothing aboutit, " said Janet. "I hate your irregular practitioners, and it wasvery weak in mother to encourage them. " Then, as Bobus snarled atthe censure of his mother-—"You said so yourself yesterday. "

"I didn't say any such beastly thing of mother. She could tellwhether it was just a simple dislocation, and she was right, havingever so much more sense than _you_, Janet. "

"You didn't say so yesterday, " repeated Janet. 

"I don't like irregular practitioners a bit better than you do, Janet, " said Bobus with dignity; "and I thought it right to call ina qualified surgeon, but I never said mother couldn't judge. "

However, Bobus would not countenance the irregular practitioner byescorting his mother to River Hollow; and as he was in one of thesurly moods in which he was dangerous to any one who meddled withhim, especially Janet, his mother was glad not to have to keep thepeace between them. 

Janet, though not in the most amiable mood, chose to go with her, andthey set forth by the shorter way, across Belforest park, skirtingthe gardens where the statues stood up, looking shivery and forlorn, as if they were not suited to English winters, and the huge houselooked down on them like a London terrace that had lost its way, witha dreary uninhabited air about it. Even by this private way they hadtwo miles and a half of park to traverse, before they reached a heavymiry lane, where the beds of mud, alternated with rugged masses ofstone, intended to choke them. It led up between high hedges to thebrow of one of the many hills of the county, whence they could lookdown into the hollow, a perfect cup, scooped out as it were betweenthe hills that closed it in, except at the outlet of the river thatintersected it, making the meadow on either side emerald green, evenin the winter. Corn lands of rich red soil, pasture fields dottedwith cattle, and broad belts of copse wood between clothed theslopes; and a picturesque wooden bridge, with a double handrail, crossed the river. The farm-house, built of creamy stone, stood onthe opposite side of the river, some way above the bank, and themother and daughter agreed that it deserved to be sketched nextsummer. 

They had to pick their way down a lane that was almost a torrent, andemerging at the foot of the bridge, they stood still in amazement, for in the very centre was something vibrating rapidly, surrounded bya perfect halo of gold and scarlet. It was like a gigantic humming-bird moth at first, but it presently resolved itself into a littlegirl, clad in something dark purple below, and above with a brightscarlet cloaklet, which flew out and streamed back, beneath thefloating locks of glistening gold that glinted in the sun, as with ahand on each rail of the bridge she swung herself backwards andforwards with the most bewildering rapidity. Suddenly becoming awareof the approach of strangers, she stood for one moment gazing inastonishment, then fled so swiftly that she almost seemed to fly, andvanished in the farm buildings!

They stood laughing and declaring that Babie would be convinced thatfairies came out on Sunday, then crossed the river and were beginningto ascend the path when a volley of sounds broke on them, a shrillyap giving the alarm, louder notes joining in, and the bass beingsupplied by a formidable deep-mouthed bark, as out of the farmyard-gate dashed little terrier, curly spaniel, slim greyhounds, surlysheep-dog of the old tailless sort, and big and mighty Newfoundland, and there they stood in a row, shouting forth defiance in allgradations of note, so that, though frightened, Carey and Janet couldnot help laughing, as the former said—-

"This comes of gadding about on Sunday. "

"If we went on boldly they would see we are not tramps, " said Janet. 

"Depend on it they will let no one pass in Church time. "

So it proved, for Janet's attempt to move forward elicited a growlfrom the sheep-dog, and a leap forward of the "little dogs and all, "which daunted even her stout heart. 

However, calls were heard, and the bright vision of the bridge camedarting among the dogs, scolding and driving them in, and Allenhimself came out to the gate, all bandaged up on one side, but wavinghis arm as a signal to his mother and sister to advance. They did sonervously but safely, while the growls of the sheep-dog sounded likedistant thunder, and the terrier uttered his protest from the door. Allen declared himself much better, and said he should be quite ableto go home to-morrow, only this was such a jolly place; and then hebrought them into the beautiful old kitchen with a magnificent openhearth, inclosed by two fine dark walnut-wood settles, making alittle carpeted chamber between them. Here Allen had the farmer'sarmchair and a footstool, and with "Foxe's Martyrs" open at a flamingillustration on the little round table before him, appeared to bespending his Sunday as luxuriously as the big tabby cat who sharedthe hearth with him. 

"They have only one service at Woodbridge, morning and afternoon byturns, " he explained, "and so they are all gone to it. "

"Who is that girl?" asked Janet. 

"Undine, " he coolly replied. 

"She certainly appeared on the bridge, " said his mother, "but Ishould think Undine's colouring had been less radiant-—more of theblue and white. "

"She had not a whiter skin nor bluer eyes, " said Allen, "nor madeherself more ridiculous either. Did you ever see such hair, mother?Hullo, Elfie. There she is, peeping in at the window, just as Undinedid; Come in!" he cried at the door. "No, not she, " as he returnedbaffled; "she is off again!"

"But, Allen, who is she? Not Farmer Gould's daughter. "

"Of course not. Don't you know she was fished up in a net, andbelonged to a palace under the ocean full of pearls and diamonds. She took such a fancy to me that no power on earth would make her goto Church with the rest. She ran away, and hid, and when they wereall gone she came out and curled herself up at my feet and chattered, till I happened to offend her majesty, and off she went like a shot. I'm only thankful that she did not make her pearly teeth meet in myfinger in true Undine fashion. "

"But who is she, really?"

"I can't quite make out. They call her Elfie, and she calls themgrandpapa, and uncle and aunt, but she has been sitting herecomplaining of everything being cold and dull, and talking about seasand islands, palm-trees, and coral caves, and humming birds, yes, andblack slaves, and strings of pearls, so that if she is romancing, like Armine and Babie, she does it uncommonly naturally. "

They saw no more of this mysterious little being, and the family soonreturned from Church. The father was a fine, old-fashioned yeoman, the son had the style of a modern farmer, and the wife was so quiet, sensible, and matronly as to be almost ladylike. Her two littlegirls were dressed as well as Essie and Ellie, but all wereessentially commonplace. They were very kind and friendly, anxiousthat Allen should stay as long as was good for him, as well aspressing in their hospitality to the two ladies. Mr. Gould was veryanxious to drive them home in his gig, though he allowed that theroad was very rough unless you went through Belforest Park, and thathe never did. 

This was surprising, for Belforest had always seemed as free as theturnpike-road, and River Hollow was apparently part of the estate, but there was an air of discouraging questions, so Carey suspectedquarrels and asked none. 

She was enlightened the next day when Colonel Brownlow brought hisphaeton to fetch Allen home over the smooth park road. He told herthat the Goulds were freeholders who had owned River Hollow from timeimmemorial, though each successive lord of Belforest tried to buythem out. The alienation between them and Mr. Barnes, the presentmaster, had however much stronger grounds than these. His nephew andintended heir has stolen a match with the old man's pretty daughter, and this had never been forgiven. The young couple had gone out tothe West Indian isles, where the early home of her husband had been, and where he held some government office, and there fell a victim tothe climate. Old Mr. Gould had gone home to fetch his daughter andher child, but the former had died before he reached her, and he hadonly brought back the little girl about two years ago. 

Mr. Barnes ignored her entirely, and the Goulds, who had a good dealof pride, did not choose to apply to him. It was very unfortunate, for unless he had any other relations the child must be heiress tohis immense wealth, though it was as likely as not that he wouldleave it all to hospitals out of pure vindictiveness. 

They found Allen out of doors attended by the three little girls, alleagerly watching the removal of a sheep-fold. He was a pleasant-mannered boy, ready to adapt himself to all circumstances and tothrow ready intelligent interest into everything, and he had won thehearts of the whole River Hollow establishment, from old Mr. Goulddown to the smallest puppy. 

Elfie, as he called her, stood her ground, and as she looked up underher brown mushroom hat Caroline was struck with her beauty, fair, butwith a southern richness of bloom and glow-—the carnation cheek of adepth of tint more often found in brunette complexions. The eyeswere not merely blue by courtesy, but of a wonderful deep azure, shaded by very long lashes, dark except when the sun glinted themwith gold, and round her shoulders hung masses of hair of thatexquisite light auburn which cannot be accused of being red. 

She let herself be greeted by the strangers with much more ease andgrace than the other two children, but the slow walk of hergrandfather and Colonel Brownlow seemed more than she could brook, and she went off, flying and spinning round like a little dog. 

While all the acknowledgments and farewells were being made, andColonel Brownlow was taking directions for finding Higg's house andforge so as to remunerate him for his services, Elfie came hurryingup to Allen, holding out a great, gorgeous pink-lined shell, and laidwithin it two heads of scarlet geranium on a green leaf. 

"O Elfie, Elfie! how could you?" exclaimed he, knowing them to be theonly flowers in bloom. 

"You must have them. There's nothing else pretty to give you, and Ilove you, " said the child, holding up her face to kiss him. 

"Elvira!" said her aunt in warning, "how can you! What will thislady think of you?"

Elvira's gesture would in any other child have seemed a sulky thrustof the elbow, but in her it was more like the flutter of the wing ofa brilliant bird. 

"You must, " she repeated; and when he hesitated with "If Mrs. Gould, "she broke away, dashed the flowers, shell and all, into the middle ofa clump of rosemary, and rushed out of sight like a little fury. 

"You will excuse her, Mrs. Brownlow, " said Mrs. Gould, much annoyed. "She has been sadly spoilt, living among negro servants and havingher own way, so that she is sometimes quite ungovernable, "

"Nay, nay, she is a warm-hearted little thing if you don't crossher, " said the old farmer; "and the young gentleman has been verykind to her. "

Mrs. Gould looked as if she thought she knew her niece better thangrandpapa did, but she was too wise to speak; and the little girls, having assisted Allen in the recovery of the shell and the flowers, he tendered them again to her. 

"You had better keep them, Mr. Brownlow, " she said. "The shell isher own, and if you did not take it she is so _tenacious_ that shewould be sure to smash it to atoms. "

Allen accepted perforce and proceeded with his farewells, but as hewas stooping down to kiss little five-year-old Kate Gould, somethingwet, cold, and sloppy came with great force on them both, almostknocking them down and bespattering them both with black drops. Themissile proved to be a dripping sod pulled up from the duck-pond inthe next field, and a glimpse might be caught of Elvira's scarletlegs disappearing over the low wall between. 

Over poor Mrs. Gould's apologies a veil had best be drawn. MotherCarey pitied her heartily, but it was impossible not to make fun athome over the black tokens on Allen's shirt-collar. His brothers andsisters laughed excessively, and Janet twitted him with his Undine, till he, contrary to his wont, grew so cross as to make his motherrecollect that he was still a suffering patient, and insist on hislying quiet on the sofa, while she banished every one, and readTennyson to him. Poetry, read aloud by her, was Allen's greatestdelight, but not often enjoyed, as Bobus and Jock scouted it, andJanet was getting too strong-minded and used to break in withinopportune, criticisms. 

So to have Mother Carey to read "Elaine" undisturbed was as great anindulgence as Allen could well have, but she had not gone far beforehe broke out—-

"Mother, please, I wish you could do something for that girl. Shereally is a lady. "

"So it appears, " said Carey, much disposed to laugh. 

"Now, mother, don't be tiresome. You have more sense than Janet. Her father was Vice-consul at Sant Ildefonso, one of the Antilles. "

"But, my dear, I am afraid that is not quite so grand as it sounds-—"

"Hush, mother. He was nephew to Mr. Barnes, and they lived out ofthe town in a perfect paradise of a place, looking out into the bay. Mr. Gould says he can hardly believe he ever saw anything sogorgeously beautiful, and there this poor little Elvira de Menellalived like a princess with a court of black slaves. Just fancy whatit must be to her to come to that farm, an orphan too, with an auntwho can't understand a creature like that. "

"Poor child. "

"Then she can't get any education. Old Gould is a sensible man, whosays any school he could afford would only turn her out a sham, andhe means, when Mary and Kate are a little older, to get some sort ofgoverness for the three. But, mother, couldn't you just let himbring her in on market days and teach her a little?"

"My dear boy, what would your aunt do? We can't have sods of mudflying about the house. "

"Now, mother, you know better! You could make anything of her, youknow you could! And what a model she would make! Think what a poorlittle desolate thing she is. You always have a fellow feeling fororphans, and we do owe those people a great deal of gratitude. "

"Allen, you special pleader, it really will not do! If I had notundertaken Essie and Ellie, I might think about it, but I promisedyour aunt not to have any other pupils. "

Allen bothered Essie and Ellie, but was forced to acquiesce, whichwas fortunate, for when on the last day of the holidays it was foundthat he had walked to River Hollow to take leave of the Goulds, hisaunt administered to his mother a serious warning on the dangers ofallowing him to become intimate there. 

Caroline tingled all over during the discourse, and at last jumpedup, exclaiming—-

"My dear Ellen, half the harm in the world is done by making a fuss. Things don't die half so hard when they die a natural death. "

Ellen knew Carey thought she had said something very clever, but wasall the more unconvinced. 

CHAPTER XII. KING MIDAS. 

When I did him at this advantage take, An ass's nowl I fixed upon his head. Midsummer Night's Dream. 

In the early spring an unlooked-for obstacle arose to all wanderingsin the Belforest woods. The owner returned and closed the gates. >From time that seemed immemorial, the inhabitants of Kenminster haddisported themselves there as if the grounds had been kept up fortheir sole behoof, and their indignation at the monopoly knew nobounds. 

Nobody saw Mr. Barnes save his doctor, whose carriage was the onlyone admitted within the lodge gates, intending visitors being thereinformed that Mr. Barnes was too unwell to be disturbed. 

Mrs. "Folly" Brownlow's aberrations lost their interest in theCoffinkey world beside the mystery of Belforest. Opinions varied asto his being a miser, or a lunatic, a prey to conscience, disease, ordeformity; and reports were so diverse, that at the "Folly" a journalwas kept of them, with their dates, as a matter of curiosity-—theirauthorities marked:—-

March 4th. -—Mr. Barnes eats nothing but fresh turtle. Brings themdown in tubs alive and flapping. Mrs. Coffinkey's Jane heard themcooing at the station. Gives his cook three hundred pounds perannum. 

5th. -—Mr. Barnes so miserly, that he turned away the housemaid forburning candles eight to the pound. (H. S. H. )

6th. -—Mr. B. Keeps a bloodhound trained to hunt Indians, and has sixpounds of prime beef steaks for it every day. (Emma. )

8th. —-Mr. B. 's library is decorated with a string of human ears, theclippings of his slaves in "the Indies. " (Nurse. )

12th. -—Mr. B. Whipped a little black boy to death, and is so hauntedby remorse, that he can't sleep without wax-candles burning all roundhim. (Mrs. Coffinkey's sister-in-law. )

14th. -—Mr. Barnes's income is five hundred thousand pounds, and hedoes not live at the rate of two hundred pounds. (Col. Brownlow. )

l5th. -—He has turned off all his gardeners, and the place will bedesolation. (H. S. H. )

16th. -—He did turn off one gardener's boy for staring at him when hewas being wheeled about in his bath-chair. (Alfred Richards. )

17th. -—He threw a stone, which cut the boy's head open, and he liesat the hospital in a dangerous state. (Emma. )

18th. -—Mr. Barnes was crossed in love when he was a young man by oneMiss Anne Thorpe, and has never been the same man since, but hashated all society. (Query: Is this a version of being a misanthrope?)

19th. -—He is a most unhappy man, who has sacrificed all familyaffections and all humanity to gold, and whose conscience will notlet him rest. He is worn to a shadow, and is at war with mankind. In fine, he is a lesson to weak human nature. (Mrs. Rigby. )

22nd. -—All his toilet apparatus is of "virgin gold;" he lets nothingelse touch him. (Jessie. )

"Exactly like King Midas. " (Babie. )

The exclusion from the grounds was a serious grievance, entailingmuch loss of time and hindrance to the many who had profited by theprivate roads. The Sunday promenade was a great deprivation; nursesand children were cut off from grass and shade, and Mother Carey andher brood from all the delights of the enchanted ground. 

She could bear the loss better than in that first wild restlessness, which only free nature could allay. She had made her occupations, and knew of other haunts, though many a longing eye was cast at thesweet green wilderness, and many regrets spent on the rambles, thesketches, the plants, and the creatures that had seemed the certainentertainment of the summer. 

To one class of the population the prohibition only gave greaterzest-—namely, the boys. Should there be birds' nests in Belforestunscathed by the youth of St. Kenelm's? What were notice-boards, palings, or walls to boys with arms and legs ready to defy even thecelebrated man-traps of Ellangowan, "which, if a man goes in, theywill break a horse's leg?" The terrific bloodhound alarmed a fewtill his existence was denied by Alfred Richards, the agent's son;and dodging the keepers was a new and exciting sport. At first, these men were not solicitous for captures, but their negligence wasso often detected, that they began to believe that their master kepttelescopes that could penetrate through trees, and their vigilanceincreased. 

Bobus, in quest of green hellebore, got off with a warning; but aweek later, Robin and Jock were inspecting the heronry, when theycaught sight of a keeper, and dashed off to find themselves runninginto the jaws of another. Swift as lightning, Jock sprung up into anivied ash; but the less ready Bob was caught by the leg as hemounted, and pulled down again, while his captor shouted, "If there'sany more of you young varmint up yonder, you'd best come down beforeI fires up into the hoivy. "

He made a click and pointed his gun, and Robin shrieked, "Oh, don't!We are Colonel Brownlow's sons; at least, I mean nephews. Don't! Isay. Skipjack, come down. "

"You ass!" muttered Jack, as he crackled down, and was collared bythe keeper. "Hollo! what's that for?"

"Now, young gents, why will you come larking here to get a poor chapout of his situation. It's as much as my place is worth not tosummons you, and yet I don't half like to do it to young gents likeyou. "

"What could they do to us?" asked Jock. 

"Well, sir, may be they'd keep you in the lock-up all night; and whatwould your papa and mamma say to that?"

"My father is Colonel Brownlow, " growled Robin. 

"More shame for you, sir, to want to get a poor man out of hisplace. "

"Look here, my man, " said Jock with London sharpness and impudence, "if you want to bully us into tipping you, it's no go. We've onlygot one copper between us, and nothing else but our knives; and if wehad, we wouldn't do such a sneaking thing!"

"I never meant no such thing, sir, " said the keeper; "only in caseMr. Barnes should hear of our good nature. "

"Come along, Robin, " said Jock; "if we are had up, we'll let 'em knowhow Leggings wanted us to buy off!"

Wherewith Jock made a rush, Rob plunged after him into the brambles, and they never halted till they had tumbled over the park wall, andlay in a breathless heap on the other side. The adventure was thefruitful cause of mirth at the Folly, but not a word was breathed ofit at Kencroft. 

A few other lads did actually pay toll to the keepers, and somepenniless ones were brought before the magistrates and fined fortrespass, "because they could not afford it, " as Caroline said, andto the Colonel's great disgust she sent two sovereigns by Allen topay their fines and set them free. 

"It was my own money, " she said, in self-defence, "earned by mymodels of fungi. "

The Colonel thought it an unsatisfactory justification, and told herthat she would lay up trouble for herself by thus encouraginginsubordination. He little thought that the laugh in her eyes was athis complacent ignorance of his own son's narrow escape. 

Allen was at home for Easter, when Eton gave longer holidays than didSt. Kenelm, so that his brothers were at work again long before hewas. One afternoon, which had ended in a soaking mist, the two pairsof Roberts and Johns encountered him at the Folly gate so disguisedin mud that they hardly recognised the dainty Etonian. 

"That brute Barnes, " he ejaculated; "I had to come miles roundthrough a disgusting lane. I wish I had gone on. I'd have provedthe right of way if he chose to prosecute me!"

"Father says that's no go, " said Robin. 

"I say, Allen, what a guy you are, " added Johnny. 

"And he's got his swell trousers on, " cried Jock, capering with glee. 

"I see, " gravely observed Bobus, "he had got himself up regardless ofexpense for his Undine, and she has treated him to another dose ofher native element. 

"She had nothing to do with it, " asseverated Allen, "she was as goodas gold—-"

"Ah! I knew he wasn't figged out for nothing, " put in Jock. 

"Don't be ashamed, Ali, my boy, " added Bobus. "We all understand herlittle tokens. "

"Stop that!" cried Allen, catching hold of Jock's ear so as to endhis war-dance in a howl, bringing the ponderous Rob to the rescue, and there was a general melee, ending by all the five rollingpromiscuously on the gravel drive. They scrambled up with recoveredtempers, and at the sight of an indignant housemaid rushed in ageneral stampede to the two large attics opening into one another, which served as the lair of the Folly lads. There, while struggling, with Jock's assistance, to pull off his boots, Allen explained how hehad been waylaid "by a beast in velveteens, " and walked off to thenearest gate. 

"Will he summons you, Ali? We'll all go and see the Grand Turk inthe dock, " cried Jock. 

"Don't flatter yourself; he wouldn't think of it. "

"How much did you fork out?" asked Bobus. 

Allen declaimed in the last refinement of Eton slang (carefullytreasured up by the others for reproduction) against the spite of thekeeper, who he declared had grinned with malice as he turned him outat a little back gate into a lane with a high stone wall on eachside, and two ruts running like torrents with water, leading in theopposite direction to Kenminster, and ending in a bottom where he wasup to the ankles in red clay. 

"The Eton boots, oh my!" cried Jock, falling backwards with one ofthem, which he had just pulled off. 

"And then, " added Allen, "as I tried to get along under the wall bythe bank, what should a miserable stone do, but turn round with meand send me squash into the mud and mire, floundering like ahippopotamus. I should like to get damages from that villain!I should!"

Allen was much more angry than was usual with him, and the others, though laughing at his Etonian airs, fully sympathised with hiswrath. 

"He ought to be served out. "

"We will serve him out!"

"How?"

"Get all our fellows and make a jolly good row under his windows, "said Robin. 

"Decidedly low, " said Allen. 

"And impracticable besides, " said Bobus. "They'd kick you out beforeyou could say Jack Robinson. "

"There was an old book of father's, " suggested Jock, "with an oldscamp who starved and licked his apprentices, till one of themdressed himself up in a bullock's hide, horns and hoofs, and tail andall, and stood over his bed at night and shouted—-

 "'Old man, old man, for thy cruelty, Body and soul thou art given to me; Let me but hear those apprentices' cries, And I'll toss thee, and gore thee, and bore out thine eyes. '

And he was quite mild to the apprentices ever after. '"

Jock acted and roared with such effect as to be encored, but Robobjected. "He ain't got any apprentices. "

"It might be altered, " said Allen. 

 "Old man, old man, thy gates thou must ope, "

Bobus chimed in. 

 "Nor force Eton swells in quagmire to grope. "

"Bother you, don't humbug and put me out. 

 "Old man, old man, if for aught thou wouldst hope, Thy heart, purse, and gates thou must instantly ope. Let me but-—"

"Get Mother Carey to write it, " suggested his cousin John. 

"No; she must know nothing about it, " said Bobus. 

"She'd think it a jolly lark, " said Jock. 

"When it's over, " said Allen. "But it's one of the things that theold ones are sure to stick at beforehand, if they are ever sorational and jolly. "

"'Tis a horrid pity she is not a fellow, " sighed Johnny. 

"And who'll do the verses?" said Rob. 

"Oh, any fool can do them, " returned Bobus. "The point is to bellthe cat. "

"There'd be no getting in to act the midnight ghost, " said Allen. 

"No, " said Jock; "but one could hide in the big rhododendron in thewolf-skin rug, and jump out on him in his chair. "

In Allen's railway rug, Jock rehearsed the scene, and was imitated ifnot surpassed by both cousins; but Allen and Bobus declared that itcould not be carried out in the daylight. 

"I could do it still better, " said Jock, "if I blacked myself allover, not only my face, but all the rest, and put on nothing but myred flannel drawers and a turban. They'd take me for the ghost ofthe little nigger he flogged to death, and Allen could writesomething pathetic and stunning. "

"You might cut human ears out of rabbit-skins and hang them roundyour neck, " added Bobus. 

"You'd be awfully cold, " said Allen. 

"You could mix in a little iodine, " suggested Bobus. "That stingslike fun, and a coppery tinge would be more natural. "

There was great acclamation, but the difficulty was that the onlytime for effecting an entrance into the garden was between four andfive in the morning, and it would be needful to lurk there in thislight costume till Mr. Barnes went out. No one would be at libertyfrom school but Allen, and he declined the oil and lamp-black eventhough warmed up with iodine. 

"Could it not be done by deputy?" said Bobus; "we might blacken thelittle fat boy riding on a swan, the statue, I mean. "

"What, and gild the swan, to show how far his golden goose can carryhim?" said Jock. 

"Or, " said Allen, "there's the statue they say is himself, thoughthat's all nonsense. We could make a pair of donkey's ears in MotherCarey's clay, and clap them on him, and gild the thing in his hand. "

"What would be the good of that?" asked Robert. 

However, the fun was irresistible, and the only wonder was that thesecret was kept for the whole day, while Allen moulded in the studiotwo things that might pass for ass's ears, and secreted cement enoughto fasten them on. The performance elicited such a rapture ofapplause that the door had to be fast locked against the incursion ofthe little ones to learn the cause of the mirth. When Mother Careyasked at tea what they were having so much fun about they onlyblushed, sniggled, and wriggled in their chairs in a way that wouldhave alarmed a more suspicious mother, but only made her concludethat some delightful surprise was preparing, for which she must keepher curiosity in abeyance. 

"Nor was she dismayed by the creaking of boots on the attic stairsbefore dawn, and when the boys appeared at breakfast with hellebore, blue periwinkle, and daffodils, clear indications of where they hadbeen, she only exclaimed—-

"Forbidden sweets! O you naughty boys!" when ecstatic laughter alonereplied. 

She heard no more till the afternoon, when the return from school wasnotified by shouts from Allen, and the boys rushed up to the verandahwhere he was reading. 

"I say! here's a go. He thinks Richards has done it, and has writtento Ogilvie to have him expelled. "

"How do you know?"

"He told me himself. "

"But Ogilvie has too much sense to expel him!"

"Of course, but there's worse, for old Barnes means to turn off hisfather. Nothing will persuade the old fellow that it wasn't hiswork, for he says that it must be a grammar-school boy. "

"Does Dicky Bird guess?"

"Yes, but he's all right, as close as wax. He says he was sure noone but ourselves could have done it, for nobody else could havethought of such things or made them either. "

"Then he has seen it?"

"Yes, and he was fit to kill himself with laughing, though his fatherand old Barnes were mad with rage and fury. His father believes him, but old Barnes believes neither of them, and swears his father shallgo. "

"We shall have to split on ourselves, " elegantly observed Johnny. 

"We had better tell Mother Carey. Hullo! here she is, inside thewindow. "

"Didn't you know that, " said Allen. 

Therefore the boys, leaning and sprawling round her, half in and halfout of the window, told the story, the triumph overcoming allcompunction, as they described the morning raid, the successfulscaling of the park-wall, the rush across the sward, the silence ofthe garden, the hoisting up of Allen to fasten on the ears, and thewonderful charms of the figure when it wore them and held a goldenapple in its hand. "Right of Way, " and "Let us in, " had been writtenin black on all the pedestals. 

"It is a peculiar way of recommending your admission, " said Caroline. 

"That's Rob's doing, " said Allen. "I couldn't look after him while Iwas gilding the apple or I would have stopped him. He half blackedthe little boy on the swan too--"

"And broke the swan's bill off, worse luck, " added Johnny. 

"Yes, " said Allen, "that was altogether low and unlucky! I meant theold fellow simply to have thought that his statue had grown a pair ofears in the night. "

"And what would have been the use of that?" said Robin. 

"What was the use of all your scrawling, " said Allen, "except just toshow it was not the natural development of statues. "

"Yes, " added Bobus, "it all came of you that poor Dickey Bird issuspected and it is all blown up. "

"As if he would have thought it was done by nobody, " said Rob. 

"Why not?" said Jock. "I'm sure I'd never wonder to see ass's earsgrowing on you. I think they are coming. "

There was a shout of laughter as Rob hastily put up his hands to feelfor them, adding in his slow, gruff voice—-"A statue ain't alive. "

"It made a fool of the whole matter, " proceeded Bobus. "I wish we'dkept a lout like you out of it. "

"Hush, hush, Bobus, " put in his mother, "no matter about that. Thequestion is what is to be done about poor Mr. Richards and Alfred. "

"Write a poetical letter, " said Allen, beginning to extemporise inHiawatha measure. 

 "O thou mighty man of money, Barnes, of Belforest, Esquire, Innocent is Alfred Richards; Innocent his honest father; Innocent as unborn baby Of development of Midas, Of the smearing of the Cupid, Of the fracture of the goose-bill, Of the writing of the mottoes. All the Brownlows of St. Kenelm's, From the Folly and from Kencroft. Robert, the aspiring soldier, Robert, too, the sucking chemist, John, the Skipjack full of mischief, John, the great originator, Allen, the-—"

"Allen the uncommon gaby, " broke in Bobus. "Come, don't waste time, something must be done. "

"Yes, a rational letter must be written and signed by you all, " saidhis mother. "The question is whether it would be better to do itthrough your uncle or Mr. Ogilvie. "

"I don't see why my father should hear of it, or Mr. Ogilvie either, "growled Rob. "I didn't do those donkeyfied ears. "

"You did the writing, which was five hundred times more donkeyfied, "said Jock. 

"It is quite impossible to keep either of them in ignorance, " saidCaroline. 

"Yes, " repeated all her own three; Jock adding "Father would haveknown it as soon as you, and I don't see that my uncle is muchworse. "

"He ain't so soft, " exclaimed Johnny, roused to loyal defence of hisparent. 

"Soft!" cried Jock, indignantly; "I can tell you father did pitchinto me when I caught the old lady's bonnet out at the window with afishing-rod. "

"He never flogged you, " said Johnny contemptuously. 

"He did!" cried Jock, triumphantly. "At least he flogged Bobus, when—-"

"Shut up, you little ape, " thundered Bobus, not choosing to beoffered up to the manes of his father's discipline. 

"You think you must explain it to my uncle, mother, " said Allen, rather ruefully. 

"Certainly. He ought to be told first, and Mr. Ogilvie next. Dependupon it, he will be far less angry if it is freely confessed and putinto his hands and what is more important, Mr. Barnes must attend tohim, and acquit the Richardses. "

The general voice agreed, but Rob writhed and muttered, "Can't you bethe one to tell him, Mother Carey?"

"That's cool, " said Allen, "to ask her to do what you're afraid of. "

"He couldn't do anything to her, " said Rob. 

However, public opinion went against Rob, and the party of boysdragged him off in their train the less reluctantly that Allen wouldbe spokesman, and he always got on well with his uncle. No one couldtell how it was, but the boy had a frank manner, with a sort ofaddress in the manner of narration, that always went far to disarmdispleasure, and protected his comrades as well as himself. So itwas that, instead of meeting with unmitigated wrath, the boys foundthat they were allowed the honours and graces of voluntaryconfession. Allen even thought that his uncle showed a little veiledappreciation of the joke, but this was not deemed possible by therest. 

To exonerate young Richards was the first requisite, and Allen, underhis uncle's eye, drew up a brief note to this effect:—-

"SIR, -—We beg to apologise for the mischief done in your grounds, andto assure you on our word and honour that it was suggested by no one, that no one admitted us, and no one had any share in it exceptourselves. "ALLEN BROWNLOW. "ROBERT FRIAR BROWNLOW. "ROBERT OTWAY BROWNLOW. "JOHN FRIAR BROWNLOW. "JOHN LUCAS BROWNLOW. "

This letter was taken up the next morning to Belforest by ColonelBrownlow, and the two eldest delinquents, one, curious, amused, andwith only compunction enough to flavour an apology, the other cross, dogged, and sheepish, dragged along like a cur in a sling, "just asthough he were going to be hanged, " said Janet. 

The report of the expedition as given by Allen was thus:-—"Theservant showed us into a sort of anteroom, and said he would seewhether his master would see us. Uncle Robert sent in his card andmy letter, and we waited with the door open, and a great screen infront, so that we couldn't help hearing every word. First there wasa great snarl, and then a deferential voice, 'This alters the case, sir. ' But the old man swore down in his throat that he didn't carefor Colonel Brownlow or Colonel anybody. 'A gentleman, sir; one ofthe most respected. ' 'Then he should bring up his family better. ''Indeed, sir, it might be better to accept the apology. This mightnot be considered actionable damage. ' 'We'll see that!' 'Indeed, don't you agree with me, Mr. Richards, the magistrates would hardlyentertain the case. ' 'Then I'll appeal; I'll send a representationto the Home Office. ' 'Is it not to be considered, sir, whether someof these low papers might not put it in a ludicrous light?' Then, "continued Allen, who had been most dramatically mimicking the twovoices, "we heard a crackling as if he were opening my letter, andafter an odd noise or two he sent to call us in to where he wassitting with Richards, and the attorney he had got to prosecute us. He is a regular old wizened stick, the perfect image of an old miser;almost hump-backed, and as yellow as a mummy. He looked just readyto bite off our heads, but he was amazingly set on finding out whichwas which among us, and seemed uncommonly struck with my name andBobus's. My uncle told him I was called after your father, and hemade a snarl just like a dog over a bone. He ended with, 'So you areAllen Brownlow! You'll remember this day's work, youngster. ' Ihumbly said I should, and so the matter ended. "

"He did not mean any prosecution?"

"O no, that was all quashed, even if it was begun. He must have beenunder an hallucination that he was a stern parent, cutting me offwith a shilling. "

The words had also struck the Colonel, who sought the firstopportunity of asking his sister-in-law whether she knew the names ofany of her mother's relations. 

"Only that her name was Otway, " said Caroline. "You know I livedwith my father's aunt, who knew nothing about her, and I have neverbeen able to find anything out. Do you know of any connection? Notthis old man? Then you would have known. "

"That does not follow, for I was scarcely in Jamaica at all. I had along illness immediately after going there, was sent home on leave, and then to the depot, and only joined again after the regiment hadgone to Canada, when the marriage had taken place. I may have heardthe name of Mrs. Allen's uncle, but I never bore it in my mind. "

"Is there any way of finding out?"

"I will write to Norton. If he does not remember all about it, hiswife will. "

"He is the present lieutenant-colonel, I think. "

"Yes, and he was your father's chief friend. Now that they are athome again, we must have him here one of these days. "

"It would be a wonderful thing if this freak were an introduction toa relation, " said Caroline. 

"There was no doubt of his being struck by the combination of Allenand Otway. He chose to understand which were my sons and which mynephews, and when I said that Allen bore your maiden name he assentedas if he knew it before, and spoke of your boy having cause toremember this; I am afraid it will not be pleasantly. "

"No, " said Caroline, "it sounded much like a threat. But one wouldlike to know, only I thought Farmer Gould's little granddaughter washis niece. "

"That might be without preventing your relationship; I will do mybest to ascertain it. "

Colonel Norton's letter gave decisive information that Barnes was thename of the uncle with whom Caroline Otway had been living at thetime of her marriage. She had been treated as a poor relation, andseemed to be half-slave, half-governess to the children of thefavoured sister, little semi-Spanish tyrants. This had rousedCaptain Allen's chivalry, and his friend remembered his saying that, though he had little or nothing of his own, he could at least makeher happier than she was in such a family. The uncle was reported tohave grown rich in the mahogany trade, and likewise by steamboatspeculations, coupled with judicious stock-jobbing among thedistressed West Indians, after the emancipation. 

"He was a sinister-looking old fellow, " ended Colonel Norton, "and Ishould think not very particular; but I should be glad to hear thathe had done justice to poor Allen's daughter. He was written to whenshe was left an orphan, but vouchsafed no answer. "

"Still he may have kept an eye upon you, " added Uncle Robert. "I donot think it was new to him that you had married into our family. "

"If only those unfortunate boys have not ruined everything, " sighedEllen. 

"Little Elvira's father must have been one of those cousins, " saidCaroline. "I wonder what became of the others? She must be-—let mesee-—my second cousin. "

"Not very near, " said Ellen. 

"I never had a blood relation before since my old aunt died. I am soglad that brilliant child belongs to me!"

"I daresay old Gould could tell you more, " said the Colonel. 

"Is it wise to revive the connection?" asked his wife. 

"The Goulds are not likely to presume, " said the Colonel; "and Ithink that if Caroline takes up the one connection, she is bound totake up the other. "

"How am I to make up to this cross old man?" said Carey. "I can't goand fawn on him. "

"Certainly not, " said her brother-in-law; "but I think you ought tomake some advance, merely as a relation. "

On the family vote, Caroline rather unwillingly wrote a note, explaining that she had only just discovered her kinship with Mr. Barnes, and offering to come and see him; but not the smallest noticewas taken of her letter, rather to her relief, though she did notlike to hear Ellen augur ill for the future. 

Another letter, to old Mr. Gould, begging him to call upon her nextmarket day, met with a far more ready response. When at his entranceshe greeted him with outstretched hands, and—-"I never thought youwere a connection;" the fine old weather-beaten face was strangelymoved, as the rugged hand took hers, and the voice was husky thatsaid—-

"I thought there was a likeness in the voice, but I never imaginedyou were grandchild to poor Carey Barnes; I beg your pardon, to Mrs. Otway. "

"You knew her? You must let me see something of my little cousin!I know nothing of my relations and my brother-in-law said he thoughtyou could tell me. "

"I ought to be able, for the family lived at Woodbridge all my youngdays, " said the farmer. 

The history was then given. The present lord of the manor had beenthe son of a land surveyor. He was a stunted, sickly, slightlydeformed lad, noted chiefly for skill in cyphering, and therefore hadbeen placed in a clerkship. Here a successful lottery ticket hadbeen the foundation of his fortunes; he had invested it in themahogany trade, and had been one of those men with whom everythingturned up a prize. When a little over thirty, he had returned to hisown neighbourhood, looking any imaginable age. He had then purchasedBelforest, furnished it sumptuously, and laid out magnificent gardensin preparation for his bride, a charming young lady of quality. Butshe had had a young Lochinvar, and even in her wedding dress, favoured by sympathising servants, had escaped down the back stairsof a London hotel, and been married at the nearest Church, leavingpoor Mr. Barnes in the case of the poor craven bridegroom, into whosefeelings no one ever inquired. 

Mr. Barnes had gone back to the West Indies at once, and neverappeared in England again till he came home, a broken and soured oldman, to die. There had been two sisters, and Caroline fancied thatthe old farmer had had some tenderness for the elder one, but she hadmarried, before her brother's prosperity, a poor struggling builder, and both had died young, leaving their child dependent on her uncle. His younger sister had been the favourite; he had taken her back withhim to America, and, married her to a man of Spanish blood, connectedwith him in business. The only one of her children who survivedchildhood was educated in England, treated as his uncle's heir, andcame to Belforest for shooting. Thus it was that he had fallen inlove with Farmer Gould's pretty daughter, and as it seemed, by hermother's contrivance, though without her father's consent, had madeher his wife. 

The wrath of Mr. Barnes was implacable. He cast off the favouritenephew as entirely as he had cast off the despised niece, anddeprived him of all the means he had been led to look on as hisright. The young man had nothing of his own but an estate in thesmall island of San Ildefonso, of very little value, and some of hisformer friends made interest to obtain a vice-consulship for him atthe Spanish town. Then, after a few years, both husband and wifedied, leaving this little orphan to the care of her grandfather, whohad written to Mr. Barnes on her father's death, but had heardnothing from him, and had too much honest pride to make any furtherapplication. 

"My little cousin, " said Caroline, "the first I ever knew. Praybring her to see me, and let her stay with me long enough for me toknow her. "

The old man began to prepare her for the child's being shy and wild, though perhaps her aunt was too particular with her, and expected toomuch. Perhaps she would be homesick, he said, so wistfully that itwas plain that he did not know how to exist without his darling; buthe was charmed with the invitation, and Caroline was pleased to seethat he did not regard her as his grandchild's rival, but asrepresenting the cherished playmate of his youth. 

CHAPTER XIII. THE RIVAL HEIRESSES. 

You smile, their eager ways to see, But mark their choice when theyTo choose their sportive garb are free, The moral of their play. Keble. 

One curious part of the reticence of youth is that which relates toits comprehension of grown-up affairs. There is a smile with whichthe elders greet any question on the subject, half of wonder, half ofamusement, which is perfectly intolerable to the young, who remainthinking that they are regarded as presumptuous and absurd, and thuswill do anything rather than expose themselves to it again. 

Thus it was that Mrs. Brownlow flattered herself that her childrennever put two and two together when she let them know of thediscovery of their relationship. Partly she judged by herself. Shewas never in the habit of forecasting, and for so clever and spiriteda woman, she thought wonderfully little. She had plenty of intuitivesense, decided rapidly and clearly, and could easily throw herself inother people's thoughts, but she seldom reflected, analysed ormoralised, save on the spur of the moment. She lived chiefly in thepresent, and the chief events of her life had all come so suddenlyand unexpectedly upon her, that she was all the less inclined toguess at the future, having always hitherto been taken by surprise. 

So, when Jock observed in public—-"Mother, they say at Kencroft thatthe old miser ought to leave you half his money. Do you think hewill?" it was with perfect truth that she answered, "I don't think atall about it. "

It was taken in the family as an intimation that she would not talkabout it, and while she supposed that the children drew noconclusions, they thought the more. 

Allen was gone to Eton, but Janet and Bobus had many discussions overtheir chemical experiments, about possibilities and probabilities, odd compounds of cleverness and ignorance. 

"Mother must be heir-at-law, for her grandmother was eldest, " saidJanet. 

"A woman can't be heir-at-law, " said Bobus. 

"The Salique law doesn't come into England. "

"Yes it does, for Sir John Gray got Graysnest only last year, insteadof the old man's daughter. 

"Then how comes the Queen to be Queen?"

"Besides, "-—Bobus shifted his ground to another possibility-—"whenthere's nobody but a lot of women, the thing goes into abeyance amongthem. "

"Who gets it, then?"

"Chancery, I suppose, or some of the lawyers. They are all blood-suckers. "

"I'm sure, " said Janet, superior by three years of wisdom, "thatabeyance only happens about Scotch peerages; and if he has not made awill, mother will be heiress. "

"Only halves with that black Undine of Allen's, " sturdily persistedBobus. "Is she coming here, Janet?"

"Yes, to-morrow. I did not think we wanted another child about thehouse; Essie and Ellie are quite enough. "

"If mother gets rich she won't have all that teaching to bother her, "said Bobus. 

"And I can go on with my education, " said Janet. 

"Girl's education does not signify, " said Bobus. "Now I shall beable to get the very best instruction in physical science, and makesome great discovery. If I could only go and study at Halle, insteadof going on droning here. "

"Oh! boys can always get educated if they choose. You are going toEton or Winchester after this term. "

"Not if I can get any sense into mother. I don't want to waste mytime on those stupid classics and athletics. I say, Janet, it's timeto see whether the precipitation has taken place. "

The two used to try experiments together, in Bobus's end of theattic, to an extent that might make the presence of a strange childin the house dangerous to herself as well as to everyone else. 

Mrs. Gould herself brought the little girl, trying to impress on Mrs. Brownlow that if she was indocile it was not her fault, but hergrandfather could not bear to have her crossed. 

The elders did not wonder at his weakness, for the creature waswonderfully lovely and winning, with a fearless imperiousness thatsubdued everyone to her service. So brilliant was she, that Essieand Ellie, though very pretty little girls, looked faded and effacedbeside this small empress, whose air seemed to give her a right tobestow her favours. 

"I am glad to be here!" she observed, graciously, to her hostess, "for you are my cousin and a lady. "

"And pray what are you?" asked Janet. 

"I am la Senora Dona Elvira Maria de Guadalupe de Menella, " repliedthe damsel, with a liquid sonorousness so annihilating, that Janetmade a mocking courtesy; and her mother said it was like asking thehead of the house of Hapsburg if she were a lady!

With some disappointment at Allen's absence, the little Donnamotioned Bobus to sit by her side at dinner-time, and when hergrandfather looked in somewhat later to wish her good-bye, in mingledhope and fear of her insisting on going home with him, she cared fornothing but his admiration of her playing at kings and queens withArmine and Barbara, in the cotton velvet train of the dressing upwardrobe. 

"No, she did not want to go home. She never wanted to go back toRiver Hollow. "

Nor would she even kiss him till she had extorted the assurance thathe had been shaved that morning. 

The old man went away blessing Mrs. Brownlow's kindness to his child, and Janet was universally scouted for muttering that it was aheartless little being. She alone remained unenthralled by Elvira'schains. The first time she went to Kencroft, she made ColonelBrownlow hold her up in his arms to gather a bough off his ownfavourite double cherry; and when Mother Carey demurred, she beguiledAunt Ellen into taking her on her own responsibility to the dancinglessons at the assembly rooms. 

There she electrified the dancing-master, and all beholders, seemingto catch inspiration from the music, and floating along with awondrous swimming grace, as her dainty feet twinkled, her armswreathed themselves, and her eyes shone with enjoyment. 

If she could only have always danced, or acted in the garden!Armine's and Babie's perpetual romantic dramas were all turned by herinto homage to one and the same princess. She never knew or caredwhether she were goddess or fairy, Greek or Briton, provided she hadthe crown and train; but as Babie much preferred action tomagnificence, they got on wonderfully well without disputes. Therewas a continual performance, endless as a Chinese tragedy, ofSpenser's Faery Queene, in which Elfie was always Gloriana, andArmine and Babie were everybody else in turn, except the wickedcharacters, who were represented by the cabbages and a dummy. 

"Reading was horrid, " Elvira said, and certainly hers deserved theepithet. Her attainments fell far behind those of Essie and Ellie, and she did not mean to improve them. Her hostess let her alone tillshe had twice shaken her rich mane at her grandfather, and refused toreturn with him; and he had shown himself deeply grateful to Mrs. Brownlow for keeping her there, and had said he hoped she was good ather lessons. 

The first trial resulted in Elvira's going to sleep over her book, the next in her playing all sorts of ridiculous tricks, and sulkingwhen stopped, and when she was forbidden to speak or go out till shehad repeated three answers in the multiplication table, she was thenext moment singing and dancing in defiance in the garden. Carolinedid not choose to endure this, and went to fetch her in, thusproducing such a screaming, kicking, rolling fury that Mrs. Coffinkeymight have some colour for the statement that Mrs. Folly Brownlow wasmurdering all her children. The cook, as the strongest person in thehouse, was called, carried her in and put her to bed, where she fellsound asleep, and woke, hungry, in high spirits, and without an atomof compunction. 

When called to lessons she replied-—"No, I'm going back tograndpapa. "

"Very well, " was all Caroline answered, thinking wholesome neglectthe best treatment. 

In an hour's time Mr. Gould made his appearance with his grandchild. She had sought him out among the pigs in the market-place, pulled himby the coat, and insisted on being taken home. 

His politeness was great, but he was plainly delighted, anddetermined to believe that her demand sprang from affection, and notnaughtiness. Elvira stood caressing him, barely vouchsafing to lookat her hostess, and declaring that she never meant to come back. 

Not a fortnight had passed, however, before she burst upon themagain, kissing them all round, and reiterating that she hated heraunt, and would live with Mother Carey. Mr. Gould had waited to beproperly ushered in. He was distressed and apologetic, but he hadbeen forced to do his tyrant's behest. There had been moredisturbances than ever between her and her aunt, and Mrs. Gould haddeclared that she would not manage the child any longer, while Elvirawas still more vehement to return to Mother Carey. Would Mrs. Brownlow recommend some school or family where the child would bewell cared for? Mrs. Brownlow did more, offering herself toundertake the charge. 

Spite of all the naughtiness, she loved the beautiful wild creature, and could not bear to think of intrusting her to strangers; she knew, too, that her brother and sister-in-law had no objection, and it wasthe obvious plan. Mr. Gould would make some small payment, and thechild was to be made to understand that she must be obedient, learnher lessons, and cease to expect to find a refuge with hergrandfather when she was offended. 

She drew herself up with childish pride and grace saying, "I willattend to Mrs. Brownlow, for she is my cousin and my equal. "

To a certain degree the little maiden kept her word. She was thefavourite plaything of the boys, and got on well with Babie, who wastoo bright and yielding to quarrel with any one. 

But Janet's elder-sisterly authority was never accepted by thenewcomer. "I couldn't mind her, she looked so ugly, " said she inexcuse; and probably the heavy, brown, dull complexion and largefeatures were repulsive in themselves to the sensitive fancy of thecreature of life and beauty. At any rate, they were jarringelephants, as said Eleanor, who was growing ambitious, and sometimeselectrified the public with curious versions of the long words moresuccessfully used by Armine and Babie. 

Caroline succeeded in modelling a very lovely profile in bas-reliefof the exquisite little head, and then had it photographed. MaryOgilvie, coming to Kenminster as usual when her holidays began inJune, found the photograph in the place of honour on her brother'schimney-piece, and a little one beside it of the artist herself. 

So far as Carey herself was concerned, Mary was much bettersatisfied. She did not look so worn or so flighty, and had a quieterand more really cheerful tone and manner, as of one who had settledinto her home and occupations. She had made friends, too—-few, butworth having; and there were those who pronounced the Folly thepleasantest house in Kenminster, and regarded the five o'clock tea, after the weekly physical science lecture at the school, as adelightful institution. 

Of course, the schoolmaster was one of these; and when Mary found howall his paths tended to the Pagoda, she hated herself for being asuspicious old duenna. Nevertheless, she could not but be alarmed byfinding that her project of a walking tour through Brittany was not, indeed, refused, but deferred, with excuses about having work tofinish, being in no hurry, and the like. 

"I think you ought to go, " said Mary at last. 

"I see no ought in the case. Last year the work dragged, and wasoppressive; but you see how different it has become. "

"That is the very reason, " said Mary, the colour flying to herchecks. "It will not do to stay lingering here as we did lastsummer, and not only on your own account. "

"You need not be afraid, " was the muttered answer, as David bent downhis head over the exercise he was correcting. She made no answer, and ere long he began again, "I don't mean that her equal exists, butI am not such a fool as to delude myself with a spark of hope. "

"She is too nice for that, " said Mary. 

"Just so, " he said, glad to relieve himself when the ice had beenbroken. "There's something about her that makes one feel her to bealtogether that doctor's, as much as if he were present in theflesh. "

"Are you hoping to wear that out? For I don't think you will. "

"I told you I had no hope, " he answered, rather petulantly. "Evenwere it otherwise, there is another thing that must withhold me. It has got abroad that she may turn out heiress to the old man atBelforest. "

"In such a hopeless case, would it not be wiser to leave this placealtogether?"

"I cannot, " he exclaimed; then remembering that vehemence toldagainst him, he added, "Don't be uneasy; I am a reasonable man, andshe is a woman to keep one so; but I think I am useful to her, and Iam sure she is useful to me. "

"That I allow she has been, " said Mary, looking at her brother's muchimproved appearance; "but-—"

"Moths and candles to wit, " he returned; "but don't be afraid, Iattract no notice, and I think she trusts me about her boys. "

"But what is it to come to?"

"I have thought of that. Understand that it is enough for me to livenear her, and be now and then of some little service to her. "

They were interrupted by a note, which Mr. Ogilvie read, and handedto his sister with a smile:—-

"DEAR MR. OGILVIE, -—Could you and Mary make it convenient to look inthis evening? Bobus has horrified his uncle by declining to go upfor a scholarship at Eton or Winchester, and I should be very glad totalk it over with you. Also, I shall have to ask you to take littleArmine into school after the holidays. "Yours sincerely, "C. O. BROWNLOW. "

"What does the boy mean?" asked Mary. "I thought he was the pride ofyour heart. "

"So he is; but he is ahead of his fellows, and ought to be elsewhere. All measures have been taken for sending him up to stand at one ofthe public schools, but I thought him very passive about it. He isan odd boy-—reserved and self-concentrated-—quite beyond his uncle'scomprehension, and likely to become headstrong at a blind exercise ofauthority. "

"I used to like Allen best, " said Mary. 

"He is the pleasantest, but there's more solid stuff in Bobus. Thatboy's school character is perfect, except for a certain coolopinionativeness, which seldom comes out with me, but greatly annoysthe undermasters. "

"Is he a prig?"

"Well, yes, I'm afraid he is. He's unpopular, for he does not carefor games; but his brother is popular enough for both. "

"Jock?-—the monkey!"

"His brains run to mischief. I've had to set him more impositionsthan any boy in the school, and actually to take his form myself, forsimply the undermasters can't keep up discipline or their owntempers. As to poor M. Le Blanc, I find him dancing and shriekingwith fury in the midst of a circle of snorting, giggling boys; andwhen he points out ce petit monstre, Jock coolly owns to havingtranslated 'Croquons les, ' let us croquet them; or 'Je suis blesse, 'I am blest. "

"So the infusion of brains produces too much effervescence. "

"Yes, but the whole school has profited, and none more so than No. 2of the other family, who has quite passed his elder brother, and isabove his namesake whenever it is a case of plodding ability versusidle genius. But, after all, how little one can know of one's boys. "

"Or one's girls, " said Mary, thinking of governess experiences. 

It was a showery summer evening when the brother and sister walked upto the Folly in a partial clearing, when the evening sun made everybush twinkle all over with diamond drops. Childish voices were heardnear the gate, and behind a dripping laurel were seen Elvira, Armine, and Barbara engaged in childhood's unceasing attempt to explore thecentre of the earth. 

"What do you expect to find there?" they were asked. 

"Little kobolds, with pointed caps, playing at ball with rubies andemeralds, and digging with golden spades, " answered Babie. 

"And they shall give me an opal ring, " said Elfie, "But Armine doesnot want the kobolds. "

"He says they are bad, " said Babie. "Now are they, Mr. Ogilvie? Iknow elder women are, and erl kings and mist widows, but poor Neck, that sat on the water and played his harp, wasn't bad, and the dearlittle kobolds were so kind and funny. Now are they bad elves?"

Her voice was full of earnest pleading, and Mr. Ogilvie, not beingversed in the spiritual condition of elves could best reply by askingwhy Armine thought ill of their kind. 

"I think they are nasty little things that want to distract andbewilder one in the real great search. "

"What search, my boy?"

"For the source of everything, " said Armine, lowering his voice andlooking into his muddy hole. 

"But that is above, not below, " said Mary. 

"Yes, " said Armine reverently; "but I think God put life and thebeginning of growing into the earth, and I want to find it. "

"Isn't it Truth?" said Babie. "Mr. Acton said Truth was at thebottom of a well. I won't look at the kobolds if they keep one fromseeing Truth. "

"But I must get my ring and all my jewels from them, " put in Elfie. 

"Should you know Truth?" asked Mr. Ogilvie. "What do you think sheis like?"

"So beautiful!" said Babie, clasping her fingers with earnestness. "All white and clear like crystal, with such blue, sweet, open eyes. And she has an anchor. "

"That's Hope?" said Armine. 

"Oh! Hope and Truth go hand in hand, " said Babie; "and Hope will beall robed in green like the young corn-fields in the spring. "

"Ah, Babie, that emerald Hope and crystal Truth are not down in theearth, earthy, " said Mary again. 

"Nay, perhaps Armine has got hold of a reality, " said Mr. Ogilvie. "They are to be found above by working below. "

"Talking paradox to Armine?" said the cheerful voice of the youngmother. "My dear sprites, do you know that it is past eight! Howwet you are! Good night, and mind you don't go upstairs in thoseboots. "

"It is quite comfortable to hear anything so commonplace, " said Mary, when the children had run away, to the sound of its reiteration afterfull interchange of good nights. "Those imps make one feel quiteeerie. "

"Has Armine been talking in that curious fashion of his, " said Carey, as they began to pace the walks. "I am afraid his thinker is toobig-—as the child says in Miss Tytler's book. This morning over hisparsing he asked me-—'Mother, which is _realest_, what we touch orwhat we feel?' knitting his brows fearfully when I did not catch hismeaning, and going on-—'I mean is that fly as real as King David?'and then as I was more puzzled he went on—-'You see we only need justsee that fly now with our outermost senses, and he will only live alittle while, and nobody cares or will think of him any more, buteverybody always does think, and feel, and care a great deal aboutKing David. ' I told him, as the best answer I could make on the spurof the moment, that David was alive in Heaven, but he pondered in andbroke out—-'No, that's not it! David was a real man, but it is justthe same about Perseus and Siegfried, and lots of people that neverwere men, only just thoughts. Ain't thoughts _realer_ than things, mother?'"

"But much worse for him, I should say, " exclaimed Mary. 

"I thought of Pisistratus Caxton, and wrote to Mr. Ogilvie. It is agreat pity, but I am afraid he ought not to dwell on such things tillhis body is grown up to his mind. "

"Yes, school is the approved remedy for being too clever, " said Mr. Ogilvie. "You are wise. It is a pity, but it will be all the betterfor him by-and-by. "

"And the elder ones will take care the seasoning is not too severe, "said Caroline, with a resolution she could hardly have shown if thishad been her first launch of a son. "But it was about Bobus that Iwanted to consult you. His uncle thinks him headstrong andconceited, if not lazy. "

"Lazy he is certainly not. "

"I knew you would say so, but the Colonel cannot enter into his wishto have more physical science and less classics, and will not hear ofhis going to Germany, which is what he wishes, though I am sure he istoo young. "

"He ought not to go there till his character is much more formed. "

"What do you think of his going on here?"

"That's a temptation I ought to resist. He will soon haveoutstripped the other boys so that I could not give him the attentionhe needs, and besides the being with other boys, more his equals, would be invaluable to him. "

"Well, he is rather bumptious. "

"Nothing is worse for a lad of that sort than being cock of the walk. It spoils him often for life. "

"I know exactly the sort of man you mean, always liking to lay downthe law and talking to women instead of men, because they don't arguewith him. No, Bobus must not come to that, and he is too young tobegin special training. Will you talk to him, Mr. Ogilvie? You knowif my horse is not convinced I may bring him to the water, but itwill be all in vain. "

They had reached the outside of the window of the dining-room, wherethe school-boys were learning their lessons for the morrow. Bobuswas sitting at the table with a small lamp so shaded as toconcentrate the light on him and to afford it to no one else. On thefloor was a servant's flat candlestick, mounted on a pile of books, between one John sprawling at full length preparing his Virgil, theother cross-legged, working a sum with ink from a doll's tea-cupplaced in the candlestick, and all the time there was a wonderfulmumbling accompaniment, as there always was between those two. 

"I say, what does pulsum come from?"

"What a brute this is of a fraction! Skipjack, what will go in 639and 852?"

"Pulsum, a pulse-—volat, flies. Eh! Three'll do it. Or commonmeasure it at once. "

"Bother common measure. The threes in—-"

"Fama, fame; volat, flies; pulsum, the pulse; cecisse, to haveceased; paternis regnis, in the paternal kingdom. I say wouldn'tthat rile Perkins like fun?"

"The threes in seven-—two—-in eighteen-—"

"I say, Johnny, is pulsum from pulco?"

"Never heard of it. "

"Bobus, is it pulco, pulxi, pulsum?"

"Pulco-—I make an ass of myself, " muttered Bobus. 

"O murder, " groaned Johnny, "it has come out 213. "

"Not half so much murder as this pulsum. Why it will go in themboth. I can see with half an eye. "

"Isn't it pello—-pulsum?"

"Pello, to drive out. Hurrah! That fits it. "

"Look out, Skipjack, there's a moth. "

"Anything worth having?" demanded Bobus. 

"Only a grass eggar. Fama, fame; volat, flies; Idomoeea ducem, thatIdomaeeus the leader; pulsum, expelled. Get out, I say, you foolishbeggar" (to the moth). 

"Never mind catching him, " said Bobus, "we've got dozens. "

"Yes, but I don't want him frizzling alive in my candle. "

"Don't kick up such a shindy, " broke out Johnny, as a much stainedhandkerchief came flapping about. 

"You've blotted my sum. Thunder and ages!" as the candlesticktoppled over, ink and all. "That is a go!"

"I say, Bobus, lend us your Guy Fawkes to pick up the pieces. "

"Not if I know it, " said Bobus. "You always smash things. "

"There's a specimen of the way we learn our lessons, " said Caroline, in a low voice, still unseen, as Bobus wiped, sheathed, and pocketedhis favourite pen, then proceeded to turn down the lamp, but allowedthe others to relight their candle at the expiring wick. 

"The results are fair, " said Mr. Ogilvie. 

"I think of your carpet, " said Mary, quaintly. 

"We always lay down an ancient floorcloth in the bay window beforethe boys come home, " said Carey, laughing. "Here, Bobus. "

And as he came out headforemost at the window, the two ladiesdiscreetly drew off to leave the conversation free. 

"So, Brownlow, " said Mr. Ogilvie, "I hear you don't want to try yourluck elsewhere. "

"No, sir. "

"Do you object to telling me why?"

"I see no use in it, " said Bobus, never shy, and further aided by thetwilight; "I do quite well enough here. "

"Should you not do better in a larger field among a higher stamp ofboys?"

"Public school boys are such fools!"

"And what are the Kenites?"

"Well, not much, " said Bobus, with a twitch in the corner of hismouth; "but I can keep out of their way. "

"You mean that you have gained your footing, and don't want to haveto do it again. "

"Not only that, sir, " said the boy, "but at a public school you'refagged, and forced to go in for cricket and football. "

"You would soon get above that. "

"Yes, but even then you get no peace, and are nobody unless you go infor all that stuff of athletics and sports. I hate it all, and don'twant to waste my time. "

"I don't think you are quite right as to there being no distinctionwithout athletics. "

"Allen says it is so now. "

"Allen may be a better judge of the present state of things, but Ishould think there was always a studious set who were respectable. "

"Besides, " proceeded Bobus, warming with his subject, "I see no goodin nothing but classics. I don't care what ridiculous lies some oldman who never existed, or else was a dozen people at once, told abouta lot of ruffians who never lived, killing each other at some placethat never was. I like what you can lay your finger on, and say it'shere, it's true, and I can prove it, and explain it, and improve onit. "

"If you can, " said Mr. Ogilvie, struck by the contrast with thelittle brother. 

"That's what I want to do, " said Bobus; "to deal with real things, not words and empty fancies. I know languages are necessary; but ifone can read a Latin book, and understand a Greek technical term, that's all that is of use. If my uncle won't let me study physicalscience in Germany, I had rather go on here, where I can be let aloneto study it for myself. "

"I do not think you understand what you would throw away. What isthe difference between Higg, the bone-setter, and Dr. Leslie?"

"Higg can do that one thing just by instinct. He is uneducated. "

"And in a measure it is so with all who throw themselves into somespecial pursuit without waiting for the mind and character to havefull training and expansion. If you mean to be a great surgeon—-"

"I don't mean to be a surgeon. "

"A physician then. "

"No, sir. Please don't let my mother fancy I mean to be in practice, at everyone's beck and call. I've seen too much of that. I mean toget a professorship, and have time and apparatus for researches, soas to get to the bottom of everything, " said the boy, with the vastpurposes of his age. 

"Your chances will be much better if you go up from a public school, trained in accuracy by the thorough work of language, and made morepowerful by the very fact of not having followed merely your ownbent. Your contempt for the classics shows how one-sided you aregrowing. Besides, I thought you knew that the days are over ofunmitigated classics. You would have many more opportunities, andmuch better ones, of studying physical science than I can provide foryou here. "

This was a new light to Bobus, and when Mr. Ogilvie proved its truthto him, and described the facilities he would have for the study, heallowed that it made all the difference. 

Meantime the two ladies had gone in, Mary asking where Janet was. 

"Gone with Jessie and her mother to a birthday party at PolesworthLawn. "

"Not a good day for it. "

"It is the perplexing sort of day that no one knows whether to callit fine or wet; but Ellen decided on going, as they were to dance inthe hall if it rained. I'm sure her kindness is great, for she takesinfinite trouble to make Janet producible! Poor Janet, you knowdressing her is like hanging clothes on a wooden peg, and a peg thatwon't stand still, and has curious theories of the beautiful, carriedout in a still more curious way. So when, in terror of our aunt, thewhole female household have done their best to turn out Miss Janetrespectable, between this house and Kencroft, she contrives to giveherself some twitch, or else is seized with an idea of thepicturesque, which sets every one wondering that I let her go aboutsuch a figure. Then Ellen and Jessie put a tie here, and a pinthere, and reduce the chaotic mass to order. "

It was not long before Janet appeared, and Jessie with her, thelatter having been set down to give a message. The two girls weredressed in the same light black-and-white checked silk of earlyyouth, one with pink ribbons and the other with blue; but thecontrast was the more apparent, for one was fresh and crisp, whilethe other was flattened and tumbled; one said everything had beendelightful, the other that it had all been very stupid, and theexpression made even more difference than the complexion, in one sofair, fresh, and rosy, in the other so sallow and muddled. Jessielooked so sweet and bright, that when she had gone Miss Ogilvie couldnot help exclaiming, "How pretty she is!"

"Yes, and so good-tempered and pleasant. There is something alwaysrestful to me in having her in the room, " said Caroline. 

"Restful?" said Janet, with one of her unamiable sneers. "Yes, sheand H. S. H. Sent me off to sleep with their gossip on the way home!O mother, there's another item for the Belforest record. Mr. Barneshas sent off all his servants again, even the confidential man isshipped off to America. "

"You seem to have slept with one ear open, " said her mother. "Andoh!" as Janet took off her gloves, "I hope you did not show thosehands!"

"I could not eat cake without doing so, and Mr. Glover supposed I hadbeen photographing. "

"And what had you been doing?" inquired Mary, at sight of the brownstains. 

"Trying chemical experiments with Bobus, " said her mother. 

"Yes!" cried Janet, "and I've found out why we did not succeed. Ithought it out during the dancing. "

"Instead of cultivating the 'light fantastic toe, ' as the Couriercalls it. "

"I danced twice, and a great plague it was. Only with Mr. Glover andwith a stupid little middy. I was thinking all the time howsenseless it was. "

"How agreeable you must have been!"

"One can't be agreeable to people like that. Oh, Bobus!" as he cameinto the room with Mr. Ogilvie, "I've found out-—"

"I thought Jessie was here, " he interrupted. 

"She's gone home. I know what was wrong yesterday. We ought to haveisolated the hypo—-"

"Isolated the grandmother, " said Bobus. "That has nothing to do withit. "

"I'm sure of it. I'll show you how it acts. "

"I'll show you just the contrary. "

"Not to-night, " cried their mother, as Bobus began to relight thelamp. "You two explosives are quite perilous enough by day withoutlamps and candles. "

"You endure a great deal, " said Mr. Ogilvie. 

"I'm not afraid of either of these two doing anything dangeroussingly, for they are both careful, but when they are of differentminds, I never know what the collision may produce. "

"Yes, " said Bobus, "I'd much sooner have Jessie to help me, for shedoes what she is bid, and never thinks. "

"That's all you think women good for, " said Janet. 

"Quite true, " said Bobus, coolly. 

And Mr. Ogilvie was acknowledged by his sister to have done a gooddeed that night, since the Folly might be far more secure when Janettried her experiments alone. 

CHAPTER XIV. PUMPING AWAY. 

The rude will scuffle through with ease enough, Great schools best suit the sturdy and the rough. Soon see your wish fulfilled in either child, The pert made perter, and the tame made wild. Cowper. 

Robert Otway Brownlow came out fourth on the roll of newly-electedscholars of S. Mary, Winton, and his master was, as his sisterdeclared, unwholesomely proud of it, even while he gave all credit tothe Folly, and none to himself. 

Still Mary had her way and took him to Brittany, and though herpresent pupils were to leave the schoolroom at Christmas, she wouldbind herself to no fresh engagement, thinking that she had better befree to make a home for him, whether at Kenminster or elsewhere. 

When the half-year began again Bobus was a good deal missed, Jock wasin a severe idle fit, and Armine did not come up to the expectationsformed of him, and was found, when "up to Mr. Perkins, " to be asbewildered and unready as other people. 

All the work in the school seemed flat and poor, except perhapsJohnny's, which steadily improved. Robert, whose father wished himto be pushed on so as to be fit for examination for Sandhurst, opposed, to all pressure, the passive resistance of stolidity. Hewas nearly sixteen, but seemed incapable of understanding thatcompulsory studies were for his good and not a cruel exercise oftyranny. He disdainfully rejected an offer from his aunt to help himin the French and arithmetic which had become imminent, while of thefirst he knew much less than Babie, and of the latter only as much aswould serve to prevent his being daily "kept in. "

One chilly autumn afternoon, Armine was seen, even by the unobservantunder-master, to be shivering violently, and his teeth chattering sothat he could not speak plainly. 

"You ought to be at home, " said Mr. Perkins. "Here, you, Brownlowmaximus, just see him home, and tell his mother that he should beseen to. "

"I can go alone, " Armine tried to say; but Mr. Perkins thought thehead-master could not say he neglected one who was felt to be afavoured scholar if he sent his cousin with him. 

So presently Armine was pushed in at the back door, with these wordsfrom Rob to the cook—-"Look here, he's been and got cold, orsomething. "

Rob then disappeared, and Armine struggled in to the kitchen fire, white, sobbing and panting, and, as the compassionate maidsdiscovered, drenched from head to foot, his hair soaked, his bootssquishing with water. His mother and sisters were out, and as cookadministered the hottest draught she could compound, and Emma tuggedat his jacket, they indignantly demanded what he had been doing tohimself. 

"Nothing, " he said. "I'll go and take my things off; only pleasedon't tell mother. "

"Yes, " said old nurse, who had tottered in, but who was past fullycomprehending emergencies; "go and get into bed, my dear, and Emmashall come and warm it for him. "

"No, " stoutly said the little boy; "there's nothing the matter, andmother must not know. "

"Take my word for it, " said cook, "that child have a been treatedshameful by those great nasty brutes of big boys. "

And when Armine, too cold to sit anywhere but by the only fire in thehouse, returned with a book and begged humbly for leave to warmhimself, he was installed on nurse's footstool, in front of a hugefire, and hot tea and "lardy-cake" tendered for his refreshment, while the maids by turns pitied and questioned him. 

"Have you had a haccident, sir, " asked cook. 

"No, " he wearily said. 

"Have any one been doing anything to you, then?" And as he did notanswer she continued: "You need not think to blind me, sir; I sees itas if it was in print. Them big boys have been a-misusing of you. "

"Now, cook, you ain't to say a word to my mother, " cried Armine, vehemently. "Promise me. "

"If you'll tell me all about it, sir, " said cook, coaxingly. 

"No, " he answered, "I promised!" And he buried his head in nurse'slap. 

"I calls that a shame, " put in Emma; "but you could tell _we_, MasterArmine. It ain't like telling your ma nor your master. "

"I said no one, " said Armine. 

The maids left off tormenting him after a time, letting him fallasleep with his head on the lap of old nurse, who went on dreamilystroking his damp hair, not half understanding the matter, or shewould have sent him to bed. 

Being bound by no promise of secrecy, Emma met her mistress with astatement of the surmises of the kitchen, and Caroline hurriedthither to find him waking to headache, fiery cheeks, and achinglimbs, which were not simply the consequence of the position in whichhe had been sleeping before the fire. She saw him safe in bed beforeshe asked any questions, but then she began her interrogations, aslittle successfully as the maids. 

"I can't, mother, " he said, hiding his face on the pillow. 

"My little boy used to have no secrets from me. "

"Men must have secrets sometimes, though they rack their hearts and-—their backs, " sighed poor Armine, rolling over. "Oh, mother, my backis so bad! Please don't bother besides. "

"My poor darling! Let me rub it. There, you might trust MotherCarey! She would not tell Mr. Ogilvie, nor get any one intotrouble. "

"I promised, mother. Don't!" And no persuasions could draw anythingfrom him but tears. Indeed he was so feverish and in so much painthat she called in Dr. Leslie before the evening was over, andrheumatic fever was barely staved off by the most anxious vigilancefor the next day or two. It was further decreed that he must becarefully tended all the winter, and must not go to school again tillhe had quite got over the shock, since he was of a delicate framethat would not bear to be trifled with. 

The boy gave a long sigh of content when he heard that he was not toreturn to school at present; but it did not induce him to utter aword on the cause of the wetting, either to his mother or to Mr. Ogilvie, who came up in much distress, and examined him as soon as hewas well enough to bear it. Nor would any of his schoolfellows tell. Jock said he had had an imposition, and was kept in school when "it"happened; John said "he had nothing to do with it;" and Rob and Joeopposed surly negatives to all questions on the subject, Rob addingthat Armine was a disgusting little idiot, an expression for whichhis father took him severely to task. 

However there were those in Kenminster who never failed to know allabout everything, and the first afternoon after Armine's disasterthat Caroline came to Kencroft she was received with such sympathetickindness that her prophetic soul misgave her, and she dreaded hearingeither that she was letting herself be cheated by some tradesman, orthat she was to lose her pupils. 

No. After inquiries for Armine, his aunt said she was very sorry, but now he was better she thought his mother ought to know the truth. 

"What—-?" asked Caroline, startled; and Jessie, the only other personin the room, put down her work, and listened with a strange air ofdetermination. 

"My dear, I am afraid it is very painful. "

"Tell me at once, Ellen. "

"I can't think how he learnt it. But they have been about with allsorts of odd people. "

"Who? What, Ellen? Are you accusing my boy?" said Caroline, herlimbs beginning to tremble and her eyes to flash, though she spoke asquietly as she could. 

"Now do compose yourself, my dear. I dare say the poor little fellowknew no better, and he has had a severe lesson. "

"If you would only tell me, Ellen. "

"It seems, " said Ellen, with much regret and commiseration, "that allthis was from poor little Armine using such shocking language thatRob, as a senior boy, you know, put him under the pump at last to puta stop to it. "

Before Caroline's fierce, incredulous indignation had found a word, Jessie had exclaimed "Mamma!" in a tone of strong remonstrance; then, "Never mind, Aunt Carey, I know it is only Mrs. Coffinkey, and Johnnypromised he would tell the whole story if any one brought that horridnonsense to you about poor little Armine. "

Kind, gentle Jessie seemed quite transported out of herself, as sheflew to the door and called Johnny, leaving the two mothers lookingat each other, and Ellen, somewhat startled, saying "I'm sure, if itis not true, I'm very sorry, Caroline, but it came from—-"

She broke off, for Johnny was scuffling across the hall, calling out"Holloa, Jessie, what's up?"

"Johnny, she's done it!" said Jessie. "You said if the wrong one wasaccused you would tell the whole story!"

"And what do they say?" asked John, who was by this time in the room. 

"Mamma has been telling Aunt Carey that Rob put poor little Armineunder the pump for using bad language. "

"I say!" exclaimed John; "if that is not a cram!"

"You said you knew nothing of it, " said his mother. 

"I said I didn't do it. No more I did, " said John. 

"No more did Rob, I am sure, " said his mother. 

But Johnny, though using no word of denial, made it evident that shewas mistaken, as he answered in an odd tone of excuse, "Armie wascheeky. "

"But he didn't use bad words!" said Caroline, and she met a look ofcomfortable response. 

"Let us hear, John, " said his mother, now the most agitated. "Ican't believe that Rob would so ill-treat a little fellow like Armie, even if he did lose his temper for a moment. Was Armineimpertinent?"

"Well, rather, " said John. "He wouldn't do Rob's French exercise. "And then-—as the ladies cried out, he added—-"O yes, he knows ever somuch more French than Rob, and now Bobus is gone Rob could not getanyone else. "

"Bobus?"

"O yes, Bobus would do anybody's exercises at a penny for Latin, twofor French, and three for Greek, " said John, not aware of the shockhe gave. 

"And Armine would not?" said his mother. "Was that it?"

"Not only that, " said John; "but the little beggar must needs up andsay he would not help to act a falsehood, and you know nobody couldstand that. "

Caroline understood the gravity of such an offence better than Ellendid, for that good lady had never had much in common with her boysafter they outgrew the nursery. She answered, "Armine was quiteright. "

"So much the worse for him, I fear, " said Caroline. 

"Yes, " said John, "it would have been all very well to give him acuff and tell him to mind his own business. "

"All very well!" ejaculated his mother. 

"But you know, " continued Johnny to his aunt, "the seniors are alwaysmad at a junior being like that; and there was another fellow whodragged him to the great school pump, and put him in the trough, andthey said they would duck him till he swore to do whatever Robordered. "

"Swore!" exclaimed his mother. "You don't mean that, Johnny?"

"Yes, I do, mamma, " said John. "I would tell you the words, only youwouldn't like them. And Armine said it would be breaking the ThirdCommandment, which was the very way to aggravate them most. So theypumped on his head, and tried if he would say it. 'No, ' he said. 'You may kill me like the forty martyrs, but I won't, ' and of coursethat set them on to pump the more. "

"But, Johnny, did you see it all?" cried Caroline. "How could you?"

"I couldn't help it, Aunt Carey. "

"Yes, Aunt Carey, " again broke in Jessie, "he was held down. Thathorrid--well, I won't say whom, Johnny--held him, and his arm was sotwisted and grazed that he was obliged to come to me to put somelily-leaves on it, and if he would but show it, it is all black andyellow still. "

Carey, much moved, went over and kissed both her boy's champions, while Ellen said, with tears in her eyes, "Oh, Johnny, I'm glad youwere at least not so bad. What ended it?"

"The school-bell, " said Johnny. "I say, please don't let Rob know Itold, or I shall catch it. "

"Your father-—"

"Mamma! You aren't going to tell him!" cried Jessie and Johnny, bothin horror, interrupting her. 

"Yes, children, I certainly shall. Do you think such wickedness asthat ought to be kept from him? Nearly killing a fatherless childlike that, because he was not as bad as they were, and tellingfalsehoods about it too! I never could have believed it of Rob. Oh!what school does to one's boys!" She was agitated and overcome to adegree that startled Carey, who began to try to comfort her. 

"Perhaps Rob did not understand what he was about, and you see he wasled on. Armine will soon be all right again, and though he is adear, good little fellow, maybe the lesson may have been good forhim. "

"How can you treat it so lightly?" cried poor Ellen, in her agitatedindignation. "It was a mercy that the child did not catch his death;and as to Rob—-! And when Mr. Ogilvie always said the boys were soimproved, and that there was no bullying! It just shows how much heknows about it! To think what they have made of my poor Rob! Hisfather will be so grieved! I should not wonder if he had a fit ofthe gout!"

The shock was far greater to her than to one who had never kept herboys at a distance, and who understood their ways, characters, andcode of honour; and besides Rob was her eldest, and she had creditedhim with every sterling virtue. Jessie and Johnny stood aghast. They had only meant to defend their little cousin, and had neverexpected either that she would be so much overcome, or that she wouldinsist on their father knowing all, as she did with increasing angerand grief at each of their attempts at persuading her to thecontrary. Caroline thought he ought to know. Her children's fatherwould have known long ago, but then his wrath would have been adifferent thing from what seemed to be apprehended from his brother;and she understood the distress of Jessie and John, though her pityfor Rob was but small. Whatever she tried to say in the way ofgenerous mediation or soothing only made it worse; and poor Ellen, far from being her Serene Highness, was, between scolding and crying, in an almost hysterical state, so that Caroline durst not leave heror the frightened Jessie, and was relieved at last to hear theColonel coming into the house, when, thinking her presence would domore harm than good, and longing to return to her little son, sheslipped away, and was joined at the door by her own John, who asked—-

"What's up, mother?"

"Did you know all about this dreadful business, Jock?"

"Afterwards, of course, but I was shut up in school, writing threehundred disgusting lines of Virgil, or I'd have got the brutes offsome way. "

"And so little Armie is the brave one of all!"

"Well, so he is, " said Jock; "but I say, mother, don't go making himcockier. You know he's only fit to be stitched up in one of Jessie'slittle red Sunday books, and he must learn to keep a civil tongue inhis head, and not be an insufferable little donkey. "

"You would not have had him give in and do it! Never, Jock!"

"Why no, but he could have got off with a little chaff instead ofcoming out with his testimony like that, and so I've been tellinghim. So don't you set him up again to think himself forty martyrsall in one, or there will be no living with him. "

"If all boys were like him. "

Jock made a sound of horror and disgust that made her laugh. 

"He's all very well, " added he in excuse; "but to think of all beinglike that. The world would be only one big muff. "

"But, Jock, what's this about Bobus being paid for doing people'sexercises?"

"Bobus is a cute one, " said Jock. 

"I thought he had more uprightness, " she sighed. "And you, Jock?"

"I should think not!" he laughed. "Nobody would trust me. "

"Is that the only reason?" she said, sadly, and he looked up in herface, squeezed her hand, and muttered—-

"One mayn't like dirt without making such a row. "

"That's like father's boy, " she said, and he wrung her hand again. 

They found Armine coiled up before the fire with a book, and Jockgreeted him with—-

"Well, you little donkey, there's such a shindy at the Croft as younever heard. "

"Mother, you know!" cried Armine, running into her outstretched armsand being covered with her kisses. "But who told?" he asked. 

"John and Jessie, " said Jock. "They always said they would if anyonesaid anything against you to mother or Uncle Robert. "

"Against me?" said Armine. 

"Yes, " said Jock. "Didn't you know it got about through some of thejuniors or their sisters that it was Brownlow maximus gentlychastising you for bad language, and of course Mrs. Coffinkey toldAunt Ellen. "

"Oh, but Jock, " cried Armine, turning round in consternation, "I hopeRob does not know. "

And on further pressing it was extracted that Rob, when sent homewith him, had threatened him with the great black vaulted cellars ofKencroft if he divulged the truth. When Jock left them the relief ofpouring out the whole history to the mother was evidently great. 

"You know, mother, I couldn't, " he cried, as if there had been aphysical impossibility. 

"Why, dear child. How did you bear their horrid cruelty?"

"I thought it could not be so bad as it was for the forty soldiers onthe Lake. Dear grandmamma read us the story out of a little red bookone Sunday evening when you were gone to Church. They froze, youknow, and it was only cold and nasty for me. "

"So the thought of them carried you through?"

"God carried me through, " said the child reverently. "I asked Himnot to let me break His Commandment. "

Just then the Colonel's heavy tread was heard, and with him came Mr. Ogilvie, whom he had met on the road and informed. The good man wasindeed terribly grieved, and his first words were, "Caroline, Icannot tell you how much shocked and concerned I am;" and then helaid his hand on Armine's shoulder saying—-"My little boy, I amexceedingly sorry for what you have suffered. One day Robert will beso too. You have been a noble little fellow, and if anything couldconsole me for the part Robert has played it would be the seeing oneof my dear brother's sons so like his father. "

He gave the downcast brow a fatherly kiss, so really like those ofdays gone by that the boy's overstrained spirits gushed forth in sobsand tears, of which he was so much ashamed that he rushed out of theroom, leaving his mother greatly overcome, his uncle distressed andannoyed, and his master not much less so, at the revelation of somuch evil, so hard either to reach or to understand. 

"I would have brought Robert to apologise, " said the Colonel, "if hehad been as yet in a mood to do so properly. "

"Oh! that would have been dreadful for us all, " ejaculated Caroline, under her breath. 

"But I can make nothing of him, " continued he, "He is perfectlystolid and seems incapable of feeling anything, though I have talkedto him as I never thought to have to speak to any son of mine; but heis deaf to all. "

The Colonel, in his wrath, even while addressing only Caroline andMr. Ogilvie, had raised his voice as if he were shouting words ofcommand, so that both shrank a little, and Carey said—-

"I don't think he knew it was so bad. "

"What? Cheating his masters and torturing a helpless child for notyielding to his tyranny?"

"People don't always give things their right names even tothemselves, " said Mr. Ogilvie. "I should try to see it from theboy's point of view. "

"I have no notion of extenuating ill-conduct or making excuses!That's the modern way! So principles get lowered! I tell you, sir, there are excuses for everything. What makes the difference is onlythe listening to them or not. "

"Yes, " ventured Caroline, "but is there not a difference betweenfinding excuses for oneself and for other people?"

"All alike, lowering the principle, " said the Colonel, with somethingof the same slowness of comprehension as his son. "If excuses are tobe made for everything, I don't wonder that there is no teachingone's boys truth or common honesty and humanity. "

"But, Robert, " said Caroline, roused to defence; "do you really meanthat in your time nobody bullied or cribbed?"

"There was some shame about it if they did, " said the Colonel. "Now, I suppose, I am to be told that it is an ordinary custom to beconnived at. "

"Certainly not by me, " said Mr. Ogilvie. "I had hoped that thestandard of honour had been raised, but it is very hard to mete theexact level of the schoolboy code from the outside. "

"And your John and mine have never given in to it, " added Caroline. 

"What do you propose to do, Mr. Ogilvie?" said the Colonel. "I shalldo my part with my boy as a father. What will you do with him andthe other bully, who I find was Cripps. "

"I shall see Cripps's father first. I think it might be well if weboth saw him before deciding on the form of discipline. We have tothink not only of justice but of the effect on their characters. "

"That's the modern system, " said the Colonel indignantly. "Fine workit would make in the army. I know when punishment is deserved. Idon't set up to be Providence, to know exactly what work it is to do. I leave that to my Maker and do my duty. "

He was cut short by his son Joe rushing in headlong, exclaiming—-

"Papa, papa, please come! Rob has knocked Johnny down and he doesn'tcome round. "

Colonel Brownlow hurried off, Caroline trying to make him hear heroffer to follow if she could be useful, and sending Jock to seewhether there was any opening for her. Unless the emergency werevery great indeed she knew her absence would be preferred, and so sheand Mr. Ogilvie remained, talking the matter over, with more pity forthe delinquent than his own family would have thought natural. 

"It really is a terrible thing to be stupid, " she said. "I don'timagine that unlucky boy ever entered into his father's idea of truthand honour, which really is fine in its way. "

"Very fine, and proved to have made many fine fellows in its time. I dare say the lad will grow up to it, but just now he simply feelscruelly injured by interference with a senior's claim to absolutesubmission. "

"Which he sees as singly as his father sees the simple duty ofjustice. "

"It would be comfortable if we poor moderns could deal out ourmeasures with that straightforward military simplicity. I cannothelp seeing in that unfortunate boy the victim of examinations forcommissions. Boys must be subjected to high pressure before they canthoroughly enter into the importance of the issues that depend uponit; and when a sluggish, dull intellect is forced beyond endurance, there is an absolute instinct of escape, impelling to shifts andunderhand ways of eluding work. Of course the wrong is great, butthe responsibility rests with the taskmaster in the same manner asthe thefts of a starved slave might on his owner. "

"The taskmaster being the country?"

"Exactly so. Happy those boys who have available brains, likeyours. "

"Ah! I am very sorry about Bobus; what ought I to do?"

"Hardly more than write a few words of warning, since the change mayprobably have put an end to the practice. "

Jock presently brought back tidings that his namesake was all right, except for a black eye, and was growling like ten bears at havingbeen sent to bed. 

"Uncle Robert was more angry than ever, in a white heat, quiet andterrible, " said Jock, in an awe-struck voice. "He has locked Rob upin his study, and here's Joe, for Aunt Ellen is quite knocked up, andthey want the house to be very quiet. "

No tragical consequences, however, ensued. Mother and sons bothappeared the next morning, and were reported as "all right" by thefirst inquirer from the Folly; but Jessie came to her lessons withswollen eyelids as if she had cried half the night; and when her auntthanked her for defending Armine, she began to cry again, and Essieimparted to Barbara that Rob was "just like a downright savage withher. "

"No; hush, Essie, it is not that, " said Jessie; "but papa is sodreadfully angry with him, and he is to be sent away, and it is allmy fault. "

"But Jessie, dear, surely it is better for Rob to be stopped fromthose deceitful ways. "

"O yes, I know. But that I should have turned against him!" AndJessie was so thoroughly unhappy that none of her lessons prosperedand her German exercise had three great tear blots on it. 

Rob's second misdemeanour had simplified matters by deciding hisfather on sending him from home at once into the hands of a professedcoach, who would not let him elude study, and whose pupils were toobig to be bullied. To the last he maintained his sullen dogged airof indifference, though there might be more truth than the Folly wasdisposed to allow in his sister's allegations that it was because hedid feel it so very much, especially mamma's looking so ill andworried. 

Ellen did in truth look thoroughly unhinged, though no one saw hergive way. She felt her boy's conduct sorely, and grieved at thefirst parting in her family. Besides, there was anxiety for thefuture. Rob's manner of conducting his studies was no hopeful auguryof his success, and the expenses of sending him to a tutor fell themore heavily because unexpectedly. A horse and man were given up, and Jessie had to resign the hope of her music lessons. These werethe first retrenchments, and the diminution of dignity was felt. 

The Colonel showed his trouble and anxiety by speaking and trampinglouder than ever, ruling his gardener with severe precision, andthundering at his boys whenever he saw them idle. Both he and hiswife were so elaborately kind and polite that Caroline believed thatit was an act of magnanimous forgiveness for the ill luck that sheand her boys had brought them. At last the Colonel had thethreatened fit of the gout, which restored his equilibrium, andbrought him back to his usual condition of kindly, if somewhatponderous, good sense. 

He had not long recovered before Number Nine made his appearance atKencroft, and thus his mother had unusual facilities for inquiries ofDr. Leslie respecting the master of Belforest. 

The old man really seemed to be in a dying state. A hospital nursehad taken charge of him, but there was not a dependent about theplace, from Mr. Richards downwards, who was not under notice to quit, and most were staying on without his knowledge on the advice of theLondon solicitor, to whom the agent had written. There was even moreexcitement on the intelligence that Mr. Barnes had sent for FarmerGould. 

On this there was no doubt, for Mr. Gould, always delicatelyhonourable towards Mrs. Brownlow, came himself to tell her about theinterview. It seemed to have been the outcome of a yearning of thedying man towards the sole survivor of the companions of his earlydays. He had talked in a feeble wandering way of old times, but hadsaid nothing about the child, and was plainly incapable of sustainedattention. 

He had asked Mr. Gould to come again, but on this second visit he wastoo far gone for recognition, and had returned to his moodyinstinctive aversion to visitors, and in three days more he was dead. 

CHAPTER XV. THE BELFOREST MAGNUM BONUM. 

Where is his golden heap? Divine Breathings. 

Mrs. Robert Brownlow was churched with all the expedition possible, in order that she might not lose the sight of the funeral procession, which would be fully visible from the studio in the top of the tower. 

The excitement was increased by invitations to attend the funeralbeing sent to the Colonel and to his two eldest nephews, who werejust come home for the holidays, also to their mother to be presentat the subsequent reading of the will. 

A carriage was sent for her, and she entered it, not knowing orcaring to find out what she wished, and haunted by the line, "Die andendow a college or a cat. "

Allen met her at the front door, whispering—-"Did you see, mother, hehas still got his ears?" And the thought crossed her-—"Will thoseears cost us dear?"

She was the only woman present in the library-—a large room, but withan atmosphere as if the open air had not been admitted for thirtyyears, and with an enormous fire, close to which was the arm-chairwhither she was marshalled, being introduced to the two solicitors, Mr. Rowse and Mr. Wakefield, who, with Farmer Gould, the agent, Richards, the Colonel, and the two boys, made up the audience. 

The lawyers explained that the will had been sent home ten years agofrom Yucatan, and had ever since been in their hands. Search hadbeen made for a later one, but none had been found, nor did theybelieve that one could exist. 

It was very short. The executors were Charles Rowse and Peter Ball, and the whole property was devised to them, and to Lieutenant-ColonelRobert Brownlow, as trustees for the testator's great-niece, Mrs. Caroline Otway Brownlow, daughter of John and Caroline Allen, andwife of Joseph Brownlow, Esq. , M. D. , F. R. C. S. , the income and usethereof to be enjoyed by her during her lifetime; and the property, after her death, to be divided among her children in such proportionsas she should direct. 

That was all; there was no legacy, no further directions. 

"Allow me to congratulate-—" began the elder lawyer. 

"No-—no-—oh, stay a bit, " cried she, in breathless dismay andbewilderment. "It can't be! It can't mean only me. There must besomething about Elvira de Menella. "

"I fear there is not, " said Mr. Rowse; "I could wish my late clienthad attended more to the claims of justice, and had divided theproperty, which could well have borne it; but unfortunately it is notso. "

"It is exactly as he led us to expect, " said Mr. Gould. "We have noright to complain, and very likely the child will be much happierwithout it. You have a fine family growing up to enjoy it, Mrs. Brownlow, and I am sure no one congratulates you more heartily thanI. "

"Don't; it can't be, " cried the heiress, nearly crying, and wringingthe old farmer's hand. "He must have meant Elvira. You know he sentfor you. Has everything been hunted over? There must be a laterwill. "

"Indeed, Mrs. Brownlow, " said the solicitor, "you may rest assuredthat full search has been made. Mr. Richards had the sameimpression, and we have been searching every imaginable receptacle. "

"Besides, " added Colonel Brownlow, "if he had made another will therewould have been witnesses. "

"Yes, " said Mr. Richards; "but to make matters certain, I wrote toseveral of the servants to ask whether they remembered anyattestation, but no one did; and indeed I doubt whether, after hisarrival here, poor Mr. Barnes ever had sustained power enough to havedrawn up and executed a will without my assistance, or that of anylegal gentleman. "

"It is too hard and unjust, " cried Caroline; "it cannot be. I musthalve it with the child, as if there had been no will at all. Robert! you know that is what your brother would have done. "

"That would be just as well as generous, indeed, if it werepracticable, " said Mr. Rowse; "but unfortunately Colonel Brownlow andmyself (for Mr. Ball is dead) are in trust to prevent any suchproceeding. All that is in your power is to divide the propertyamong your own family by will, in such proportion as you may thinkfit. "

"Quite true, my dear sister, " said the Colonel, meeting herdespairing appealing look, "as regards the principal, but the readymoney at the bank and the income are entirely at your own disposal, and you can, without difficulty, secure a very sufficientcompensation to the little girl out of them. "

"No doubt, " said Mr. Rowse. 

"You'll let me-—you'll let me, Mr. Gould, " implored Caroline; "you'lllet me keep her, and do all I can to make up to her. You see theColonel thinks it is only justice; don't you, Robert?"

"Mrs. Brownlow is quite right, " said the Colonel, seeing that hervehemence was a little distrusted; "it will be only an act of justiceto make provision for your granddaughter. "

"I am sure, Colonel Brownlow, nothing can be handsomer than yourconduct and Mrs. Brownlow's, " said the old man; "but I should notlike to take advantage of what she is good enough to say on the spurof the moment, till she has had more time to think it over. "

Therewith he took leave, while Caroline exclaimed—-

"I always say there is no truer gentleman in the county than old Mr. Gould. I shall not be satisfied about that will till I have turnedeverything over and the partners have been written to. "

Again she was assured that she might set her mind at rest, and thenthe lawyers began to read a statement of the property which madeAllen utter, under his breath, an emphatic "I say!" but his motherhardly took it in. The heated room had affected her from the first, and the bewilderment of the tidings seemed almost to crush her; herheart and temples throbbed, her head ached violently, and while thefinal words respecting arrangements were passing between the Coloneland the lawyers, she was conscious only of a sickening sense ofoppression, and a fear of committing the absurdity of fainting. 

However, at last her brother-in-law put her into the brougham, desiring the boys to walk home, which they did very willingly, andwith a wonderful air of lordship and possession. 

"Well, Caroline, " said the Colonel, "I congratulate you on being therichest proprietor in the county. "

"O Robert, don't! If-—if, " said a suffocated voice, so miserablethat he turned and took her hand kindly, saying—-

"My dear sister, this feeling is very-—it becomes you well. This isa fearful responsibility. "

She could not answer. She only leant back in the carriage, withclosed eyes, and moaned—-

"Oh! Joe! Joe!"

"Indeed, " said his brother, greatly touched, "we want him more thanever. "

He did not try to talk any more to her, and when they reached thePagoda, all she could do was to hurry up stairs, and, throwing offher bonnet, bury her face in the pillow. 

Janet and her aunt both followed, the latter with kind and tendersolicitude; but Caroline could bear nothing, and begged only to beleft alone. 

"Dear Ellen, it is very kind, but nothing does any good to theseheadaches. Please don't—-please leave me alone. "

They saw it was the only true kindness, and left her, after allattempts at bathing her forehead, or giving her sal volatile, provedonly to molest her. She lay on her bed, not able to think, andfeeling nothing but the pain of her headache and a general weight andloneliness. 

The first break was from Allen, who came in tenderly with a cup ofcoffee, saying that they thought her time was come for being readyfor it. His manner always did her good, and she sat up, pushed backher hair, smiled, took the cup, and thanked him lovingly. 

"Uncle Robert is waiting to hear if you are better, " he said. 

"Oh yes, " she said; "thank him; I am sorry I was so silly. "

"He wants me to dine there to-night, mother, to meet Mr. Rowse andMr. Wakefield, " said Allen, with a certain importance suited to a ladof fifteen, who had just become "somebody. "

"Very well, " she said, in weary acquiescence, as she lay down again, just enough refreshed by the coffee to become sleepy. 

"And mother, " said Allen, lingering in the dark, "don't trouble aboutElfie. I shall marry her as soon as I am of age, and that will makeall straight. "

Her stunned sleepiness was scarcely alive to this magnanimousannouncement, and she dreamily said—-

"Time enough to think of such things. "

"I know, " said Allen; "but I thought you ought to know this. "

He looked wistfully for another word on this great avowal, but shewas really too much stupefied to enter into the purport of the boy'swords, and soon after he left her she fell sound asleep. She had acurious dream, which she remembered long after. She seemed to haveidentified herself with King Midas, and to be touching all herchildren, who turned into hard, cold, solid golden statues fixed onpedestals in the Belforest gardens, where she wandered about, vainlycalling them. Then her husband's voice, sad and reproachful, seemedto say, "Magnum Bonum! Magnum Bonum!" and she fancied it the elixirwhich alone could restore them, and would have climbed a mountain insearch of it, as in the Arabian tale; but her feet were cold, heavy, and immovable, and she found that they too had become gold, and thatthe chill was creeping upwards. With a scream of "Save the children, Joe, " she awoke. 

No wonder she had dreamt of cold golden limbs, for her feet werereally chilly as ice, and the room as dark as at midnight. Howeverit was not yet seven o'clock; and presently Janet brought a light, and persuaded her to come downstairs and warm herself. She was notyet capable of going into the dining-room to the family tea, butcrept down to lie on the sofa in the drawing-room; and there, aftertaking the small refreshment which was all she could yet endure, shelay with closed eyes, while the children came in from the meal. Armine and Babie were the first. She knew they were looking at her, but was too weary to exert herself to speak to them. 

"Asleep, " they whispered. "Poor Mother Carey. "

"Armie, " said Babie, "is mother unhappy because she has got rich?"

Armine hesitated. His brief experience of school had made him lessunsophisticated, and he seldom talked in his own peculiar fashioneven to his little sister, and she added—-

"Must people get wicked when they are rich?"

"Mother is always good, " said faithful little Armine. 

"The rich people in the Bible were all bad, " pondered Babie. "Therewas Dives, and the man with the barns. "

"Yes, " said Armine; "but there were good ones too—-Abraham andSolomon. "

"Solomon was not always good, " said Babie; "and Uncle Robert toldAllen it was a fearful responsibility. What is a responsibility, Armie? I am sure Ali didn't like it. "

"Something to answer for!" said Armine. 

"To who?" asked the little girl. 

"To God, " said the boy reverently. "It's like the talent in theparable. One has got to do something for God with it, and then itwon't turn to harm. "

"Like the man's treasure that changed into slate stones when he madea bad use of it, " said Babie. "Oh! Armie, what shall we do? Shallwe give plum-puddings to the little thin girls down the lane?"

"And I should like to give something good to the little greyworkhouse boys, " said Armine. "I should so hate always walking outalong a straight road as they do. "

"And oh! Armie, then don't you think we may get a nice book to writeout Jotapata in?"

"Yes, a real jolly one. For you know, Babie, it will take lots ofroom, even if I write my very smallest. "

"Please let it be ruled, Armie. And where shall we begin?"

"Oh! at the beginning, I think, just when Sir Engelbert first heardabout the Crusade. "

"It will take lots of books then. "

"Never mind, we can buy them all now. And do you know, Bab, I thinkAdelmar and Ermelind might find a nice lot of natural petroleum andfrighten Mustafa ever so much with it!"

For be it known that Armine and Barbara's most cherished delight wasin one continued running invention of a defence of Jotapata by acrusading family, which went on from generation to generation withunabated energy, though they were very apt to be reduced to two youngchildren who held out their fortress against frightful odds ofSaracens, and sometimes conquered, sometimes converted their enemies. Nobody but themselves was fully kept au courant with this wonderfulsiege, which had hitherto been recorded in interlined copy-books, orlittle paper books pasted together, and very remarkably illustrated. 

The door began to creak with an elaborate noisiness intended forperfect silence, and Jock's voice was heard. 

"Bother the door! Did it wake mother? No? That's right;" and hesquatted down between the little ones while Bobus seated himself atthe table with a book. 

"Well! what colour shall our ponies be?" began Jock, in an attempt ata whisper. 

"Oh! shall we have ponies?" cried the little ones. 

"Zebras if we like, " said Jock. "We'll have a team. "

"Can't, " growled Bobus. 

"Why not? They can be bought!"

"Not tamed. They've tried it at the Jardin d'Acclimatisation. "

"Oh, that was only Frenchmen. A zebra is too jolly to let himself betamed by a Frenchman. I'll break one in myself and go out with thehounds upon him. "

"Jack-ass on striped-ass-—or off him, " muttered Bobus. 

"Oh! don't, Jock, " implored Babie, "you'll get thrown. "

"No such thing. You'll come to the meet yourself, Babie, on yourArab. "

"Not she, " said Bobus, in his teasing voice. "She'll be governessedup and kept to lessons all day. "

"Mother always teaches us, " said Babie. 

"She'll have no time, she'll be a great lady, and you'll have threegovernesses-—one for French, and one for German, and one fordeportment, to make you turn out your toes, and hold up your head, and never sit on the rug. "

"Never mind, Babie, " said Jock. "We'll bother them out of theirlives if they do. "

"You'll be at school, " said Bobus, "and they'll all three go outwalking with Babie, and if she goes out of a straight line one willsay 'Fi donc, Mademoiselle Barbe, ' and the other will say, 'Schamensie sich, Fraulein Barbara, ' and the third will call for the stocks. "

"For shame, Robert, " cried his mother, hearing something like a sob;"how can you tease her so!"

"Mother, must I have three governesses?" asked poor little Barbara. 

"Not one cross one, my sweet, if I can help it!"

"Oh! mother, if it might be Miss Ogilvie?" said Babie. 

"Yes, mother, do let it be Miss Ogilvie, " chimed in Armine. "Shetells such jolly stories!"

"She ain't a very nasty one, " quoted Jock from Newman Noggs, and asJanet appeared he received her with-—"Moved by Barbara, seconded byArmine, that Miss Ogilvie become bear-leader to lick you all intoshape. "

"What do you think of it, Janet?" said her mother. 

"It will not make much difference to me, " said Janet. "I shalldepend on classes and lectures when we go back to London. I shouldhave thought a German better for the children, but I suppose thechief point is to find some one who can manage Elfie if we are stillto keep her. "

"By the bye, where is she, poor little thing?" asked Caroline. 

"Aunt Ellen took her home, " said Janet. "She said she would send herback at bed-time, but she thought we should be more comfortable aloneto-night. "

"Real kindness, " said Caroline; "but remember, children, all of you, that Elfie is altogether one of us, on perfectly equal terms, sodon't let any difference be made now or ever. "

"Shall I have a great many more lessons, mother?" asked Babie. 

"Don't be as silly as Essie, Babie, " said Janet. "She expects us allto have velvet frocks and gold-fringed sashes, and Jessie's firstthought was 'Now, Janet, you'll have a ladies' maid. '"

"No wonder she rejoiced to be relieved of trying to make youpresentable, " said Bobus. 

"Shall we live at Belforest?" asked Armine. 

"Part of the year, " said Janet, who was in a wonderfully expansiveand genial state; "but we shall get back to London for the season, and know what it is to enjoy life and rationality again, and then wemust all go abroad. Mother, how soon can we go abroad?"

"It won't make a bit of difference for a year. We shan't get it forever so long, " said Bobus. 

"Oh!"

"Fact. I know a man whose uncle left him a hundred pounds last year, and the lawyers haven't let him touch a penny of it. "

"Perhaps he is not of age, " said Janet. 

"At any rate, " said Jock, "we can have our fun at Belforest. "

"O yes, Jock, only think, " cried Babie, "all the dear tadpoles belongto mother!"

"And all the dragon-flies, " said Armine. 

"And all the herons, " said Jock. 

"We can open the gates again, " said Armine. 

"Oh! the flowers!" cried Babie in an ecstasy. 

"Yes, " said Janet. "I suppose we shall spend the early spring in thecountry, but we must have the best part of the season in London nowthat we can get out of banishment, and enjoy rational conversationonce more. "

"Rational fiddlestick, " muttered Bobus. 

"That's what any girl who wasn't such a prig as Janet would lookfor, " said Jock. 

"Well, of course, " said Janet. "I mean to have my balls like otherpeople; I shall see life thoroughly. That's just what I value thisfor. "

Bobus made a scoffing noise. 

"What's up, Bobus?" asked Jock. 

"Nothing, only you keep up such a row, one can't read. "

"I'm sure this is better and more wonderful than any book!" saidJock. 

"It makes no odds to me, " returned Bobus, over his book. 

"Oh! now!" cried Janet, "if it were only the pleasure of being freefrom patronage it would be something. "

"Gratitude!" said Bobus. 

"I'll show my gratitude, " said Janet; "we'll give all of them atKencroft all the fine clothes and jewels and amusements that everthey care for, more than ever they gave us; only it is we that shallgive and they that will take, don't you see?"

"Sweet charity, " quoth Bobus. 

Those two were a great contrast; Janet had never been so radiant, feeling her sentence of banishment revoked, and realising morevividly than anyone else was doing, the pleasures of wealth. Thecloud under which she had been ever since the coming to the Pagodaseemed to have rolled away, in the sense of triumph and anticipation;while Bobus seemed to have fallen into a mood of sarcastic ill-temper. His mother saw, and it added to her sense of worry, thoughher bright sweet nature would scarcely have fathomed the cause, evenhad she been in a state to think actively rather than to feelpassively. Bobus, only a year younger than Allen, and endowed withmore force and application, if not with more quickness, had alwaysbeen on a level with his brother, and felt superior, despisingAllen's Eton airs and graces, and other characteristics which mostpeople thought amiable. And now Allen had become son and heir, andwas treated by everyone as the only person of importance. Bobus didnot know what his own claims might be, but at any rate his brother'swould transcend them, and his temper was thoroughly upset. 

Poor Caroline! She did not wholly omit to pray "In all time of ourtribulation, in all time of our wealth, deliver us!" but if she hadknown all that was in her children's hearts, her own would havetrembled more. 

And as to Ellen, the utmost she allowed herself to say was, "Well, Ihope she will make a good use of it!"

While the Colonel, as trustee and adviser, had really a veryconsiderable amount of direct importance and enjoyment before him, which might indeed be-—to use his own useful phrase—-"a fearfulresponsibility, " but was no small boon to a man with too much time onhis hands. 

CHAPTER XVI. POSSESSION. 

Vain glorious Elf, said he, dost thou not weeteThat money can thy wants at will supply;Shields, steeds and armes, and all things for thee meet, It can purvey in twinkling of an eye. Spenser. 

Bobus's opinion that it would be long before anything came of thisaccession of wealth was for a few days verified in the eyes of theimpatient family, for Christmas interfered with some of the necessaryformalities; and their mother, still thinking that another will mightbe discovered, declared that they were not to go within the gates ofBelforest till they were summoned. 

At last, after Colonel Brownlow had spent a day in London, he madehis appearance with a cheque-book in his hand, and the informationthat he and his fellow-trustee had so arranged that the heiress couldopen an account, and begin to enter on the fruition of the property. There were other arrangements to be made, those about the out-doorservants and keepers could be settled with Richards, but she ought toremove her two sons from the foundation of the two colleges, thoughof course they would continue there as pupils. 

"And Robert, " she said, colouring exceedingly, "if you will let me, there is a thing I wish very much—-to send your John to Eton withmine. He is my godson, you know, and it would be such a pleasure tome. "

"Thank you, Caroline, " said the Colonel, after a moment's hesitation, "Johnny is to stand at the Eton election, and I should prefer hisowing his education to his own exertions rather than to anykindness. "

"Yes, yes; I understand that, " said Caroline; "but I do want you tolet me do anything for any of them. I should be so grateful, " sheadded, imploringly, with a good deal of agitation; "please-—pleasethink of it, as if your brother were still here. You would nevermind how much he did for them. "

"Yes, I should, " said the Colonel, decidedly, but pausing to collecthis next sentence. "I should not accept from him what might teach mysons dependence. You see that, Caroline. "

"Yes, " she humbly said. "He would be wise about it! I don't want tobe disagreeable and oppressive, Robert; I will never try to forcethings on you; but please let me do all that is possible to you toallow. "

There was something touching in her incoherent earnestness, whichmade the Colonel smile, yet wink away some moisture from his eyes, ashe again thanked her without either acceptance or refusal. Then hesaid he was going to Belforest, and asked whether she would not liketo come and look over the place. He would go back and call for herwith the pony carriage. 

"But would not Ellen like to go?" she said. "I will walk with theboys. "

The Colonel demurred a little, but knowing that his wife reallylonged to go, and could not well be squeezed into the back seat, hegave a sort of half assent; and as he left the house, Mother Careygave a summoning cry to gather her brood, rushed upstairs, put onwhat Babie called her "most every dayest old black hat;" and whenColonel and Mrs. Brownlow, with Jessie behind, drove into the park, it was to see her careering along by the short cut over the hoar-frosty grass, in the midst of seven boys, three girls, and two dogs, all in a most frisky mood of exhilaration. 

Distressed at appearing to drive up like the lady of the house, herSerene Highness insisted on stopping at the iron gates of the statelyapproach. There she alighted, and waited to make the best setting torights she could of the heiress's wind-tossed hat and cloak, andwould have put her into the carriage, but that no power couldpersuade her to mount that triumphal car, and all that could beobtained was that she should walk in the forefront of the processionwith the Colonel. 

There was nobody to receive them but Richards, for the servants hadbeen paid off, and only a keeper and his wife were living in thekitchen in charge. There was a fire in the library, where theColonel had business to transact with Richards, while the ladies andchildren proceeded with their explorations. It was rather awful atfirst in the twilight gloom of the great hall, with a paintedmythological ceiling, and cold white pavement, varied by longperspective lines of black lozenges, on which every footfall echoed. The first door that they opened led into a vast and dreary dining-room, with a carpet, forming a crimson roll at one end, and longranks of faded leathern chairs sitting in each other's laps. At oneend hung a huge picture by Snyders, of a bear hugging one dog in hisforepaws and tearing open the ribs of another with his hind ones. Opposite was a wild boar impaling a hound with his tusk, and theother walls were occupied by Herodias smiling at the contents of hercharger, Judith dropping the gory head into her bag, a brown St. Sebastian writhing among the arrows; and Juno extracting thepainfully flesh and blood eyes of Argus to set them in her peacock'stail. 

"I object to eating my dinner in a butcher's shop, " observed Allen. 

"Yes, we must get them out of this place, " said his mother. 

"They are very valuable paintings, " interposed Ellen. "I know theyare in the county history. They were collected by Sir FrancisBradford, from whom the place was bought, and he was a greatconnoisseur. "

"Yes, they are just the horrid things great connoisseurs of the lastcentury liked, by way of giving themselves an appetite, " saidCaroline. 

"Are not fine pictures always horrid?" asked Jessie, in allsimplicity. 

The drawing-rooms, a whole suite—-antechamber, saloon, music-room, and card-room, were all swathed up in brown holland, hanging evenfrom the picture rods along the wall. Even in the days of the mostliberal housekeeper, Ellen had never done more than peep beneath. Soshe revelled in investigations of gilding and yellow satin, ormoluand marble, big mirrors and Sevres clocks, a three-piled carpet, anda dazzling prismatic chandelier, though all was pervaded with such achill of unused dampness and odour of fustiness, that Caroline'sfirst impression was that it was a perilous place for one so latelyrecovered. However, Ellen believed in no danger till she came on twomonstrous stains of damp on the walls, with a whole crop of curiousfungi in one corner, and discovered that all the holland was flabby, and all the damask clammy! Then she enforced the instant lighting offires, and shivered so decidedly, that Caroline and Jessie begged herto return to the fire in the library, while Jessie went in search ofRob to drive her home. 

All the rest of the younger population had deserted the stateapartments, and were to be heard in the distance, clattering alongthe passages, banging doors, bawling and shouting to each other, withfreaks of such laughter as had never awakened those echoes during theBarnes' tenure, but Jessie returned not; and her aunt, going in questof her up a broad flight of shallow stairs, found herself in a grandgallery, with doors leading to various corridors and stairs. Shecalled, and the tramp of the boots of youth began to descend on her, with shouts of "All right!" and downstairs flowed the troop, beginning with Jock, and ending with Armine and Babie, each with somebreathless exclamation, all jumbled together—-

Jock. "Oh, mother! Stunning! Lots of bats fast asleep. "

Johnny. "Rats! rats!"

Rob. "A billiard-table. "

Joe. "Mother Carey, may Pincher kill your rats?"

Armine. "One wants a clue of thread to find one's way. "

Janet. "I've counted five-and-thirty bedrooms already, and that'snot all. "

Babie. "And there's a little copper tea-kettle in each. May mydolls have one?"

Bobus. "There's nothing else in most of them; and, my eyes! howmusty they smell. "

Elvira. "I will have the room with the big red bed, with a goldcrown at the top. "

Allen. "Mother, it will be a magnificent place, but it must have avast deal done to it. "

But Mother Carey was only looking for Jessie. No one had seen her. Janet suggested that she had taken a rat for a ghost, and they beganto look and call in all quarters, till at last she appeared, lookingrather white and scared at having lost herself, being bewildered bythe voices and steps echoing here, there, and everywhere. Thebarrenness and uniformity did make it very easy to get lost, for evenwhile they were talking, Joe was heard roaring to know where theywere, nor would he stand still till they came up with him, butconfused them and himself by running to meet them by some deludingstair. 

"We've not got a house, but a Cretan labyrinth, " said Babie. 

"Or the bewitched castle mother told us of, " said Allen, "whereeverybody was always running round after everybody. "

"You've only to have a grain of sense, " said Bobus, who had at lastrecovered Joe, and proceeded to give them a lecture on the two mainarteries, and the passages communicating with them, so that theymight always be able to recover their bearings. 

They were more sober after that. Rob drove his mother home, and theColonel made the round to inspect the dilapidations, and estimatewhat was wanting. The great house had never been thoroughlyfurnished since the Bradfords had sold it, and it was, besides, inmanifest need of repair. Damp corners, and piles of crumbled plastertold their own tale. A builder must be sent to survey it, and on themost sanguine computation, it could hardly be made habitable till theend of the autumn. 

Meantime, Caroline must remain a tenant of the Pagoda, though, as shetold the eager Janet, this did not prevent a stay in London for thesake of the classes and the society, of whom she was always talking, only there must be time to see their way. 

The next proposition gave universal satisfaction, Mother Carey wouldtake her whole brood to London for a day, to make purchases, thethree elder children each with five pounds, the younger with twopounds a-piece. She actually wanted to take two-thirds of those fromKencroft also, with the same bounty in their pockets, but to thistheir parents absolutely refused consent. To go about London with atrain of seven was bad enough; but that was her own affair, and theycould not prevent it; and they absolutely would not swell the numberto thirteen. It would be ridiculous; she would want an omnibus to goabout in. 

"I did not mean all to go about together. The elder boys will gotheir own way. "

But, as the Colonel observed, that was all very well for boys, whosehome had always been in London, but she would find his country ladsmuch in her way. She then reduced her demand by a third, for shereally wished for Johnny; but the Colonel's principles would notallow him to accept so great an indulgence for Rob. 

That unlucky fellow had, of course, failed in his examination, andthis had renewed the Colonel's resentment at his laziness andshuffling. He was, however, improved by contact with strangers, looked and behaved less bearishly, and had acquired a will to dobetter. Still, it was not possible to regret his absence, exceptbecause it involved that of his brother; and, with a great effort, and many assurances of her being really needed, Jessie's company wassecured. 

Never was the taste of wealth sweeter than in that over-filledrailway carriage, before it was light on the winter morning, with avista of endless possibilities contained in those crackling notes andround gold pieces, Jessie being, of course, as well off as the rest, and feeling the novelty and wonder even more. 

Mrs. Acton's house was to be the place of rendezvous, and she wouldtake charge of the girls for part of the day, the boys wished toshift for themselves; and Allen and Bobus had friends of their ownwith whom they meant to lunch. 

Clara met her friend with an agitated manner, half-laughing, half-crying, as she said—-

"Well, Mother Carey dear, you haven't quite soared above us yet?"

"Petrels never take high flights, " said Carey; "I hope and trust thatit may prove impossible to make a fine lady of me. I am caught late, you see. "

"Your daughters are not. You won't like to have them making excusesfor mamma's friends. "

"Janet's exclusiveness will not be of that sort, and for warm-heartedlittle Babie, trust her. Do you know where the Ogilvies can bewritten to, Clara? Are they at Rome, or Florence?"

"They were to be at Florence by the l4th. Mary has learnt to be sucha traveller, that she always drags her brother abroad for howevershort a time St. Kenelm may give her. "

"I hope I shall catch her in time. We want her for our governess. "

"Now, really, Carey, you are a woman for old friends! But do youthink you will get on? You know she won't spare you. "

"That's the very reason I want her. "

"It is very generous of you! You always were the best little thingin the world, with a strong turn for being under the lash; so you'regoing to keep the slave in the back of your triumphal chariot, likethe Roman general. "

"I see, you're afraid she will teach me to be too proper behaved foryou. "

"Precisely so, after her experience of Russian countesses. I don'tknow whether she will let you be mistress of your own house. "

"She will make me mistress all the more, " said Caroline; "for shewill make me all the more 'queen o'er myself. '"

Then began the shopping, such shopping extraordinary as none of thefamily had ever enjoyed except in dreams; and when it was the objectof everybody to conceal their purchases from everybody else. Caroline contrived to make time for a quiet luncheon with Dr. AndMrs. Lucas, to which she took her two youngest boys, since Jock wasthe godson of the house, and had moreover been shaken off by his twoelder brothers. Happily he was too good-tempered to grumble at beingthrown over, and his mind was in a beatific state of contemplation ofhis newly-purchased treasures, a small pistol, a fifteen-bladedknife, and a box of miscellaneous sweets, although his mother had sofar succumbed to the weakness of her sex as to prevent the weaponfrom being accompanied by any ammunition. 

As to Armine, she wanted to consult Dr. Lucas about the fragile looksand liability to cold that had alarmed her ever since Rob's exploit. Besides, he was so unlike the others! Had she not seen him quietlymake his way into the drawing-room, where Mrs. Lucas kept a box forthe Children's Hospital, and drop into it two bright florins, one ofwhich she had seen Babie hand over to him?

"I do think it is not canny, " she said, as if it had been one of hissymptoms. 

"Do you want me to prescribe for it?"

"I did try one prescription for having too big a soul; I turned mypoor little boy loose into school, and there they half killed him forme, and made the original complaint worse. "

"Happily no prescription, 'neither life, nor death, nor any othercreature, ' can cure that complaint, " said the good old doctor, "though, alas! it is only too apt to dry up from within. "

"Still I can't help feeling it rather awful to have to do with abeing so spiritual as that, and it appears to me to increase on him, so that he never seems quite to belong to me. And precocity is adangerous sign, is it not?"

"I see, " said the doctor, smiling; "you are going to be a treasure tothe faculty, and indulge in anxieties and consultations. "

"Now, Dr. Lucas, you know that we were always anxious about Armine. You remember his father said he needed more care than the rest. "

Dr. Lucas allowed that this was true; but he only recommendedflannel, pale ale, moderation in study, and time to recover theeffects of the pump. 

Both the good old friends were very kind and full of tendercongratulation, mingled with a little anxiety, though they werepleased with her good taste and simplicity and absence of allelation. But then she had hardly realised the new position, andseemed to look neither behind nor before. Her only scheme seemed tobe to take a house in London for a few months, and then perhaps to goabroad, but of this she could not talk in those old scenes whichvividly brought back that castle in the air, never fulfilled, of aholiday in Switzerland with Joe. 

On leaving the Lucases, she sent her boys on before her to thenearest bazaar, and was soon at her old home. Kind Mrs. Drakeeffaced herself as much as possible, and let her roam about the housealone, but furniture had altered every room, so that no responsivechord was touched till she came to the study, which was littlechanged. There she shut herself in and strove to recall the touch ofthe hand that was gone, the sound of the voice that was still. Shestood, where she had been wont to stand over her husband, when he hadbeen busy at his table and she had run down with some inquiry, andwith a yearning ache of heart she clasped her hands, and almostbreathed out the words, "O Joe, Joe, dear father! Oh! for one momentof you to tell me what to do, and how to keep true to the charge yougave me—-your Magnum Bonum!"

So absolutely had she asked the question, that she waited, almostexpecting a reply, but there was no voice and none to answer her; andshe was turning away with a sickening sense of mockery at her ownfolly in seeking the empty shrine whence the oracle of her life haddeparted, when her eye fell on the engraving over the mantel-piece. It was the one thing for which Mr. Drake had begged as a memorial ofJoe Brownlow, and it still hung in its old place. It was of theGreat Physician, consoling and healing all around-—the sick, thecaptive, the self-tormenting genius, the fatherless, the widow. 

Was this the answer? Something darted through her mind like a pangfollowed by a strange throb—-"Give yourself up to Him. Seek the truegood first. The other may lie on its way. "

But it was only a pang. The only too-natural recoil came the nextminute. Was not she as religious as there was any need to be, or atleast as she could be without alienating her children or affectingmore than she felt? Give herself to Him? How? Did that mean agreat deal of church-going, sermon-reading, cottage visiting, prayers, meditations, and avoidance of pleasure? That would neverdo; the boys would not bear it, and Janet would be alienated;besides, it would be hypocrisy in one who could not sit still andthink, or attend to anything lengthy and wearisome. 

So, as a kind of compromise, she looked at the photograph which hungbelow, and to it she almost spoke out her answer. "Yes, I'll be verygood, and give away lots of things. Mary Ogilvie shall come and keepme in order, and she won't let me be naughty, if I ever want to benaughty when I get away from Ellen. Then Magnum Bonum shall have itsturn too. Don't be afraid, dearest. If Allen does not take to itnow, I am sure Bobus will be a great chemical discoverer, able togive all his time and spare no expense, and then we will fit up thisdear old house for a hospital for very poor people. That's what youwould have done if you had been here! Oh, if this money had onlycome in time! But here are these horrid tears! If I once begincrying I shall be good for nothing. If I don't go at once, there'sno saying what Jock mayn't have bought. "

She was just in time to find Jock asking the price of all the animalsin the Pantheon Bazaar, and expecting her to supply the cost of avicious-looking monkey. The whole flock collected in due time at thestation, and so did their parcels. Allen brought with him his chiefpurchase, the most lovely toy-terrier in the world, whom he presentedon the spot to Elvira, and who divided the journey between lickinghimself and devouring the fragments of biscuit with which Jocksupplied him. Allen had also bought a beautiful statuette forhimself, and a set of studs. Janet had set herself up with a case ofmathematical instruments and various books; Bobus's purchases weredivers chemical appliances and a pocket microscope, also what hethrust into Jessie's lap and she presently proclaimed to be a lovelylittle work-case; Jessie herself was hugging a parcel, which turnedout to contain warm pelisses for the two nursery boys just above thebaby. For the adaptation of their seniors' last year's garments hadnot proved so successful as not to have much grieved the good girland her mother. 

Elvira's money had all gone into an accordion, and a necklace oflarge blue beads. 

"Didn't you get anything for your grandfather or your cousins?" saidCaroline. 

"I wanted it all, " said Elfie; "and you only gave me two sovereigns, or I would have had the bracelets too. "

"Never mind, Elfie, " cried Babie, "I've got something for Mr. Gouldand for Kate and Mary. "

"Have you, Babie? So have I, " returned Armine; and the two, who hadbeen wedged into one seat, began a whispering conversation, by whichthe listeners might have learnt that there was a friendly rivalry asto which had made the two pounds provide the largest possible numberof presents. Neither had bought anything for self, for the chest ofdrawers, bath, and broom were for Babie's precious dolls, not forherself. Mother Carey, uncle and aunt, brothers, sisters, cousins, servants, Mr. Gould, the gardener's grandson, the old apple-woman, "the little thin girls, " had all been provided for at that wonderfulGerman Bazaar, and the only regret was that gifts for Mr. Ogilvie andAlfred Richards could not be brought within the powers of even twopounds. What had Mother Carey bought? Ah! Nobody was to know tillTwelfth-day, and then the first tree cut at Belforest would be aChristmas-tree. Then came a few regrets that everybody hadproclaimed their purchases, and therewith people began to grow wearyand drop asleep. It was by gaslight that they arrived at home andbundled into the flys that awaited them, and then in the hall at homecame Elvira's cry—-

"Where's my doggie, my Chico?"

"Here; I took him out, " said Jock. 

"That's not Chico; that's a nasty, horrid, yellow cur. Chico wasblack. You naughty boy, Jock, you've been and changed my dog. "

"Has Midas changed him to gold?" cried Babie. 

"Ah, " said Bobus, meaningly. 

"You've done it then, Bobus! You've put something to him. "

"_I_ haven't, " said Bobus, "but he's been licking himself all the wayhome. Well, we all know green is the sacred colour of the GrandTurk. "

"No! You don't mean it!" said Allen, catching up the dog and holdinghim to the lamp, while Janet observed that he was a sort ofchameleon, for his body, which had been black, was now yellow, andhis chops which had been tan, had become black. 

Elvira began to cry angrily, still uncomprehending, and fancyingBobus and Jock had played her a trick and changed her dog; Allenabused the horrid little brute, and the more horrid man who haddeceived him; and Armine began pitying and caressing him, seriouslydistressed lest the poor little beast should have poisoned himself. Caroline herself expected to have heard that he was dead the nextmorning, and would have felt more compassion than regret; but, to hersurprise and Allen's chagrin, Chico made his appearance, veryrhubarb-coloured and perfectly well. 

"I think, " said Elvira, "I will give Chico to grandpapa, for a niceLondon present. "

Everybody burst out laughing at this piece of generosity, and thoughthe young lady never quite understood what amused them, and Allenheartily wished Chico among the army of dogs at River Hollow, he didsomehow or other remain at the Folly, and, after the fashion of dogs, adopted Jock as the special object of his devotion. 

Ellen came in, expecting to regale her eyes with the newest fashions. Or were they all coming down from the dressmaker?

"I had no time to be worried with dressmakers, " said Caroline. 

"I thought you went there while the girls were going about with Mrs. Acton. "

"Indeed no. I had just got my new bonnet for the winter. "

"But!"

"And _indeed_, I have not inherited any more heads. "

Ellen sighed at the impracticability of her sister-in-law and theblindness of fortune. But nobody could sigh long in the face of thatTwelfth-day Christmas-tree. What need be said of it but that eachmember of the house of Brownlow, and each of its dependents, obtainedthe very thing that the bright-eyed fairy of the family had guessedwould be most acceptable. 

CHAPTER XVII. POPINJAY PARLOUR. 

Happiest of all, in that her gentle spiritCommits itself to yours to be directed. Merchant of Venice. 

"It is our melancholy duty to record the demise of James Barnes, Esq. , which took place at his residence at Belforest Park, nearKenminster, on the 20th of December. The lamented gentleman had longbeen in failing health, and an attack of paralysis, which took placeon the 19th, terminated fatally. The vast property which thedeceased had accumulated, chiefly by steamboat and railwayspeculations in the West Indies, rendered him one of the richestproprietors in the county. We understand that the entire fortune isbequeathed solely to his grand-niece, Mrs. Caroline Otway Brownlow, widow of the late Joseph Brownlow, Esq. , and at present resident inthe Pagoda, Kenminster Hill. Her eldest son, Allen Brownlow, Esq. , is being educated at Eton. "

That was the paragraph which David Ogilvie placed before the eyes ofhis sister in a newspaper lent to him in the train by a courteousfellow-traveller. 

"Poor Caroline!" said Mary. 

They said no more till the next day, when, after the English serviceat Florence, they were strolling together towards San Miniato, andfeeling themselves entirely alone. 

"I wonder whether this is true, " began Mary at last. 

"Why not true?"

"I thought Mr. Barnes had threatened the boys that they shouldremember the Midas escapade. "

"It must have been only a threat. It could only lie between her andthe Spanish child; and, if report be true, even the half would be anenormous fortune. "

"Will it be fortune or misfortune, I wonder?"

"At any rate, it puts an end to my chances of being of any service toher. Be it the half or the whole, she is equally beyond my reach. "

"As she was before. "

"Don't misinterpret me, Mary. I mean out of reach of helping her inany way. I was of little use to her before. I could not save littleArmine from those brutal bullies, and never suspected the abuse thatengulphed Bobus. I am not fit for a schoolmaster. "

"To tell the truth, I doubt whether you have enough high spirits orgeniality. "

"That's the very thing! I can't get into the boys, or prevent theirthinking me a Don. I had hoped there was improvement, but therevelations of the half-year have convinced me that I knew justnothing at all about it. "

"Have you thought what you will do?"

"As soon as I get home, I shall send in my notice of resignation atMidsummer. That will see out her last boy, if he stays even solong. "

"And then?"

"I shall go for a year to a theological college, and test my fitnessto offer myself for Holy Orders. "

A look of satisfaction on his sister's part made him add, "Perhapsyou were disappointed that I was not ordained on my fellowship sevenyears ago. "

"Certainly I was; but I was in Russia, and I thought you knew best, so I said nothing. "

"You were right. You would only have heard what would have made youanxious. Not that there was much to alarm you, but it is not goodfor any one to be left so entirely without home influences as I wasall the time you spent abroad. I fell among a set of daring talkers, who thought themselves daring thinkers; and though the foundationswere never disturbed with me, I was not disposed to bind myself moreclosely to what might not bear investigation, and I did not like theaspect of clerical squabbles on minutiae. There was a tide againstthe life that carried me along with it, half from sound, half fromunsound, motives, and I shrank from the restraint, outward andinward. "

"Very likely it was wise, and the best thing in the end. But whathas brought you to it?"

"I hope not as the resource of a shelved schoolmaster. "

"Oh, no; you are not shelved. See how you have improved the school. Look at the numbers. "

"That is no test of my real influence over the boys. I teach them, I keep them in external order, but I do not get into them. Thereligious life is at a low ebb. "

"No wonder, with that vicar; but you have done your best. "

"Even if my attempts are a layman's best, they always get quenched bythe cold water of the Rigby element. It is hard for boys to feel thereality of what is treated with such business-like indifference, andset forth so feebly, not to say absurdly. "

"I know. It is a terrible disadvantage. "

"Listening to Rigby, has, I must say, done a good deal to bring aboutmy present intention. "

"By force of contradiction. "

"If that means of longing to be in his place and put the thing as itought to be put. "

"It is a contradiction in which I most sincerely rejoice, David, " shesaid; "one of the wishes of my heart fulfilled when I had given itup. "

"You do not know that it will be fulfilled. "

"I think it will, though you are right to take time, in case thedecision should be partly due to disappointment. "

"If there can be disappointment where hope has never existed. But ifa man finds he can't have his great good, it may make him look forthe greater. "

Mary sighed a mute and thankful acquiescence. 

"The worst of it is about you, Mary. It is throwing you over just asyou were coming to make me a home. "

"Never mind, Davie. It is only deferred, and at any rate we can keeptogether till Midsummer. Then I can go out again for a year or two, and perhaps you will settle somewhere where the curate's sister couldget a daily engagement. "

The next day they found the following letter at the post office:—-

 "The Folly, Jan. 3rd. 

"My Dear Mary, -—I suppose you may have attained the blessed realmsthat lie beyond the borders of Gossip, and may not have heard thenine days' wonder that Belforest had descended on the Folly, and thatpoor old Mr. Barnes has left his whole property to me. My dear, itwould be something awful even if he had done his duty and halved itbetween Elvira and me, and he has ingeniously tied it up withtrustees so as to make restitution impossible. As it is, my incomewill be not less than forty thousand pounds a year, and when dividedamong the children they will all be richer than perhaps is good forthem. 

"And now, my dear old dragon, will you come and keep me in orderunder the title of governess to Barbara and Elvira? For, of course, the child will go on living with us, and will have it made up to heras far as possible. You know that I shall do all manner of foolishthings, but I think they will be rather fewer if you will only comeand take me in hand. My trustees are the Colonel and an oldsolicitor, and will both look after the estate; but as for the rest, all that the Colonel can say is, that it is a frightful respons-ibility, and her Serene Highness is awe-struck. I could not haveconceived that such a thing could have made so much difference in soreally good a woman. Now I don't think you will be subject to golddust in the eyes, and, I believe, you will still see the same littlewild goose, or stormy petrel, that you used to bully at Bath, andwill be even more willing to perform the process. As I should havebegun by saying, on the very first evening Babie showed her sense byproposing you as governess, and you were unanimously elected in fulland free parliament. It really was the child's own thought andproposal, and what I want is to have those two children made wiserand better than I can make them, as well as that you should be thedear comrade and friend I need more than ever. You will see more ofyour brother than you could otherwise, for Belforest will be ourchief home, and I need not say how welcome he will always be there. It is not habitable at present, so I mean to stay on in the Follytill Easter, and then give Janet the London lectures and classes shehas been raving for these two years, and take Jessie also for musiclessons, if she can be spared. 

I'm afraid it is a come down for a finisher like you to condescend tomy little Babie, but she is really worth teaching, and I would say, make your own terms, but that I am afraid you would not ask enough. Please let it be one hundred and fifty pounds, there's a good Mary!I think you would come if you knew what a relief it would be. Eversince that terrible August, two years and a half ago, I have felt asif I were drifting in an endless mist, with all the childrendepending on me, and nobody to take my hand and lead me. You are oneof the straws I grasp at. Not very complimentary after all, but whenI thought of the strong, warm, guiding hands that are gone, I couldnot put it otherwise. Do, Mary, come, I do need you so. 

 "Your affectionate "C. O. BROWNLOW. "

"May I see it?" asked David. 

"If you will; but I don't think it will do you any good. My poorCarey!"

"Few women would have written such a letter in all the first flush ofwealth. "

"No; there's great sweetness and humility and generosity in it, dearchild. "

"It changes the face of affairs. "

"I'm engaged to you. "

"Nonsense! As if that would stand in the way. Besides, she will beat Kenminster till Easter. You are not hesitating, Mary?"

"I don't think I am, and yet I believe I ought to do so. "

"You are not imagining that I—-"

"I was not thinking of you; but I am not certain that it would not bebetter for our old friendship if I did not accept the part poor Careyproposes to me. I might make myself more disagreeable than could beendured by forty thousand a year. "

"You do yourself and her equal injustice. "

"I shall settle nothing till I have seen her. "

"Then you will be fixed, " he said, in a tone of conviction. 

So she expected, though believing that it would be the ruin of herpleasant old friendship. Her nineteen years of governess-ship hadshown her more of the shady side of high life than was known to herbrother or her friend. She knew that, whatever the owner may be atthe outset, it is the tendency of wealth and power to lead toarbitrariness and impatience of contradiction and censure, and toexact approval and adulation. Even if Caroline Brownlow's own natureshould, at five-and-thirty, be too much confirmed in sweetness andgenerosity to succumb to such temptation, her children would only tooprobably resent any counter-influence, and set themselves againsttheir mother's friend, and guide, under the title of governess. Moreover, Mary was too clear-sighted not to feel that there was alack in the Brownlow household of what alone could give herconfidence in the charming qualities of its mistress. Yet she knewthat her brother would never forgive her for refusing, and that sheshould hardly forgive herself for following—-not so much her better, as her more prudent, judgment. For she was infinitely touched andattracted by that warmhearted letter, and could not bear to meet itwith a refusal. She hoped, for a time at least, to be a comfort, andto make suggestions, with some chance of being attended to. Such aidseemed due from the old friendship at whatever peril thereto, and shewould leave her final answer till she should see whether her friend'sletter had been written only on the impulse of the moment, and halfretracted immediately after. 

The brother and sister crossed the Channel at night, and arrived atKenminster at noon, on a miserably wet day. At the station they weremet by Jock and a little yellow dog. His salutation, as he cappedhis master, was—-

"Please, mother sent me up to see if you were come by this train, because if you'd come to early dinner, she would be glad, becausethere's a builder or somebody coming with Uncle Robert about therepairs afterwards. Mother sent the carriage because of the rain. I say, isn't it jolly cats and dogs?"

Mary was an old traveller, who could sleep anywhere, and had made hertoilet on landing, so as to be fresh and ready; but David was yellowand languid enough to add force to his virtuous resolution to take noadvantage of the invitation, but leave his sister to settle heraffairs her own way, thinking perhaps she might trust his futurediscretion the more for his present abstinence, so he went off in theomnibus. Jock, with the unfailing courtesy of the Brood, handed MissOgilvie into a large closed waggonette, explaining, "We have this forthe present, and a couple of job horses; but Uncle Robert is lookingout for some real good ones, and ponies for all of us. I am goingover with him to Woolmarston to-morrow to try some. "

It was said rather magnificently, and Mary answered, "You must beglad to get back into the Belforest grounds. "

"Ain't we? It was just in time for the skating, " said Jock. "Onlythe worst of it is, everybody will come to the lake, and so motherwon't learn to skate. We thought we had found a jolly little placein the wood, where we could have had some fun with her, but theyfound it out, though we halloed as loud as ever we could to keep themoff. "

"Can your mother skate?"

"No, you see she never had a chance at home. Father was so busy, andwe were so little; but she'd learn. Mother Carey can learn anything, if one could hinder her Serene Highness from pitching into her. Isay, Miss Ogilvie, you'll give her leave to skate, won't you?" heasked in an insinuating tone. 

"I give her leave!"

"She always says she'll ask you when we want her to be jolly and notmind her Serene Highness. "

Mary avoided pledging herself, and Jock's attention was diverted tothe dog, who was rising on his hind legs, vainly trying to look outof the window; and his history, told with great gusto by Jock, lastedtill they reached home. 

The drawing-room was full of girls about their lessons as usual-—sums, exercises, music, and grammar all going on at once! butCaroline put an end to them, and sent the Kencroft party home at oncein the carriage. 

"So you have not dropped the old trade?" said Mary. 

"I couldn't. Ellen is not strong enough yet to have the children onher hands all day. I said I'd be responsible for them till Easter, and I dare say you won't mind helping me through it as the beginningof everything. Will you condescend? You know I want to be yourpupil too. "

"You can be no one's pupil but your own, my dear! no one's on earth, I mean. "

"Oh, don't! I know that, Mary. I'm trying and trying to be theirpupil still. Indeed I am! It makes me patient of Robert, and hisfearful responsibility, and his good little sister, to know that myhusband always thought him right, and meant him to look after me. But as one lives on, those dear voices seem to get farther andfarther away, as if one was drifting more out of reach in the fog. I do hate myself for it, but I can't help it. "

"Is there not a voice that can never go out of reach, and that bringsyou nearer to them?"

"You dear old Piety, Prudence, and Charity all in one! That is ifyou have the charity to come and infuse a little of your piety andprudence into me. You know you could always make me mind you, andyou'll make me-—what is it that Mrs. Coffinkey says?-—a credit to myposition before you've done. I've had your room got ready; won't youcome and take off your things?"

"I think, if you don't object, I had better sleep at the schoolhouse, and come up here after David's breakfast. "

"Very well; I won't try to rob him of you more than can be helped. Though you know he would be welcome here every evening if he liked. "

"Thank you very much, I can help him more at home; but I'll come forthe whole day, for I am sure you must have a great deal on yourhands. "

"Well! I've almost as many classes as pupils, and then there are somany interruptions. The Colonel is always bringing something to besigned, and then people will come and offer themselves, though I'msure I never asked them. Yesterday there was a stupendous butler andhouse-steward who could also act as courier, and would do himself thehonour of arranging my household in a truly ducal style. Just as Igot rid of him, came a man with a future history of the landed gentryin quest of my coat of arms and genealogy, also three wine merchants, a landscape gardener, and a woman with a pitcher of goldfish. Emmais so soft she thinks everybody is a gentleman. I am trying to getthe good old man-servant we had in our old home to come and defendme; not that he is old, for he was a boy whom Joe trained. Oh Mary, the bewilderment of it!" and she pushed back the little stray curlyrings of hair on her forehead, while a peal at the bell was heard anda card was brought in. "Oh! Emma! don't bring me any more! Is it agentleman?"

"Y-—es, ma'am. Leastways it is a clergyman. "

The clergyman turned out to be a Dissenting minister seekingsubscriptions, and he was sent off with a sovereign. 

"I know it was very weak, " she said; "but it was the only way to stophis mouth, and I must have time to talk to you, so don't begin yourmission by scolding me. "

Terms were settled; Mary would remain at the schoolhouse, but dailycome to the Pagoda till the removal to London, when her residence wasto begin in earnest. 

She took up her line from the first as governess, dropping herfriend's Christian name, and causing her pupils to address herself asMiss Ogilvie, a formality which was evidently approved by Mrs. RobertBrownlow, and likewise by Janet. 

That young lady was wonderfully improved by prosperity. She had losther caustic manner and air of defiance, so that her cleverness andoriginality made her amusing instead of disagreeable. She piquedherself on taking her good fortune sensibly, and, though fullyseventeen, professed not to know or care whether she was out or not, but threw herself into hard study, with a view to her classes, andgladly availed herself of Miss Ogilvie's knowledge of foreignlanguages. 

Mrs. Coffinkey supposed that she would be presented at court with herdear mamma; but she laughed at courts and ceremonies, and her mothersaid that the first presentation in the family would be of Allen'swife when he was a member of parliament. But Janet was no longer atwar with Kenminster. She laughed good-humouredly, and was not alwaysstruggling for self-assertion, since the humiliations of going aboutas the poor, plain cousin of the pretty Miss Brownlow were over. Nowthat she was the rich Miss Brownlow, she was not likely to feel thatshe was the plain one. 

The sense of exile was over when the house in London was taken, andso Janet could afford to be kind to Kenminster; and she was like theJanet of old times, without her slough of captious disdain. Eventhen there was a sense that the girl was not fathomed; she neverseemed to pour out her inner self, but only to talk from the surface, and certainly not to have any full confidence with her mother—-nay, rather to hold her cheap. 

Mary Ogilvie detected this disloyal spirit, and was at a loss whetherto ascribe it to modern hatred of control, to the fact that Carolinehad been in her old home more like the favourite child than themother, or to her own eager naturalness of demeanour, and total lackof assumption. She was anything but weak, yet she could not bedignified, and was quite ready to laugh at herself with her children. Janet could hardly be overawed by a mother who had been challenged byher own gamekeeper creeping down a ditch, with the two Johns, to seea wild duck on her nest, and with her hat half off, and her hairdisordered by the bushes. 

The "Folly" laughed till its sides ached at the adventure, andCaroline asked Mary if she were not longing to scold her. 

"No, I think you will soon grow more cautious about getting intoridiculous positions. "

"Isn't laughing a wholesome pastime?"

"Not when it is at those who ought to be looked up to. "

"Oh! I'm not made to be looked up to. I'm not going to be a hero tomy valet de chambre, or to anybody else, my dear, if that's what youwant of me!"

Mary secretly hoped that a little more dignity would come in theLondon life, and was relieved when the time came for the move. Thenew abode was a charming house, with the park behind it, and thespace between nearly all glass. Great ferns, tall citrons, fragrantshrubs, brilliant flowers, grew there; a stone-lined pool, withwater-lilies above, gold-fish below, and a cool, sparkling, babblingfountain in the middle. There was an open space round it, with lowchairs and tables, and the parrot on her perch. Indeed, PopinjayParlour was the family title of this delightful abode; but it mightalmost as well have been called Mother Carey's bower. Here, after anaudience with the housekeeper, who was even more overpowering thanher Serene Highness, would Caroline retreat to write notes, keepaccounts, and hear Armine's lessons, secure before luncheon from allunnecessary interruption; and here was her special afternoon andevening court. 

This first summer she was free to take her own course as to society, for Janet cared for the Cambridge examination far more than forgaiety, and thus she had no call, and no heart for "going out, " evenif she had as yet been more known. Some morning calls wereexchanged, but she sent refusals on mourning cards to invitations toevening parties, though she took her young people to plays, concerts, and operas, and all that was pleasant. Her young people includedJessie. Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow made her a visit as soon as shewas settled, and were so much edified by the absence of display andextravagance, that they did not scruple to trust their daughter toher for the long-desired music-lessons. 

Caroline had indeed made no attempt to win her way into the greatworld; but she had brought together as much as possible of the oldsociety of her former home. On two evenings in the week, thehabitues of Joe Brownlow's house were secure of finding her either inthe drawing-room or conservatory; beautiful things, and new books andpapers on the tables, good music on the piano, sometimes actedcharades, or paper games, according to the humour or taste of theparty. If she had been a beautiful duchess, Popinjay Parlour wouldhave been a sort of salon bleu; but it was really a kind of paradiseto a good many clever, hardworked men and women. Those of the upperworld, such as Kenminster county folks, old acquaintances of herhusband, or natural adherents of Midas, who found their way to thesereceptions, either thought them odd but charming, or else regrettedthat Mrs. Brownlow should get such queer people together, and turnHyde Corner House into another Folly. 

Mary Ogilvie enjoyed, but not without misgivings. It was delightful, and yet, what with Joe Brownlow and his mother had been guarded, might become less safe with no leader older or of more weight thanCarey, who could easily be carried along by what they would havechecked. The older and more intimate friends always acted as awholesome restraint; but when they were not present there wassometimes a tone that jarred on the reverent ear, or dealt with lifeand its mysteries in a sneering, mocking style. This was chieflyamong new-comers, introduced by former acquaintances, and it neverwent far; but Mary was distressed by seeing Janet's relish for suchconversation. Nita Ray was the chief female offender in this way, and this was the more unfortunate as Sunday was her only free day. 

Those Sundays vexed Mary's secret soul. No one interfered with herway of spending them; but that was the very cause of misgiving. Everybody went to Church in the morning, but just where, and as, theypleased, meeting at luncheon, with odd anecdotes of their adventures, and criticisms of music or of sermons. It was an easy-going meal, lasting long, and haunted by many acquaintances, for whose sake thetable was always at its full length, and spread with varieties ofdelicacies that would endure waiting. 

People dropped in, helped themselves, ate and drank, and thenadjourned to Popinjay Parlour, where the afternoon was spent in aneasy-going, loitering way, more like a foreign than an EnglishSunday. Miss Ogilvie used to go to the Litany at one of the Churchesnear; Armine always came with her, and often brought Babie, andJessie came too, as soon as that good girl had swallowed the factthat the Litany could stand alone. 

Janet was apt to be walking with Nita, or else in some eager andamusing conversation in the conservatory; and as to Elvira, she wasthe prettiest, most amusing plaything that Mrs. Brownlow's houseafforded, a great favourite, and a continual study to the artistfriends. Mary used to find her chattering, coquetting, and rompingon coming in to the afternoon tea, which she would fain have herselfmissed; but that her absence gave pain, and as much offence as one sokind as Mrs. Brownlow could take. 

Carey argued that most of her guests were people who seldom hadleisure to enjoy rest, conversation, and variety of pretty things, and that it would be mere Puritan crabbedness to deny them thepleasures of Popinjay Parlour on the only day they could be happythere. It was not easy to answer the argument, though the strongfeeling remained that it was not keeping Sunday as the true Lord'sDay. While abstinence from such enjoyments created mere negativedulness, there must be something wrong. 

Otherwise, Mary was on the happiest terms, made her own laws andduties, and was treated like a sister by Caroline, while the childrenwere heartily fond of her, all except Elvira, who made a fiercestruggle against her authority, and then, finding that it was all invain, conformed as far as her innate idleness and excitabilitypermitted. 

She behaved better to Miss Ogilvie than to Janet, with whom she keptup a perpetual petty warfare, sometimes, Mary thought, with thepertinacity of a spiteful elf, making a noise when Janet wantedquiet, losing no opportunity of upsetting her books or papers, andlaughing boisterously at any little mishap that befell her. The onlyreason she ever gave when pushed hard, was that "Janet was so ugly, she could not help it, " a reason so utterly ridiculous, that therewas no going any further. 

Janet, on the whole, behaved much better under the annoyance thancould have been expected. She entered enough into the state ofaffairs to see that the troublesome child could hardly be expelled, and she was too happy and too much amused to care much about theannoyance. There was magnanimity enough about her not to mind midgebites, and certainly this summer was exceptionally delightful withall the pleasures of wealth, and very few of its drawbacks. 

By the time the holidays were coming round, Belforest was not halfhabitable, and they had to return to the Pagoda. A tenant had beenfound for it, and such of the old furniture as was too precious to beparted with was to be removed to Belforest. Things were sufficientlyadvanced there for the rooms to be chosen, and orders given as to thedecoration and furniture, and then, gathering up her sons, Carolinemeant to start for the Rhine, Switzerland, and Italy. Old nurse wassettled in a small pair of rooms, with Emma to wait on her, andpromises from Jessie to attend to her comforts; but the old woman hadfailed so much in their absence, and had fretted so much after "Mrs. Joseph" and the children, that it was hard to leave her again. 

Everything that good taste and wealth could do to make a placedelightful was at work. The "butcher's shop" was relegated to a dimcorner of the gallery, and its place supplied from the brushes of theartists whom Caroline viewed with loving respect; the drawing-roomwas renovated, a forlorn old library resuscitated into vigorous life, a museum fitted with shelves, drawers, and glass cases which Carolinesaid would be as dangerous to the vigorous spirit of natural historyas new clothes to a Brownie, and a billiard and gun room were cededto the representations of Allen, who comported himself as befittedthe son and heir. 

Caroline would not part with her room-mate, little Barbara, and wasto have for herself a charming bedroom and dressing-room, with abalcony and parapet overlooking the garden and park, and a tiny roombesides, for Babie to call her own. 

Janet chose the apartments which had been Mr. Barnes', and whichbeing in the oldest part of the house, and wainscoted with dark oak, she could take possession of at once. There was one room down stairswith very ugly caryatides, supporting the wooden mantelpiece, anddividing the panels, one of which had a secret door leading by an oddlittle stair to the bedroom above-—that in which Mr. Barnes had died. 

It had of course another door opening into the corridor, and it wason these rooms that Janet set her affections. To the generalsurprise, Elvira declared that this was the very room she had chosen, with the red velvet curtains and gold crown, the day they went overthe house, and that Mother Carey had promised it to her, and shewould have it. 

No one could remember any such promise, and the curtains of crimsonmoreen did not answer Elfie's description; but she would not bedenied, and actually put all her possessions into the room. 

Janet, without a word, quietly turned them out into the passage, andElfie flew into one of those furious kicking and screaming passionswhich always ended in her being sent to bed. Caroline felt quiteshaken by it, but stood firm, though, as she said, it went to herheart to deny the child who ought to have had equal shares withherself, and she would have been thankful if Janet would have givenway. 

Of this, however, Janet had no thoughts, strong in the convictionthat the child could not make the same reasonable use of the fittingsof the room as she could herself, and by no means disposed not "toseek her own. "

She had numerous papers, notes of lectures, returned essays from hersociety, and the like to dispose of, and she rejoiced in placing themin the compartments of the great bureau, in the lower room. Thelawyers had cleared all before her, and the space was delightful. All personals must have been carried off by the servants asperquisites, for she found no traces of the former occupant till shecame to a little bed-side table. The drawer was not locked, but didnot open without difficulty, being choked with notes and letters inenvelopes, directed to J. Barnes, Esquire. This perhaps accountedfor the drawer not having been observed and emptied. Janet shook thecontents out into a basket, and was going to take them to her uncle, but thought it could do no harm first to see whether there wereanything curious or interesting in them. 

Several were receipted bills; but then she came to her mother'shandwriting, and read her conciliatory note, which whetted hercuriosity; and looking further she got some amusement out of thepolite notes and offers of service, claims to old family friendship, and congratulations which had greeted Mr. Barnes, and he had treatedwith grim disregard. 

Presently, thrust into an envelope with another letter, and writtenon a piece of note-paper, was something that made her start as if atthe sting of a viper. No! it could not be a will! She knew whatwills were like. They were sheets of foolscap, written by lawyers, while this was only an old man's cramped and crooked writing. Perhaps, when he was in a rage, he had so far carried out his threat, that Allen should remember King Midas as to make a rough draft of awill, leaving everything to Elvira de Menella, for there at the topwas the date, plainly visible, the very April when the confession hadbeen made. But no doubt he had never carried out his purpose so faras to get it legally drawn out and attested. As Mr. Richards hadsaid, he had never been in health to take any active measures, andprobably he had rested satisfied with this relief to his feelings. 

Should she show it to her mother and uncle, and let them know theirnarrow escape? No. Mother Carey and Allen made quite fuss enoughalready about that little vixen, and if they discovered how nearlyshe had been the sole heiress, they would be far worse. Besides, hermother might have misgivings, as to this unhappy document beingmorally though not legally, binding. Suppose she were seized with afit of generosity, and gave all up! or even half. Elfie, the littleshrew, to have equal rights! The sweets of wealth only just tastedto be resigned, and the child, overweening enough already, to be setin their newly-gained place!

The sagacity of seventeen decided that mother had better not beworried about it for her own sake, and that of everyone else. Sowhat was to be done. No means of burning it were at hand, and to askfor them might excite suspicion. The safest way was to place it inone of the drawers of the bureau, lock it up, and keep the key. 

CHAPTER XVIII. AN OFFER FOR MAGNUM BONUM. 

They had gold and gold and gold without end, Gold to lay by and gold to spend, Gold to give and gold to lend, And reversions of gold in futuro. In gold his family revelled and rolled, Himself and his wife and his sons so bold, And his daughters who sang to their harps of gold O bella eta dell' oro. 

Four years of wealth had not made much external alteration in Mrs. Joseph Brownlow. As she descended the staircase of her beautifulLondon house, one Monday morning, late in April, between flower-stands filled with lovely ferns and graceful statues, she had stillthe same eager girlish look. It was true that her little cap was ofthe most costly lace, her hair manipulated by skilful hands, and herthin black summer dress was of material and make such as a scientificeye alone could have valued in their simplicity. But dignity stillwas wanting. Silks and brocades that would stand alone, and velvetsrichly piled only crushed and suffocated the little light swiftfigure, and the crisp curly hair was so much too wilful for the maid, that she had been even told that madame's style would be to cut itshort, and wear it a l'ingenue, which she viewed as insulting; andaltogether her general air was precisely what it had been when herdress cost a twentieth part of what it did at present. 

Her face looked no older. It was thin, eager, bright, and sunny, yetwith an indescribable wistfulness in the sparkling eyes, andsomething worn in the expression, and, as usual, she moved with aquiet nimbleness peculiar to herself. 

The breakfast-table, sparkling with silver and glass, around amagnificent orchid in the centre, and a rose by every plate, wasspread in the dining-room, sweet sounds and scents coming in throughthe widely-opened glass doors of the conservatory, while a brightwood fire, still pleasant to look at, shone in the grate. 

As she rang the bell, Bobus came in from the conservatory, book inhand, to receive the morning kiss, for which he had to bend to hislittle mother. He was not tall, but he had attained his full height, and had a well-knit sturdy figure which, together with his heavy browand deep-set eyes, made him appear older than his real age-—nineteen. His hair and upper lip were dark, and his eyes keen with a sense ofready power and strong will. 

"Good morning, Bobus; I didn't see you all day yesterday, " said hismother. 

"No, I couldn't find you before you went out on Saturday night, totell you I was going to run down to Belforest with Bauerson. Iwanted to enlighten his mind as to wild hyacinths. They are insplendid bloom all over the copses, and I thought he would have gonedown on his knees to them, like Linnaeus to the gorse. "

"I'm afraid he didn't go on his knees to anything else. "

"Well, it is not much in his line. "

"Then can he be a nice Sunday companion?"

"Now, mother, I expected credit for not scandalising the natives. We got out at Woodgate, and walked over, quite 'unknownst, ' toKenminster. "

"I was not thinking of the natives, but of yourself. "

"As you are a sensible woman, Mother Carey, wasn't it a more goodlyand edifying thing to put a man like Bauerson in a trance over thebluebells, than to sit cramped up in foul air listening to theglorification of a wholesale massacre. "

"For shame, Bobus; you know I never allow you to say such things. "

"Then you should not drag me to Church. Was it last Sunday that Iwas comparing the Prussians at Bazeille with—-"

"Hush, my dear boy, you frighten me; you know it is all explained. Fancy, if we had to deal with a nation of Thugs, and no means ofguarding them—-a different dispensation and all. But here come thechildren, so hush. "

Bobus gave a nod and smile, which his mother understood only too wellas intimating acquiescence with wishes which he deemed feminine andconventional. 

"My poor boy, " she said to herself, with vague alarm and terror, "what has he not picked up? I must read up these things, and be ableto talk it over with him by the time he comes back from Norway. "

There, however, came the morning greeting of Elvira and Barbara, girls of fourteen and eleven, with floating hair and short dresses, the one growing up into all the splendid beauty of her early promise, the other thin and brown, but with a speaking face and lovely eyes. They were followed by Miss Ogilvie, as trim and self-possessed asever, but with more ease and expansiveness of manner. 

"So Babie, " said her brother, "you've earned your breakfast; I heardyou hammering away. "

"Like a nuthatch, " was the merry answer. 

"And Elfie?" asked Mrs. Brownlow. 

"I'm not so late as Janet, " she answered; and the others laughed atthe self-defence before the attack. 

"It is a lazy little Elf in town, " said Miss Ogilvie; "in the countryshe is up and out at impossible hours. "

"Good morning, Janet, " said Bobus, at that moment, "or rather, 'Marrycome up, mistress mine, good lack, nothing is lacking to thee save apointed hood graceless. '"

For Janet was arrayed in a close-fitting pale blue dress, cut insemblance of an ancient kirtle, and with a huge chatelaine, fromwhich massive chains dangled, not to say clattered-—not merely theordinary appendages of a young lady, but a pair of compasses, asafety inkstand, and a microscope. Her dark hair was strained backfrom a face not calculated to bear exposure, and was wound round asilver arrow. 

Elfie shook with laughter, murmuring—-

"Oh dear! what a fright!" in accents which Miss Ogilvie tried tohush; while Babie observed, as a sort of excuse, "Janet always is afigure of fun when she is picturesque. "

"My dear, I hope you are not going to show yourself to any one inthat dress, " added her mother. 

"It is perfectly correct, " said Janet, "studied from an old Italiancostume. "

"The Marchioness of Carabbas, in my old fairy-tale book. Oh, yes, Isee!" and Babie went off again in an ecstatic fit of laughter. 

"I hope you've got boots and a tail ready for George, " added Bobus. "Being a tiger already, he may serve as cat. "

Therewith the post came in, and broke up the discourse; for Babie hada letter from Eton, from Armine who was shut up with a sore throat. "

Her mother was less happy. She had asked a holiday for the next dayfor her two Eton boys and their cousin John, and the reply had beenthat though for two of the party there could be no objection, herelder boy was under punishment for one of the wild escapades to whichhe was too apt to pervert his excellent abilities. 

"Are not they coming, mother?" asked Babie. "Armie does not say. "

"Unfortunately Jock has got kept in again. "

"Poor Jock!" said Bobus; "sixpence a day, and no expectations, wouldhave been better pasture for his brains. "

"Yes, " said his mother with a sigh, "I doubt if we are any of us muchthe better or the wiser for Belforest. "

"The wiser, I'm sure, because we've got Miss Ogilvie, " cried Babie. 

"Do I hear babes uttering the words of wisdom?" asked Allen, cominginto the room, and pretending to pull her hair, as the school-roomparty rose from the breakfast-table, and he met them withoutstretched hands. 

"Ay, to despise Lag-last, " said Elvira, darting out of his reach, andtossing her dark locks at him as she hid behind a fern plant in thewindow; and there was a laughing scuffle, ended by Miss Ogilvie, whoswept the children away to the school-room, while Allen came to thetable, where his mother had poured out his coffee, and still waitedto preside over his breakfast, though she had long finished her own. 

Allen Brownlow, at twenty, was emphatically the Eton and Christchurchproduction, just well made and good-looking enough to do full justiceto his training and general getting up, without too much individualpersonality of his own. He looked only so much of a man as wasneedful for looking a perfect gentleman, and his dress and equipmentswere in the most perfect quietly exquisite style, as costly aspossible, yet with no display, and nothing to catch the eye. 

"Well, Bobus, " he said, "you made out your expedition. How did theplace look?"

"Wasting its sweetness, " said his mother; "it is tantalising to thinkof it. "

"It could hardly be said to be wasted, " said Bobus; "the natives weredisporting themselves all over it. "

"Where?" asked Allen, with displeased animation. 

"O, Essie and Ellie were promenading a select party about thegardens. I could almost hear Mackintyre gnashing his teeth at theirinroads on the forced strawberries, and the park and Elmwood Spinneywere dotted so thick with people, that we had to look sharp not tofall in with any one. "

"Elmwood Spinney!" exclaimed Allen; "you don't mean that they wererunning riot over the preserves?"

"I don't think there were more than half-a-dozen there. Bauerson wasquite edified. He said, 'So! they had on your English Sunday quitefalsely me informed. ' There were a couple of lovers spooning andsome children gathering flowers, and it had just the Arcadian lookdear to the German eye. "

"Children, " cried Allen, as if they were vipers. "That's just what Itold you, mother. If you will persist in throwing open the park, weshall not have a pheasant on the place. "

"My dear boy, I have seen them running about like chickens in afarmyard. "

"Yes, but what's the use, if all the little beggars in Kenminster areto be let in to make them wild! And when you knew I particularlywished to have something worth asking Prince Siegfried down to. "

"Never mind, Allen, " put in Janet; "you can ask him to shoot into thepoultry yard. The poor things are just as thick there, and rathertamer, so the sport will be the more noble. "

"You know nothing about it, Janet, " said Allen, in displeasure. 

"But Allen, " said his mother, apologetically, though she felt withJanet, "the woods are locked up. "

"Locked! As if that was any use when you let a lot of boys comemarauding all over the place!"

"Really, Allen, " said his mother, "when I remember what we used tosay about old Mr. Barnes, I cannot find it in my heart to play thesame game!"

"It is quite a different thing. "

"How?"

"He did it out of mere surliness. "

"I don't suppose it makes much difference to the excluded whether itis done out of mere surliness, or for the sake of the preserves. "

"Mother!" Allen spoke as if the absurdity of the argument were quitetoo much for him; but his brother and sister both laughed, whichnettled him into adding—-

"Well! All I have to say is, that if Belforest is to be nothing buta people's park for all the ragamuffins in Kenminster, there willsoon not be a head of game in the place, and I shall be obliged toshoot elsewhere!"

Poor Caroline! If there was a thing she specially hated, it was abattue, both for the thing itself, and all the previous preparationof preserving, and of prosecuting poachers; and yet sons have theirmothers so much in their power by that threat of staying away fromhome, that she could not help faltering, "Oh, Allen, I'll do my best, and tell the keepers to be very careful, and lock the gates of allthe preserves. "

Allen saw she was vexed, and spoke more kindly, "There, never mind, mother. It is more than can be expected that ladies should seethings in a reasonable light. "

"What is the reasonable light?" asked Bobus. 

Allen did not choose to hear, regarding Bobus not indeed as a woman, but as something as little capable of appreciating his reason. Itwas Janet who took up the word. "The reasonable light is that theenjoyment of the many should be sacrificed to the vanity of the few, viz. , that all Kenminster should be confined to dusty roads all theyear round in order that Allen may bring down the youngest son of theyoungest son of a German prince for one day to fire amongst somehundreds of tame pheasants who come up expecting to be fed. "

"Oh, yes, " said Allen, "we all know that you are a regular out-and-out democrat, Janet. "

"I confess, without being a democrat, " said his mother, "that I dowonder that you gentlemen, who wish the game laws to continue, shouldso work them as to be more aggravating than ever. "

"It is a simple question of the rights of property, " said Allen. "IfI do a thing, I like it to be well done, and not half-and-half. "

Caroline rose from the table, dreading, like many a mother, a regularskirmish about game-preserving, between those who cared to shoot, andthose who did not. Like other ladies, she could never understandexaggerated preserving, nor why men who loved sport should care tohave game multiplied and tamed so as apparently to spoil all the zestof the chase; but she had let Allen and his uncle do what ever theytold her was right by the preserves, except shutting up the park andall the footpaths. Colonel Brownlow, whose sporting instincts werethose of a former generation, was quite satisfied; Allen never wouldbe so; and it was one of the few bones of contention in the family. 

For Allen was walking through Oxford in a quiet, amiable way, nottroubling himself more about study than to secure himself from anignominious pluck, and doing whatever was supposed to be "good form. "

His brother accused him of carrying his idolatry of "good form" to asnobbish extent, but Allen could carry it out so naturally that noone could have suspected that he had not been to the manner born. Ifhe did appreciate the society of people with handles to their names, he comported himself among them as their easy equal; and he was solavish as to be a very popular man. He had no vicious tastes ortendencies, and was too gentlemanly and quiet ever to come intocollision with the authorities. At home, except when his notions of"good form" were at variance with strong opinions of his mother's, nothing could be more chivalrously deferential than his wholedemeanour to her; and the worst that could be said of him was that hemanaged to waste a large amount of time and money with very little toshow for it. His profession was to be son and heir to a largefortune, and he took to the show part of the affair very kindly. 

But was this being the man his father had expected him to be? Thethought would come across Caroline at times, but not very often, asshe floated along easily in the stream of life. Most of the businesstroubles of her property were spared her by her trustees, and herincome was so large that even Allen's expenditure had not yet beenfelt as an inconvenience. As to the responsibilities, shecontributed largely to county subscriptions, gave her clergymanwhatever he asked, provided Christmas treats and summer teas fortheir school-children, and permitted Miss Ogilvie and Babie to dowhatever they pleased among the poor when they were at home. But shewas not very much at Belforest. She generally came there atMidsummer and at Christmas, and filled the house with friends. Allkinds of amusements astonished the neighbourhood, and parties of thenewest kinds, private theatricals, tableaux, charades, all that tasteor ingenuity could devise were in vogue. 

But before the spring east winds the party were generally gone tosome more genial climate, and the early autumn was often spent inSwitzerland. Pictures, art, and scenery were growing to benecessaries of life, and to stay at home with no special diversion inview seemed unthought of. The season was spent in London, notdropping the artist society on the one hand, but adding to it theamount of intercourse into which she was drawn by the fact of herbeing a rich and charming woman, having a delightful house, and a sonand daughter who might be "grands partis. " Allen liked high life forher, so she did not refuse it; but probably her social success wasall the greater from her entire indifference, and that of herdaughter, to all the questions of exclusiveness and fashion. If theyhad been born duchesses they could not have been less concerned aboutobtaining invitations to what their maid called "the first circles, "and they would sometimes reduce Allen to despair by giving thepreference to a lively literary soiree, when he wanted them to showthemselves among the aristocracy at a drum. 

Engagements of all kinds grew on them with every season, and in thisone especially, Caroline had grown somewhat weary of the endeavour tosatisfy both him and Janet, and was not sorry that her two eldestsons were starting on a yacht voyage to Norway, where Allen meant tofish, and Bobus to study natural history. She had her interview withthe housekeeper, and proceeded to her own place in Popinjay Parlour, a quiet place at this time of day, save for the tinkling of thefountain and the twitterings of the many little songsters in theaviary, whom the original parrot used patronisingly to address as"Pretty little birds. "

Janet was wandering about among the flowers, evidently waiting forher, and began, as she came in—-

"I wanted to speak to you, mother. "

"Well, Janet, " said Caroline, reviewing in one moment every unmarriedman, likely or unlikely, who had approached the girl, and with adespairing conviction that it would be some one very unlikely indeed!

"You know I am of age, mother. "

"Certainly. We drank your health last Monday. "

"I made up my mind that till I was of age I would go on studying, andat the same time see something of the world and of society. "

"Certainly, " said Caroline, wondering what her inscrutable daughterwas coming to. 

"And having done this, I wish to devote myself to the study ofmedicine. "

"Be a lady doctor, Janet!"

"Mother, you are surely above all the commonplace, old worldnonsense!"

"I don't think I am, Janet. I don't think your father would havewished it. "

"He would have gone on with the spirit of the times, mother; men do, while women stand still. "

"I don't think he would in this. "

"I think he would, if he knew me, and the issues and stake, and howhis other children are failing him. "

"Janet!"-—and the colour flushed into her mother's face—-"I don'tquite know what you mean; but it is time we came to anunderstanding. "

"I think so, " returned Janet. 

"Then you know-—"

"I heard what papa said to you. I kept the white slate till youthought of it, " said Janet, in a tone that sounded soft from her. 

"And why did you never say so, my dear?"

"I can hardly tell. I was shy at first; and then reserve grows on aperson; but I never ceased from thinking about it through all theseyears. Mother, you do not think there is any chance of the boystaking it up as my father wished?"

"Certainly not Allen, " said Caroline with a sigh. "And as to Bobus, he would have full capacity; but a great change must come over him, poor fellow, before he would fulfil your father's conditions. "

"He has no notion of the drudgery of the medical profession, " saidJanet; "he means to read law, get up social and sanitary questions, and go into parliament. "

"I know, " said her mother, "I have always lived in hopes thatsanitary theories would give him his father's heart for thesufferers, and that search into the secrets of nature would lead himhigher; but as long as he does not turn that way of himself it wouldbe contrary to your father's charge to hold this discovery out to himas an inducement. "

"And Jock?" said Janet, smiling. "You don't expect it of the bornsoldier-—nor of Armine?"

"I am not sure about Armine, though he may not be strong enough tobear the application. "

"Armine will walk through life like Allen, " scornfully said Janet;"besides he is but fourteen. Now, mother, why should not I beworthy?"

"My dear Janet, it is not a question of worthiness; it is not a thinga woman could work out. "

"I do not ask you to give it to me now, nor even to promise it tome, " said Janet, with a light in those dark wells, her eyes; "butonly to let me have the hope, that when in three years' time I amqualified, and have passed the examinations, if Bobus does not takeit up, you will let me claim that best inheritance my father left, but which his sons do not heed. "

"My child, you do not know what you ask. Remember, I know more aboutit than only what you picked up on that morning. It is a matter hecould not have made sure of without a succession of experiments veryhard even for him, and certainly quite impossible for any woman. Theexceeding difficulty and danger of the proof was one reason of hisguarding it so much, and desiring it should only be told to one goodas well as clever-—clever as well as good. "

"Can you give me no hint of the kind of thing, " said Janet, wistfully. 

"That would be a betrayal of his trust. "

Janet looked terribly disappointed. 

"Mother, " said she, "let me put it to you. Is it fair to shut up adiscovery that might benefit so many people. "

"It is not his fault, Janet, that it is shut up. He talked of it toseveral of the most able men he was connected with, and they thoughtit a chimera. He could not carry it on far enough to convince them. I do not know what he would have done if his illness had been longer, or he could have talked it out with any one, but I know the proofcould only be made out by a course of experiments which he could notcommit to any one not highly qualified, or whom he could not entirelytrust. It is not a thing to be set forth broadcast, while it mightyet prove a fallacy. "

"Is it to be lost for ever, then?"

"I shall try to find light as to the right thing to be done aboutit. "

"Well, " said Janet, drawing a long breath, "three years of study mustcome, any way, and by that time I may be able to triumph overprejudice. "

There was no time to reply, for at that moment the letters of thesecond delivery were brought in; and the first that Caroline openedtold her that the cold which Armine had mentioned on Saturday seemedto be developing into an attack of a rather severe hybrid kind ofillness, between measles and scarlatina, from which many persons hadlately been suffering. 

Armine was never strong, and his illnesses were always a greateranxiety than those of other people, so that his mother came to theimmediate decision of going to Eton that same afternoon and remainingthere, unless she found that it had been a false alarm. 

She did not find it so; and as she remained with her boy, Janet'sconversation with her could not be resumed. There was so much chanceof infection that she could not see any of the family again. Boththe Johns sickened as soon as Armine began to improve, and MissOgilvie took the three girls down to Belforest. After the first fewdays it was rather a pleasant nursing. There was never any realalarm; indeed, Armine was the least ill of the three, and Johnny themost, and each boy was perfectly delighted to have her to attend tohim, her nephew almost touchingly grateful. The only other victimwas Jock's most intimate friend, Cecil Evelyn, whose fag Armine was. He became a sharer of her attentions and the amusements she provided. She received letters of grateful thanks from his mother, who was, like herself, a widow, but was prevented from coming to him by closeattendance on her mother-in-law, who was in a lingering state ofdecay when every day might be the last. 

The eldest son, Lord Fordham, was so delicate that he was on noaccount to be exposed to the infection, and the boys were exceedinglyanxious that Cecil should join them in the expedition that theirmother projected making with them, to air them in Switzerland beforereturning to the rest of the family. But Mrs. Evelyn (her husbandhad not lived to come to the title) declined this. Fordham was inthe country with his tutor, and she wished Cecil to come and spendhis quarantine with her in London before joining him. The boysgrumbled very much, but Caroline could hardly wonder when she talkedwith their tutor. 

He, like every one else, liked, and even loved personally thatperplexing subject, John Lucas Brownlow, alias Jock. The boy was toogenerous, honourable, truthful, and kindly to be exposed to thestigma of removal; but he was the perplexity of everybody. He couldnot be convinced of any necessity for application, and considered aflogging as a slight risk quite worth encountering for the sake ofdiversion. He would execute the most audacious pranks, and if he wascaught, would take it as a trial of skill between the masters andhimself, and accept punishment as amends, with the most good humouredgrace in the world. Fun seemed to be his only moving spring, and heled everybody along with him, so as to be a much more mischievousperson than many a worse lad. 

The only exceptions in the house to his influence seemed to be hisbrother and cousin. Both were far above the average boy. Armine, for talent, John Friar Brownlow at once for industry and steadiness. They had stood out resolutely against more than one of his pranks, and had been the only boys in the house not present on the occasionof his last freak—-a champagne supper, when parodies had been sung, caricaturing all the authorities; and when the company had becomeuproarious enough to rouse the whole family, the boys were discoveredin the midst of the most audacious but droll mimicry of the masters. 

As to work, Jock was developing the utmost faculties for leaving itundone, trusting to his native facility for putting on the steam atany crisis; and not believing in the warnings that he would fail inpassing for the army. 

What was to be done with him? Was he to be taken away and sent to atutor? His mother consulted himself as he sat in his arm-chair. 

"Like Rob!" he said, and made up a face. 

"Rob is doing very well in the militia. "

"No; don't do that, mother! Never fear, I'll put on a spurt when thetime comes!"

"I don't believe a spurt will do. Now, seriously, Jock-—"

"Don't say, seriously, mother: it's like H. S. H. "

"Perhaps if I had been like her, you would not be vexing me so muchnow. "

"Come, come, mother, it's nothing to be vexed about. My tutorneedn't have bothered you. I've done nothing sneaking norungentlemanly. "

"There is plenty of wrong without that, Jock. While you never heedanything but fun and amusement I do not see how you are to come toanything worth having; and you will soon get betrayed into somethingunworthy. Don't let me have to take you away in disgrace, my boy; itwould break my heart. "

"You shan't have to do that, mother. "

"But don't you think it would be wiser to be somewhere with fewerinducements to idleness?"

"Leave Eton? O no, mother! I can't do that till the last daypossible. I shall be in the eight another year. "

"You will not be here another year unless you go on very differently. Your tutor will not allow it, if I would. "

"Has he said so?"

"Yes; and the next half is to be the trial. "

Jock applied himself to extracting a horsehair from the stuffing ofthe elbow of his chair; and there was a look over his face as nearsullenness as ever came to his gay, careless nature. 

Would he attend? or even could he?

When his bills came in Caroline feared, as before, that he was theone of all her children whom Belforest was most damaging. Allen wasexpensive, but in an elegant, exquisite kind of way; but Jock wassimply reckless ; and his pleasures were questionable enough to be onthe borders of vices, which might change the frank, sweet, merry facethat now looked up to her into a countenance stained by dissipationand licence!

A flash of horror and dismay followed the thought! But what couldshe do for him, or for any of her children? Censure only alienatedthem and made them worse, and their love for her was at least oneblessing. Why had this gold come to take away the wholesomenecessity for industry?

CHAPTER XIX. THE SNOWY WINDING-SHEET. 

Cold, cold, 'tis a chilly climeThat the youth in his journey hath reached; And he is aweary now, And faint for lack of food. Cold! cold! there is no sun in heaven. Southey. 

Very merry was the party which arrived at the roughly-built hotel ofSchwarenbach which serves as a half-way house to the Altels. 

Never had expedition been more enjoyed than that of Mrs. Brownlow andher three boys. They had taken a week by the sea to recruit theirforces, and then began their journey in earnest, since it was toolate for a return to Eton, although so early in the season that tothe Swiss they were like the first swallows of the spring, and theycame in for some of the wondrous glory of the spring flowers, sooften missed by tourists. 

In her mountain dress, all state and ceremony cast aside, Carolinerode, walked, and climbed like the jolly Mother Carey she was, to useher son's favourite expression, and the boys, full of health andrecovery, gambolled about her, feeling her companionship the verycrown of their enjoyment. 

Johnny, to whom all was more absolutely new than to the others, wasthe quietest of the three. He was a year older than Lucas, as Jockwas now called to formal outsiders, while Friar John, a reversal ofhis cousin's two Christian names, was a school title that sometimespassed into home use. Friar John then had reached an age open to theinfluences of beautiful and sublime scenery, and when the youngerones only felt the exhilaration of mountain air, and longings to getas high as possible, his soul began to expand, and fresh revelationsof glory and majesty to take possession of him. He was a verydifferent person from the rough, awkward lad of eight years back. Hestill had the somewhat loutish figure which, in his mother's family, was the shell of fine-looking men, and he was shy and bashful, butEton polish had taken away the rude gruffness, and made his mannersand bearing gentlemanly. His face was honest and intelligent, and hehad a thoroughly good, conscientious disposition; his character stoodhigh, and he was the only Brownlow of them all who knew the sweets ofbeing "sent up for good. " His aunt could almost watch expressiondeepening on his open face, and he was enjoying with soul and mindeven more than with body. Having had the illness later and moreseverely than the other two, his strength had not so fully returned, and he was often glad to rest, admire, and study the subject with hisaunt, to whose service he was specially devoted, while the other twoclimbed and explored. For even Armine had been invigorated with asudden overflow of animal health and energy, which made him far moreenterprising and less contemplative than he had ever been before. 

They four had walked up the mountain after breakfast from Kandersteg, bringing their bags for a couple of nights, the boys being anxious togo up the Altels the next day, as their time was nearly over and theywere to be in school in ten days' time again. After luncheon and agood rest on the wooden bench outside the door, they began to strolltowards the Daubensee, along a path between desolate boulders, without vegetation, except a small kind of monkshood. 

"I call this dreary, " said the mother. "We don't seem to get a bitnearer the lake. I shall go home and write to Babie. "

"I'll come back with you, " said Johnny. "My mother will be lookingfor a letter. "

"Not giving in already, Johnny, " said Armine. "I can tell you I meanto get to the lake. "

"The Friar is the slave of his note-book, " said Jock. "When are weto have it-—'Crags and Cousins, ' or 'From Measles to Mountains'?"

"I don't want to forget everything, " said Johnny, with true Kencroftdoggedness. 

"Do you expect ever to look at that precious diurnal again?"

"He will leave it as an heirloom to his grandchildren!"

"And they will say how slow people were in the nineteenth century. "

"There will have been a reaction by that time, and they will onlywonder how anybody cared to go up into such dreary places. "

"Or perhaps they will have stripped them all, and eaten the glaciersup as ices and ice-creams!"

"I think I'll set up that as my pet anxiety, " said their mother, laughing; "just as some people suffer from perplexity as to what isto become of the world when all the coal is used up! You are notturning on my account, are you, Johnny? I am quite happy to go backalone. "

"No, indeed. I want to write my letter, and I have had enough, " saidJohn. 

"Tired!" said Armine. "Poor old monk! Swiss air always makes mefeel like a balloon full of gas. I could go on, up and up, forever!"

"Well, keep to the path, and don't do anything imprudent, " she said, turning back, the boys saying, "We'll only have a look down the pass!Here, Chico! Chico! Chick! Chick!"

Chico, the little dog so disdainfully rejected by Elvira, hadattached himself from the first to Jock. He had been in the Londonhouse when they spent a day there, and in rapture at the meeting hadsmuggled himself, not without his master's connivance, among the rugsand wrappers, and had already been the cause of numerous scrapes withofficials and travellers, whence sometimes money, sometimespoliteness, sometimes audacity, bought off his friends as best theycould. 

There was a sort of grave fascination in the exceeding sternness ofthe scene-—the grey heaps of stone, the mountains raising theirshining white summits against the blue, the dark, fathomless, lifeless lake, and the utter absence of all forms of life. Armine'sspirit fell under the spell, and he moved dreamily on, hardlyattending to Jock, who was running on with Chico, and alarming him byfeints of catching him and throwing him into the water. 

They came to the gap where they expected to look over the pass, butit was blotted out by a mist, not in itself visible though hidingeverything, and they were turning to go home when, in the ravine nearat hand, the white ruggedness of the Wildstrube glacier gleamed ontheir eyes. 

"I didn't know it was so near, " said Jock. "Come and have a look atit. "

"Not on it, " said Armine, who had somewhat more Swiss experience thanhis brother. "There's no going there without a guide. "

"There's no reason we should not get on the moraine, " said Jock ; andthey presently began to scramble about among the rocks and boulders, trying to mount some larger one whence they might get a more generalview of the form of the glacier. Chico ran on before them, stimulated by some reminiscence of the rabbit-holes of Belforest, andthey were looking after him and whistling him back; Armine heard asudden cry and fall-—Jock had disappeared. "Never mind!" he calledup the next instant. "I'm all right. Only, come down here! I'vetwisted my foot somehow. "

Armine scrambled round the rock over which he had fallen, a loosestone having turned with him. He had pulled himself up, but evenwith an arm round Armine's neck, he could not have walked a step oneven ground, far less on these rough debris, which were painfulwalking even for the lightest, most springy tread. 

"You must get to the inn and bring help, " he said, sinking down witha sigh. 

"I suppose there's nothing else to be done, " said Armine, unwillingly. "You'll have a terrible time to wait, unless I meetsome one first. I'll be as quick as I can. "

"Not too quick till you get off this place, " said Jock, "or you'll bedown too, and here, help me off with this boot first. "

This was not done quickly or easily. Jock was almost sick with thepain of the effort, and the bruise looked serious. Armine tried tomake him comfortable, and set out, as he thought, in the rightdirection, but he had hardly gone twenty steps before he came to asudden standstill with an emphatic "I say!" then came back repeating"I say, Jock, we are close upon the glacier; I was as near aspossible going down into an awful blue crack!"

"That's why it's getting so cold, " said Jock. "Here, Chick, come andwarm me. Well, Armie, why ain't you off?"

"Yes, " said Armine, with a quiver in his voice, "if I keep down bythe side of the glacier, I suppose I must come to the Daubensee intime. "

"What! Have we lost the way?" said Jock, beginning to look alarmed. 

"There's no doubt of that, " said Armine, "and what's worse, that fogis coming up; but I've got my little compass here, and if I keep tothe south-west, and down, I must strike the lake somewhere. Goodbye, Jock. "

He looked white and braced up for the effort. Jock caught hold ofhim. "Don't leave me, Armie, " he said; "you can't-—you'll fall intoone of those crevasses. "

"You'd better let me go before the fog gets worse, " said Armine. 

"I say you can't; it's not fit for a little chap like you. If youfell it would be ever so much worse for us both. "

"I know! But it is the less risk, " said Armine, gravely. 

"I tell you, Armie, I can't have you go. Mother will send out forus, and we can make no end of a row together. There's a much betterchance that way than alone. Don't go, I say—-"

"I was only looking out beyond the rock. I don't think it would bepossible to get on now. I can't see even the ridge of stones weclimbed over. "

"I wish it was I, " said Jock, "I'll be bound I could manage it!"Then impatiently—-"Something must be done, you know, Armie. We can'tstay here all night. "

Yet when Armine went a step or two to see whether there was anypracticability of moving, he instantly called out against hisattempting to go away. He was in a good deal of pain, and high-spirited boy as he was, was thoroughly unnerved and appalled, andmuch less able to consider than the usually quieter and more timidArmine. Suddenly there was a frightful thunderous roar and crash, and with a cry of "An avalanche, " the brothers clasped one anotherfast and shut their eyes, but ere the words "Have mercy" were utteredall was still again, and they found themselves alive!

"I don't think it was an avalanche, " said Armine, recovering first. "It was most likely to be a great mass of ice tumbling off the archat the bottom of the glacier. They do make a most awful row. I'veheard one before, only not so near. Anyway we can't be far from thebottom of the glacier, if I only could crawl there. "

"No, no;" cried Jock, holding him tight; "I tell you, you can't doit. "

Jock could not have defined whether he was most actuated by fears forhis brother's safety or by actual terror at being left alone andhelpless. At any rate Armine much preferred remaining, in all thecertain misery and danger, to losing sight of his brother, with thegreat probability of only being further lost himself. 

"I wonder whether Chico would find mother, " he said. 

Jock brightened; Armine found an envelope in his pocket, andscribbled—-

"On the moraine. Jock's ankle sprained—-Come. "

Then Jock produced a bit of string, wherewith it was fastened to thedog's collar, and then authoritatively bade Chico go to mother. 

Alas! cleverness had never been Chico's strong point, and the presentextremity did not inspire him with sagacity. He knew the way aslittle as his masters did, and would only dance about in an unmeaningway, and when ordered home crouch in abject entreaty. Jock grewimpatient and threatened him, but this only made him creep behindArmine, put his tail between his legs, hold up his little paw, andlook piteously imploring. 

"There's no use in the little brute, " sighed Jock at last, but theattempt had done him good and recalled his nerve and good sense. 

"We are in for a night of it, " he said, "unless they find us; and howare they ever to do that in this beastly fog?"

"We must halloo, " said Armine, attempting it. 

"Yes, and we don't know when to begin! We can't go on all night, youknow, " said Jock; "and if we begin too soon, we may have no voiceleft just at the right time. "

"It is half-past seven now, " said Armine, looking at his watch. "Thefood was to be at seven, so they must have missed us by this time. "

"They won't think anything of it till it gets dark. "

"No. Give them till half-past eight. Somewhere about nine or half-past it may be worth while to yodel. "

"And how awfully cold it will be by that time. And my foot is achinglike fun!"

Armine offered to rub it, and there was some occupation in this andin watching the darkening of the evening, which was very gradual inthe dense white fog that shut them in with a damp, cold, moistcurtain of undeveloped snow. 

The poor lads were thinly clad for a summer walk, Jock had left hisplaid behind him, and they were beginning to feel only too vividlythat it was past supper-time, when they could dimly see that it waspast nine, and began to shout, but they soon found this severe andexhausting. 

Armine suggested counting ten between each cry, which would husbandtheir powers and give them time to listen for an answer. Yet eventhus there was an empty, feeble sound about their cries, so that Jockobserved—-

"It's very odd that when there's no good in making a row, one canmake it fast enough, and now when it would be of some use, one seemsto have no more voice than a little sick mouse. "

"Not so much, I think, " said Armine. "It is hunger partly. "

"Hark! That sounded like something. "

Invigorated by hope they shouted again, but though several times theydid hear a distant yodel, the hope that it was in answer tothemselves soon faded, as the sound became more distant, and theirown exertions ended soon in an utter breakdown—-into a hoarse squeakon Jock's part and a weak, hungry cry on Armine's. Jock's face wascovered with tears, as much from the strain as from despair. 

"There!" he sighed, "there's our last chance gone! We are in for anight of it. "

"It can't be a very long night, " Armine said, through chatteringteeth. "It's only a week to the longest day. "

"Much that will matter to us, " said Jock, impatiently. "We shall befrozen long before morning. "

"We must keep ourselves awake. "

"You little ass, " said poor Jock, in the petulant inconsistency ofhis distress; "it is not come to that yet. "

Armine did not answer at once. He was kneeling against the rock, anda strange thrill came over Jock, forbidding him again to say-—"It wasnot come to that, " but a shoot of aching pain in his ankle presentlydrew forth an exclamation. 

Armine again offered to rub it for him, and the two arrangedthemselves for this purpose, the curtain of damp woolliness seemingto thicken on them. There was a moon somewhere, and the darkness wasnot total, but the dreariness and isolation were the more felt fromthe absence of all outlines being manifest. They even lost sight oftheir own hands if they stretched out their arms, and their lightsummer garments were already saturated with damp and would soonfreeze. No part of their bodies was free from that deadly chill savewhere they could press against one another. 

They were brave boys. Jock had collected himself again, and for sometime they kept up a show of mirth in the shakings and buffetings theybestowed on one another, but they began to grow too stiff and spentto pursue this discipline. Armine thought that the night must benearly over, and Jock tried to see his watch, but decided that hecould not, because he could not bear to believe how far it was fromday. 

Armine was drowsily rubbing the ankle, mechanically murmuringsomething to himself. Jock shook him, saying—-

"Take care, don't doze off. What are you mumbling about leisure?"

"O tarry thou the Lord's leisure. Be strong and-— Was I saying italoud?" he broke off with a start. 

"Yes; go on. "

Armine finished the verse, and Jock commented—-

"Comfort thine heart. Does the little chap mean it in a fix likethis?"

"Jock, " said Armine, now fully awake, "I do want to say something. "

"Cut on. "

"If you get out of this and I don't—-"

"Stop that! We've got heat enough to last till morning. "

"Will they find us then? These fogs last for days and turn to snow. "

"Don't croak, I say. I can't face mother without you. "

"She'll be glad enough to get you. Please listen, Jock, while I'mawake. I want you to give her and all of them my love, and say I'msorry for all the times I've vexed them. "

"As if you had ever—-"

"And please Jock, if I was nasty and conceited about the champagne—-"

"Shut up, I can't stand this, " cried Jock, chiefly from force ofhabit, for it was a tacit agreement among the elder brothers thatArmine must not be suffered to "be cocky and humbug, " by which theymeant no implication on his sincerity, but that they did not chooseto hear remonstrances or appeals to higher motives, and this had madehim very reticent with all except his sister Barbara and MissOgilvie, but he now persisted. 

"Indeed I want you to forgive me, Jock. You don't know how oftenI've thought all sorts of horridness about you. "

Jock laughed, "Not more than I deserved, I'll be bound. How can yoube so absurd! If anyone wants forgiveness, it is I. I say, Armie, this is all nonsense. You don't really think you are done for, oryou would not take it so coolly. "

"Of course I know Who can bring us through if He will, " said Armine. "There's the Rock. I've been asking Him all this time-—every moment-—only I get so sleepy. "

"If He will; but if He won't?"

"Then there's Paradise. And Himself and father, " said Armine, stillin a dreamy tone. 

"Oh, yes; that's for you! But how about a mad fellow like me? It'sso sneaking just to take to one's prayers because one's in a badcase. "

"Oh, Jock! He is always ready to hear! More ready than we to pray!"

"Now don't begin to improve the occasion, " broke out Jock. "By allthe stories that ever were written, I'm the one to come to a bad end, not you. "

"Don't, " said Armine, with an accent of pain that made Jock cry, hugging him tighter. "There, never mind, Armie; I'll let you say allyou like. I don't know what made me stop you, except that I'm abeast, and always have been one. I'd give anything not to have goneon playing the fool all my life, so as to be able to mind this aslittle as you do. "

"I don't seem awake enough to mind anything much, " said the littleboy, "or I should trouble more about Mother and Babie; but somehow Ican't. "

"Oh!" wailed Jock, "you must! You must get out of it, Armie. Comecloser. Shove in between me and the rock. Here, Chico, lie down onthe top of us! Mother must have you back any way, Armie. "

The little fellow was half-dozing, but words of prayer and faith keptdropping from his tongue. Pain, and a stronger vitality alike, keptJock free from the torpor, and he used his utmost efforts to rousehis brother; but every now and then a horrible conviction of thehopelessness of their condition came over him. 

"Oh!" he groaned out, "how is it to be if this is the end of it?What is to become of a fellow that has been like me?"

Armine only spoke one word; the Name that is above every name. 

"Yes, you always cared! But I never cared for anything but fun!Never went to Communion at Easter. It is too late. "

"Oh, no, no!" cried Armine, rousing up, "not too late! Never! Youare His! You belong to Him! He cares for you!"

"If He does, it makes it all the worse. I never heeded; I thought itall a bore. I never let myself think what it all meant. I've thrownit all away. "

"Oh! I wish I wasn't so stupid, " cried Armine, with a violent effortagainst his exhaustion. "Mother loves us, however horrid we are! Heis like that; only let us tell Him all the bad we've done, and askHim to blot it out. I've been trying-—trying—-only I'm so dull; andlet us give ourselves more and more out and out to Him, whether it ishere or there. "

"That I must, " said Jock; "it would be shabby and sneaking not. "

"Oh, Jock, " cried Armine, joyfully, "then it will all be right anyway;" and he raised his face and kissed his brother. "You promise, Jock. Please promise. "

"Promise what? That if He will save us out of this, I'll take a newline, and be as good as I know how, and—-"

Armine took the word, whether consciously or not: "And manfully tofight under His banner, and continue Christ's faithful soldiers andservants unto our lives' end. Amen!"

"Amen, " Jock said, after him. 

After that, Jock found that the child was repeating the Creed, andsaid it after him, the meanings thrilling through him as they hadnever done before. Next followed lines of "Rock of Ages, " and forsome time longer there was a drowsy murmur of sacred words, but therewas no eliciting a direct reply any more; and with dull constern-ation, Jock knew that the fatal torpor could no longer be broken, andwas almost irritated that all the words he caught were such happy, peaceful ones. The very last were, "Inside angels' wings, all whitedown. "

The child seemed almost comfortable-—certainly not suffering likehimself, bruised and strained, with sharp twinges rending his damagedfoot; his limbs cramped, and sensible of the acute misery of thecold, and the full horror of their position; but as long as he couldshake even an unconscious murmur from his brother, it seemed likehappiness compared with the utter desolation after the last whisperhad died away, and he was left intolerably alone under the solidimpenetrable shroud that enveloped him, and the senseless form heheld on his breast. And if he tried to follow on by that clue whichArmine had left him, whirlwinds of dismay seemed to sweep away allhope and trust, while he thought of wilfulness, recklessness, defiance, irreverence, and all the yet darker shades of a self-indulgent and audacious school-boy life!

It was a little lighter, as if dawn might be coming, but the cold wasbitterer, and benumbing more than paining him. His clothes werestiff, his eyelashes white with frost, he did not feel equal tolooking at his watch, he _would_ not see Armine's face, he found thefog depositing itself in snow, but he heeded it no longer. Fear andhope had alike faded out of his mind, his ankle seemed to belong tosome one else far away, he had left off wishing to see his mother, hewanted nothing but to be let alone!

He did not hear when Chico, finding no comfort, no sign of life inhis masters, stood upon them as they lay clasped together in thedrift of fine small snow, and in the climax of misery he lifted upthe long and wretched wailing howlings of utter dog-wretchedness. 

CHAPTER XX. A RACE. 

Speed, Melise, speed! such cause of hasteThine active sinews never braced, Bend 'gainst the steepy hill thy breast, Burst down like torrent from its crest. Scott. 

"Hark!"

The guides and the one other traveller, a Mr. Graham, who had been atthe inn, were gathered at the border of the Daubensee, entreating, almost ready to use force to get the poor mother home before the snowshould efface the tracks, and render the return to Schwarenbachdangerous. 

Ever since the alarm had been given there had been a going about withlights, a shouting and seeking, all along the road where she hadparted with her sons. It was impossible in the fog to leave thebeaten track, and the traveller told her that rewards would be buttemptations to suicide. 

Johnny had fortunately been so tired out that he had gone to bed soonafter coming in, and had not been wakened by the alarm till eleveno'clock. Then, startled by the noises and lights, he had risen andmade his way to his aunt. Substantial help he could not give-—evenhis German was halting, but he was her stay and help, and she would-—as she knew afterwards-—have been infinitely more desolate withouthim. And now, when all were persuading her to wait, as they said, till more aid could be sent for to Kandersteg, he knew as well as shedid that it was but a kindly ruse to cover their despair, and wasstriving to insist that another effort in daylight should be made. 

He it was who uttered the "Hark, " and added, "That is Chico!"

At first the tired, despairing guides did not hear, but going alongthe road by the lake in the direction from which the sound came, theprolonged wail became more audible. 

"It is on the moraine, " the men said, with awe-struck looks at oneanother. 

They would fain not even have taken John with them, but with aresolute look he uttered "Ich komm. "

Mr. Graham, an elderly man, not equal to a moraine in the snow, stayed with the mother. He wanted to take her back to prepare forthem, as he said—-in reality to lesson any horrors there might be tosee. 

But she stood like a statue, with clasped hands and white face, thesmall feathery snow climbing round her feet and on her shoulders. 

"O God, spare my boys! Though I don't deserve it-—spare them!" hadbeen her one inarticulate prayer all night. 

And now—-shouts and yodels reach her ears. They are found! But howfound! The cries are soon hushed. There is long waiting-—then, through the snow, John flashes forward and takes her hand. He doesnot speak-—only as their eyes meet, his pale lips tremble, and hesays, "Don't fear; they will revive in the inn. Jock is safe, theyare sure. "

Safe? What? that stiff, white-faced form, carried between two men, with the arm hanging lifelessly down? One man held the smallerfigure of Armine, and kept his face pressed inwards. Kind words of"Liebe Frau, " and assurances that were meant to be cheering passedaround her, but she heard them not. Some brandy had, it seemed, beenpoured into their mouths. They thought Jock had swallowed, Arminehad not. 

At intervals on the way back a little more was administered, and theexperienced guides had no doubt that life was yet in him. When theyreached the hotel the guides would not take them near the stove, butcarried them up at once by the rough stair to the little wood-partitioned bedrooms. There were two beds in each room, and theirmother would have had them both together; but the traveller, and thekindly, helpful young landlady, Fraulein Rosalie, quietly managedotherwise, and when Johnny tried to enforce his aunt's orders, Mr. Graham, by a sign, made him comprehend why they had thus arranged, filling him with blank dismay. 

A doctor? The guides shook their heads. They could hardly maketheir way to Leukerbad while it was snowing as at present, and ifthey had done so, no doctor could come back with them. Moreover therestoratives were known to the mountaineers as well as to the doctorsthemselves, and these were vigorously applied. All the resources ofthe little way-side house were put in requisition. Mr. Graham andJohnny did their best for Jock, his mother seemed to see and think ofnothing but Armine, who lay senseless and cold in spite of all theirefforts. 

It was soon that Jock began to moan and turn and struggle painfullyback to life. When he opened his eyes with a dazed half-consciousness, and something like a word came from between his lips, Mr. Graham sent John to call the mother, saying very low, "Get heraway. She will bear it better when she sees this one coming round. "

John had deep and reverent memories connected with Armine. He knew-—as few did know-—how steadfastly that little gentle fellow could holdthe right, and more than once the two had been almost alone againsttheir world. Besides, he was Mother Carey's darling! Johnny felt asif his heart would break, as with trembling lips he tried to speak, as if in glad hope, as he told his aunt that Jock was speaking andwanted her, while he looked all the time at the still, white, inanimate face. 

She looked at him half in distrust. 

"Yes! Indeed, indeed, " he said, "Jock wants you. "

She went; Johnny took her place. The efforts at restoration wereslackening. The attendants were shaking their heads and saying, "derArme. "

Mr. Graham came up to him, saying in his ear, "She is engrossed withthe other. He will not let her go. Let them do what is to be donefor this poor little fellow. So it will be best for her. "

There was a frantic longing to do something for Armine, a wild wonderthat the prayers of a whole night had not been more fully answered inJohn's mind, as he threw himself once more over the senseless form, propped with pillows, and kissed either cheek and the lips. Thensuddenly he uttered a low cry, "He breathed. I'm sure he did; I feltit! The spoon! O quick!"

Mr. Graham and the Fraulein looked pitifully at one another at thedelusion; but they let the lad have the spoon with the drops ofbrandy. He had already gained experience in giving it, and when theylooked for disappointment, his eyes were raised in joy. 

"It's gone down, " he said. 

Mr. Graham put his hand on the pulse and nodded. 

Another drop or two, and renewed rubbing of hands and feet. The icycold, the deadly white, were certainly giving way, the lips began toquiver, contract, and gasp. 

Was it for death or life? They would not call his mother for thatterrible, doubtful minute; but she could not long stay away. WhenJock's fingers first relaxed on hers, she crept to the door of theother room, to see Armine upheld on Johnny's breast, with heavingchest and working features, but with eyes opening: yes, and meetinghers. 

Johnny always held that he never had so glad a moment in all his lifeas that when he saw her countenance light up. 

The first word was "Jock !"

Armine's full perceptions were come back, unlike those of Jock, whowas moaning and wandering in his talk, fancying himself still in thedesolation of the moraine, with Armine dead in his arms, and all themiseries, bodily, mental and spiritual, from which he had sufferedwere evidently still working in his brain, though the words thatrevealed them were weak and disjointed. Besides, he screamed andmoaned with absolute and acute pain, which alarmed them much, thoughArmine was sufficiently himself to be able to assure them that therehad been no hurt beyond the strain. 

It was well that Armine was both rational and unselfish, for nothingseemed to soothe Jock for a moment but his mother's hand and hismother's voice. It was plain that fever and rheumatism had a holdupon him, and what or who was there to contend with them in thiswayside inn? The rooms, though clean, were bare of all but themerest necessaries, and though the young hostess was kind andanxious, her maids were the roughest and most ignorant of girls, andthere were no appliances for comfort-—nothing even to drink but milk, bottled lemonade, and a tisane made of yellow flowers, horrible tothe English taste. 

And Jock, ill as he was, did not fill his mother with such dread forthe future as did Armine, when she found him, quiet indeed, butunable to lie down, except when supported on John's breast and in hisarms-—with a fearful oppression and pain in his chest, and everytoken that the lungs were suffering. He had not let them call her. Jock's murmurs and cries were to be heard plainly through the woodenpartition, and the little fellow knew she could not be spared, andonly tried to prevent John and Mr. Graham from alarming her. "She-—can't-—do-—any-—good, " he gasped out in John's ear. 

No, nobody could, without medical skill and appliances. The utmostthat the house could do was to produce enough mustard to make twoplasters, and to fill bottles with hot water, to warm stones, and towrap them in blankets. And what was this, in such cold as penetratedthe wooden building, too high up in the mountains for the June sun asyet to have full power? The snow kept blinding and drifting on, andthough everyone said it could not last long at that time in thesummer, it might easily last too long for Armine's fragile life. Here was evening drawing on and no change outside, so that no offerof reward could make it possible for any messenger to attempt theGemmi to fetch advice from Leukerbad. 

Caroline could not think. She was in a dull, dreary state ofconsternation, and all she could dwell on was the immediate need ofthe moment, soothing Jock's terrors, and, what was almost worse, hisirritable rejection of the beverages she could offer him, and tryingto relieve him by rubbing and hot applications. If ever she couldlook into Armine's room, she was filled with still greater dismay, even though a sweet, patient smile always met her, and a resoluteendeavour to make the best of it. 

"It-—does-—not-—make-—much-—difference, " gasped Armine. "One wouldnot like anything. "

John came out in a character no one could have expected. He showedhimself a much better nurse, and far more full of resource than thetraveller. It was he who bethought him of keeping a kettle in theroom over the inevitable charcoal, so as slightly to mitigate thechill of the air, or the fumes of the charcoal, which were equallyperilous and distressing to the labouring lungs. He was tender andhandy in lifting, tall and strong, so as to be efficient insupporting, and then Armine and he understood one another. They hadnever been special companions; John had too much of the Kencroftmuscularity about him to accord with a delicate, imaginative beinglike Armine, but they respected one another, and made common cause, and John had more than once been his little cousin's protector. Sowhen they were so much alone that all reserves were overcome, Arminehad comfort in his cousin that no one else in the place could haveafforded him. The little boy perfectly knew how ill he was, and ashe lay in John's arms, breathed out his messages to Babie as well ashe could utter them. 

"And please, you'll be always mother's other son, " said Armine. 

"Won't I? She's been the making of me every way, " said John. 

"If ever-—she does want anybody-—" said Armine, feeling, but notuttering, a vague sense of want of trust in others around her. 

"I will, I will. Why, Armie, I shall never care for any one somuch. "

"That's right. "

And again, after an interval, Armine spoke of Jock, saying, "You'llhelp him, Johnny. You know sometimes he can be put in mind—-"

John promised again, perhaps less hopefully, but he saw that Arminehoped. 

"Would you mind reading me a Psalm, " came, after a great struggle forbreath. "It was so nice to know Babie was saying her Psalms atnight, and thinking of us. "

So the evening wore away and night came on, and John, after full six-and-twenty hours' wakeful exertion and anxiety, began to grow sleepy, and dozed even as he held his cousin whenever the cough did not shakethe poor little fellow. At last, with Armine's consent, or rather, at his entreaty, Mr. Graham, though knowing himself a bad substitute, took him from the arms of the outwearied lad, who, in five minutesmore, was lying, dressed as he was, in the soundest of dreamlessslumbers. 

When he awoke, the sun was up, an almost midsummer sun, streaming onthe fast-melting snow with a dazzling brilliancy. Armine was pantingunder the same deadly oppression on his pillows, and Mother Carey wasstanding by him, talking to Mr. Graham about despatching a messengerto Leukerbad in search of one of the doctors, who were sure to befound at the baths. How haggard her face looked, and Armine gaspedout--

"Mother, your hair. "

The snow had been there; the crisp black waves on her brow were quitewhite. Jock had fallen into a sort of doze from exhaustion, butmoaning all the time. She could call him no better, and Armine'ssunken face told that he was worse. 

John went in search of more hot water, and on the way heard voiceswhich made him call Mr. Graham, who knew more of the vernacularGerman patois than himself, to understand it. He thought he hadcaught something about English, and a doctor at Kandersteg. It wastrue. A guide belonging to the other side of the pass, who had beenweather-bound at Kandersteg, had just come up with tidings that anEnglish party were there, who had meant to cross the Gemmi but hadgiven it up, finding it too early in the season for the kranklicherMilord who was accompanied by his doctor. 

"An English doctor! Oh!" cried John, "there's some good in that. Some one must take a note down to him at once. "

But after some guttural conversation of which he understood only aword or two, Mr. Graham said—-

"They declare it is of no use. The carriage was ordered at nine. Itis past seven now. "

"But it need not take two hours to go that distance downhill, thelazy blackguards!" exclaimed John. 

"In the present state of the path, they say that it will, " said Mr. Graham. "In fact, I suspect a little unwillingness to deprive theircountrymen of the job. "

"I'll go, " said John, "then there will be no loss of time aboutwriting. You'll look after Armine, sir, and tell my aunt. "

"Certainly, my boy; but you'll find it a stiffish pull. "

"I came in second for the mile race last summer at Eton, " saidJohnny. "I'm not in training now; but if a will can do it—-"

"I believe you are right. If you don't catch him, we shall hardlyhave lost time, for they say we must wait an hour or two for theGemmi road to get clear of snow. Stay; don't go without eating. You won't keep it up on an empty stomach. Remember the proverb. "

Prayer had been with him all night, and he listened to theremonstrance as to provender enough to devour a bit of bread, putanother into his pocket, and swallow a long draught of new milk. Mr. Graham further insisted on his taking a lad to show him the rightpath through the fir woods; and though Johnny looked more formed forstrength than speed, and was pale-cheeked and purple-eyed with brokenrest, the manner in which he set forth had a purpose-like air thatwas satisfactory-—not over swift at the outset over the difficultground, but with a steadfast resolution, and with a balance andknowledge of the management of his limbs due to Eton athletics. 

Mr. Graham went up to encourage Mrs. Brownlow. She clasped her handstogether with joy and gratitude. 

"That dear, dear boy, " she said, "I shall owe him everything. "

Jock had wakened rational, though only to be conscious of severesuffering. He would hardly believe that Armine was really alive tillMr. Graham actually carried in the boy, and let them hold eachother's hands for a moment before placing Armine on the other bed. 

Indeed it seemed that this might be the poor boys' last meeting. Armine could only look at his brother, since the least attempt tospeak increased the agonised struggle for breath, which, doctor or nodoctor, gave Mr. Graham small expectation that he could surviveanother of these cold mountain nights. 

Their mother was so far relieved to have them together that it waseasier to attend to them; and Armine's patient eyes certainly actedas a gentle restraint upon Jock's moans, lamentations, andrequisitions for her services. It was one of those times that sheonly passed through by her faculty of attending only to presentneeds, and the physical strength and activity that seemedinexhaustible as long as she had anything to do, and which alonealleviated the despair within her heart. 

Meantime John found the rock slippery, the path heavy, and his youngguide a drag on him. The path through the fir woods which had beenso delightful two days (could it be only two days?) ago, was now abaffling, wearisome zigzag; yet when he tried to cut across, regardless of the voice of his guide, he found he lost time, for hehad to clamber, once fell and rolled some distance, happily with nodamage as he found when he picked himself up, and plodded on again, without even stopping to shake himself. 

At last came an opening where he could see down into the Kanderstegvalley. There was the hotel in clear sunshine, looking only too likea house in a German box of toys, and alas! there was also a toycarriage coming round to the front!

Like the little foot-page of old ballads, John "let down his feet andran, " ran determinately on, down the now less precipitous slope-—rantill he was beyond the trees, with the summer sun beating down onhim, and in sight of figures coming out from the hotel to thecarriage. 

Johnny scarce ventured to give one sigh. He waved his hat in adesperate hope of being seen. No, they were in the carriage. Thehorses were moving!

But he remembered a slight steep on the further road where they mustgo slower. Moreover, there were a few curves in the horse-road. Heset his teeth with the desperate resolution of a moment, clenched hishands, intensified his mental cry to Heaven, and with the doggeddetermination of Kencroft dashed on, not daring to look at thecarriage, intent only on the way. 

He was past the inn, but his breath was short and quick; his kneeswere failing, an invisible hand seemed to be on his chest making himgo slower and slower; yet still he struggled on, till the mountaintops danced before his eyes, cascades rushed into his ears, the earthseemed to rise up and stop him; but through it all he heard a voicesay, "Hullo, it's the Monk! What is the matter?"

Then he knew he was on the ground on his face, with kind buttormenting hands busy about him, and his heart going so like a sledgehammer, that the word he would have given his life to utter, wouldnot come out of his lips, and all he could do was to graspconvulsively at something that he believed to be a garment of thedeparting travellers. 

"Here, the flask! Don't speak yet, " said a man's voice, and achoking stimulant was poured into his mouth. When the choking spasmit cost him was over, his eyes cleared, and he could at least gasp. Then he saw that it was his housemate, Evelyn, at whom he wasclutching, and who asked again in amaze—-

"What is up, old fellow?"

"Hush, not yet, " said the other voice; "let him alone till he getshis breath. Don't hurry, my boy, " he added, "we will wait. "

Johnny, however, felt altogether absorbed in getting out one pantingwhisper, "A doctor. "

"Yes, yes, he is, " cried Evelyn. "What's the matter? Not Brownlow!"

"Both-—oh, " sobbed John in the agony of contending with the bumping, fluttering heart which _would_ not let him fetch breath enough tospeak. 

"You will tell us presently. Don't be afraid. We will wait, " saidthe voice of the man who, as John now felt, was supporting him. "Hush, Cecil, another minute, and he will be able to tell us. "

Indeed the rushing of every pulse was again making it vain for Johnnyto try to utter anything, and he shut his eyes in the realisationthat he had succeeded and found help. If his heart would have notbumped and fluttered so fearfully, it would have been almost rest, ashe was helped up by those kind, strong arms. It was really forlittle more than five seconds before he gathered his powers to say, still between gasps—-

"Out all night-—the moraine-—fog-—snow-—Jock-—very bad-—Armine-—worse-—up there. "

"At Schwarenbach ?"

"Yes. Oh, come! They are so ill. "

"I am sure Dr. Medlicott will do all he can for them, " said anothervoice, which John saw proceeded from a very tall, slight youth, witha fair, delicate, girlish face. "Had he not better get into thecarriage and return to the hotel?"

"By all means. "

And John found himself without much volition lifted and helped intothe carriage, where Cecil Evelyn scrambled up beside him, and put anarm round him. 

"Poor old Monk, you are dead beat, " he said, as the carriage turned, the other two walking beside it. "Did you come that pace all the waydown?"

"Only after the wood. "

"Well, 'twas as plucky a thing as I ever saw. But is Skipjack sobad?"

"Dreadful! Light-headed all yesterday-—horrid pain! But not so badas Armine. If something ain't done soon-—he'll die. "

"Poor little Brownlow! You've come to the right shop. Medlicott isfirst rate. Did you know it was we?"

"No-—only-—an English doctor, " said John. 

"Mother sent us abroad with him, because they said Fordham must haveSwiss air; and poor old Granny still goes on in the same state, " saidCecil. "We got here on Tuesday evening, and saw your names; but thenthe fog came, and it snowed all yesterday, and the doctor said itwould not do for Fordham to go so high. And the more I wanted themto come up with you, the more they would not. Were they out in thatsnow?"

Here came an order from the doctor not to make his friend talk, andJohnny was glad to obey, and reserve his breath for the explanation. He did not hear what passed between the other two, as they walkedbehind the carriage. 

"A fine fellow that! Is he Cecil's friend?"

"No, I wish he were. However, it can't be helped now, in commonhumanity; and my mother will understand. "

"You mean that it was her wish that we should avoid them. "

"She thinks the influence has not been good for Cecil. "

"That was the reason you gave up the Gemmi so easily. "

"It was. But, as I say, it can't be helped now, and no harm can bedone by going to see whether they are really so ill. "

"Brownlow is the name. I wonder if they are any relation to a man Ionce knew—-a lecturer at one of the hospitals?"

"Not likely. These are very rich people, with a great house in HydePark regions, and a place in the country. They are always askingCecil there; only my mother does not fancy it. It is not a matter ofcharity after the first stress. They can easily have advice fromEngland, or anywhere they like. "

By this time they reached the hotel, and John alighted brisklyenough, and explained the state of affairs in a few words. 

"My dear boy, " said Dr. Medlicott, "I'll go up at once, as soon as Ican get at our travelling medicine-chest. Luckily we have what ismost likely to be useful. "

"Thank you, " said Johnny, and therewith he turned dizzy, and reeledagainst the wall. 

"It is nothing—-nothing, " he said, as the doctor having helped himinto a sitting-room, laid his hand on his pulse. "Don't delay aboutme! I shall be all right in a minute. "

"They are getting down the boxes. No time is lost, " said the doctor, quietly. "See whether they can let us have some soup, Cecil. "

"I couldn't swallow anything, " said Johnny, imploringly. 

"Have you had any breakfast this morning?"

"Yes, a bit of bread and a drink of milk. There was not time formore. "

"And you had been searching all one night, and nursing the next?"

"Most of it, " was the confession. "But I shall be all right-—ifthere is any pony I could ride upon. "

"You shall by-and-by; but first, Reeves, " as a servant with grizzledhair and moustache brought in a neatly-fitted medicine-chest, "I givethis young gentleman into your care. He is to lie down on my bed forhalf an hour, and Mr. Evelyn is not to go near him. Then, if he isawake—-"

"If-—" ejaculated John. 

"Give him a basin of soup-—Liebig, if you can't get anything here. "

"Liebig!" broke out John. "Oh, please take some. There's nothing upthere but old goat, and nothing to drink but milk and lemonade, likebeastly hair-oil; and Jock hates milk. "

"Never fear, " said Dr. Medlicott; "Liebig is going, and a packet oftea. Mrs. Evelyn does not send us out unprovided. If you eat yoursoup like a good boy, you may then ride up-—not walk-—unless you wishto be on your mother's hands too. "

"She's my aunt; but it is all the same. Tell her I'm coming. "

"I shall go with you, doctor, " said Cecil. "I must know aboutBrownlow. "

"Much good you'll do him! But I'd rather leave this fellow inFordham's charge than yours. "

So Johnny had no choice but to obey, growling a little that it wasall nonsense, and he should be all right in five minutes, but thatexpectation continued, without being realised, for longer than Johnnyknew. He awoke with a start to find the Liebig awaiting him; andLord Fordham's eyes fixed on him, with (though neither understood it)the generous, though melancholy envy of an invalid youth for a youngathlete. 

"Have I been asleep?" he asked, looking at his watch. Only tenminutes since I looked last? Well, now I am all right. "

"You will be when you have eaten this, " said Lord Fordham. 

Johnny obeyed, and ate with relish. 

"There!" said he; "now I am ready for anything. "

"Don't get up yet. I'll go and order a horse for you. "

When Lord Fordham came back from doing so, he found his patientreally fast asleep, and with a little colour coming into the palecheeks. He stole back, bade that the pony should wait, went onwriting his letter, and waited till one hour, two, three hours hadpassed, and at last the sleeper woke, greatly disgusted, willing toaccept the bath which Lord Fordham advised him to take, and whichmade him quite himself again. 

"You'll let me go now, " he said. "I can walk as well as ever. "

"You will be of more use now, if you ride, " said Lord Fordham. "There, I hear our luncheon coming in. You must eat while the ponyis coming round. "

"If it won't lose time-—thank you, " said Johnny, recovered enough nowto know how hungry he was, "But I ought not to have stayed away. Myaunt has no one but me. "

"And you can really help her?" said Lord Fordham, with someexperience of his brother's uselessness. 

"Not well, of course, " said Johnny; "but it is better than nobody;and Armine is so patient and so good, that I'm the more afraid. Isnot it a very bad sign, " he added, confidentially; for he was quitewon by the youth's kind, considerate way, and evident liking andsympathy. 

"I don't know, " faltered Lord Fordham. "My brother Walter was likethat! Is this the little fellow who is Cecil's fag?"

"Yes; Jock asked him to take him, because he was sure never to bullyhim or lick him when he wouldn't do things. "

This not very lucid description rejoiced Lord Fordham. 

"I am glad of that, " he said. "But I hope the little boy will getover this. My mother had a very excellent account of Dr. Medlicott'sskill; and you know an illness from a misadventure is not likeanything constitutional. "

"No; but Armine is always delicate, and my aunt has had to take careof him. "

"Do you live with them?"

"O no; I have lots of people at home. I only came with them becauseI had had these measles at Eton; and my aunt is-—well, the veryjolliest woman that ever was. "

Lord Fordham smiled. 

"Yes, indeed she is. I don't mean only kind and good-natured. Butif you just knew her! The whole world and everything else have justbeen something new and glorious ever since I knew her. I seem tomyself to have lived in a dark hole till she made it all light. "

"Ah! I understand that you would do anything for her. "

"_That_ I would, if there was anything I could do, " said Johnny, hastily finishing his meal. 

"Well, you've done something to-day. "

"That—-oh, that was nothing. I shouldn't have made such a fool ofmyself if I hadn't been seedy before. I hear the pony, " he added. "Excuse me. " And, with a murmured grace, he rose. Then, recollecting himself, "No end of thanks. I don't know how to thankyou enough. "

"Don't; I've done nothing, " said Lord Fordham, wringing his hand. "I only hope—-"

The words stuck in his throat, and with a sigh he watched the ladride off. 

CHAPTER XXI. AN ACT OF INDEPENDENCE. 

Soldier now and servant true;Earth behind and heaven in view. Isaac Williams. 

Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer ofthat title within ten years. His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth. Hisprecarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constantprecaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might beotherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because theywere of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparentcomplexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a differentconstitution. 

More delicate from the first than the two brothers who had gonebefore him, Lord Fordham had never been at school, had studiedirregularly, and had never been from under his mother's wing tillthis summer, when she was detained by the slow decay of hisgrandmother. Languor and listlessness had beset the youth, and hehad been ordered mountain air, and thus it was that Mrs. Evelyn haddespatched both her sons to Switzerland, under the attendance of ahighly recommended physician, a young man bright and attractive, whohad over-worked himself at an hospital, and needed thoroughrelaxation. Rightly considering Lucas Brownlow as the cause of mostof Cecil's Eton follies, she had given her eldest son a private hintto elude joining forces with the family, and he was the most docileand obedient of sons. Yet was it the perversity of human nature thatmade him infinitely more animated and interested in John Brownlow'srace and the distressed travellers on the Schwarenbach than he hadbeen since-—no one could tell when?

Perhaps it was the novelty of being left alone and comparativelyunwatched. Certain it was that he ate enough to rejoice the heart ofhis devoted and tyrannical attendant Reeves; and that he walked aboutin much anxiety all the afternoon, continually using his telescope tolook up the mountain wherever a bit of the track was visible throughthe pine woods. 

In due time Cecil rode back the pony which John had taken up. Thealacrity with which the long lank bending figure stepped to meet himwas something unwonted, but the boy himself was downcast anddepressed. 

"I'm afraid you've nothing good to tell. "

Cecil shook his head, and after some more seconds broke out—-

"It's awful!"

"What is?"

"Brownlow's pain. I never saw anything like it!"

"Rheumatism? If that is from the exposure, I hope it will not lastlong. "

"No. They've sent for some opiates to Leukerbad, and the doctor saysthat is sure to put him to sleep. "

"Medlicott stays there?"

"Yes. He says if little Armine is any way fit, he must move him awayto-morrow at all risks from the night-cold up there, and he wantsReeves to see about men to carry him, that is if—-if to-night doesnot—-"

Cecil could not finish. 

"Then it is as bad as we heard?"

"Quite, " said Cecil, "or worse. That dear little chap, just fancy!"and his eyes filled with tears. "He tried to thank me for havingbeen good to him-—as if I had. "

"He was your fag?"

"Yes; Skipjack asked me to choose him because he's that sort oflittle fellow that won't give into anything that goes against hisconscience, and if one of those fellows had him that say lower boyshave no business with consciences, he might be licked within an inchof his life and he'd never give in. He did let himself be put undera pump once at some beastly hole in the country, for not choosing touse bad language, and he has never been so strong since. "

"Mother would be glad that at least you allowed him the use of hisconscience. "

"I'm glad I did now, " said Cecil, with a sigh, "though it was a greatnuisance sometimes. "

"Was the Monk, as you call him, one of that set?"

"Bless you, no, he's a regular sap, as steady as old time. "

"I wonder if he is the son of the doctor whom Medlicott talks of. "

"No; his father is alive. He is a colonel, living near their place. The other two are the doctor's sons; their mother came into theproperty after his death. Their Maximus was in college at first, andbetween ourselves, he was a bit of a snob, who couldn't bear torecollect it. "

"Not your friend?"

"No, indeed. The eldest one, who has left these two years, and is atChristchurch. "

"I am sure the one who came down here was a gentleman. "

"So they are, all three of them, " said Cecil, who had never found hisbrother so ready to hear anything about his Eton life, since ingeneral accounts of the world, from which he was debarred, so jarredon his feelings that he silenced it with apparent indifference, contempt, or petulance. Now, however, Cecil, with his heart full ofthe Brownlows, could not say more of them than Fordham was willing tohear; nay, he even found an amused listener to some of his goodstories of courageous pranks. 

Fordham was not yet up the next morning when there was a knock at hisdoor, and the doctor came in, answering his eager question with—-

"Yes, he has got through this night, but another up in that placewould be fatal. We must get them down to Leukerbad. "

"Over that long precipitous path?"

"It is the only chance. I came down to look up bearers, and rig up acouple of hammocks, as well as to see how you are getting on. "

"Oh! I'm very well, " said Lord Fordham, in a tone that meant it, sitting up in bed. "We might ride on to Leukerbad with Reeves, andget rooms ready. "

"The best thing you could do, " said Dr. Medlicott, joyfully. "Whenwe are there we can consider what can be done next; and if you wishto go on, I could look up some one there in whose charge to leavethem till they could get advice from home; but it is touch and gowith that little fellow. "

"I'm in no particular hurry, " said Lord Fordham, answering thedoctor's tone rather than his words. "I would not do anything hastyor that might add to their distress. Are there likely to be gooddoctors at this place?"

"It is a great watering-place, chiefly for rheumatic complaints, andthat is all very well for the elder boy. As to the little one, he isin as critical a state as I ever saw, and—- His mother is anexcellent linguist, that is one good thing. "

"Yes; it would be very trying for her to have a foreigner to attendthe boy in such a state, however skilled he might be, " said LordFordham. "I think we might make up our minds to stay with them tillthey can get some one from England. "

Dr. Medlicott caught at the words. 

"It rests with you, " he said. "Of course I am your property and Mrs. Evelyn's, but I should like to tell you why this is more to me than amatter of common humanity. I went up to study in London, a simple, foolish lad, bred up by three good old aunts, more ignorant of theworld than their own tabby cat. Of course I instantly fell in withthe worst stamp of fellows, and was in a fair way of being done for, body and soul, if one of the lecturers, after taking us to task forsome heartless, disgusting piece of levity, seeing perhaps that itwas more than half bravado on my part and nearly made me sick, managed to get me alone. He talked it out with me, found out theinnocent-hearted fool I was, cured me of my false shame at what thegood old souls at home had taught me, showed me what manhood was, found a good friend and a better lodging for me, in short, was thesaving of me. He died three months after I first knew him, butwhatever is worth having in me is owing to him. "

"Was he the father of these boys?"

"Yes; I saw a likeness in the nephew who came down yesterday, and Isee it in both the others. "

"Of course you would wish to do all that is possible for them?"

"I should feel it the greatest honour. Still my first duty is toyou, and you have told me that your mother wished you to keep yourbrother out of the way of his schoolfellow. "

"My mother would not wish to deprive her worst enemy of your care insuch need as this, " said Lord Fordham, smiling. "Besides if thisfriend of Cecil's were ever so bad, he couldn't do him much harmwhile he is ill, poor boy. We will at any rate stay to get themthrough the next few days, and then we can judge. I will settle itwith my mother. "

"I knew you would say so, " rejoined the doctor. "Thank you. Then itseems to me that the right course will be to write to Mrs. Evelyn, inclosing a note to Dr. Lucas-—who it seems is Mrs. Brownlow's chiefreliance—-asking him to find someone to send out. She, can send iton to him if she disapproves of our remaining together longer than isabsolutely necessary, or if Leukerbad disagrees with you. Meantime, I'll go and see whether Reeves has found any men to carry the poorboys. "

Unfortunately it was too early in the season for the hotels to havemarshalled their full establishment, and such careful and surefootedbearers as the sufferers needed could not be had in sufficientnumbers, so that Dr. Medlicott was forced to decide on leaving theelder patient for a night at Schwarenbach. The move might be matterof life or death to Armine; but Jock was better, the pain could besomewhat allayed by anodynes, the fever was abating, and he wouldrather gain than lose by another day of rest, provided he would onlyaccept his fate patiently, and also if he could be properly attendedto. If Mr. Graham would stay with him—-

So breakfast was eaten, bills were paid, horses hired, and the wholecavalcade started from Kandersteg in time to secure the best part ofa bright hot day for the transit. 

They met Mr. Graham, who had been glad to escape as soon as Mrs. Brownlow had found other assistance, so that the doctor wasdisappointed in his hope of a guardian for Jock. Lord Fordhamoffered to lend Reeves, but that functionary absolutely refused toseparate himself from his charge, observing—-

"I am responsible for your lordship to your mamma, and it does notlie within my province to leave you on any account. "

Reeves always called Mrs. Evelyn "your mamma" when he wished to beparticularly authoritative with his young gentlemen. If they wereespecially troublesome he called her "your ma. "

"And after all, " said the doctor, "I don't know what sort ofpreparations the young gentlemen would make if we let them go bythemselves. A bare room, perhaps-—with no bed-clothes, and nothingto eat till the table d'hote"

Reeves smiled. He had found the doctor much less of a rival than hehad expected, and he was a kind-hearted man, so long as his younglord was made the first object; so he declared his willingness to doanything that lay in his power for the assistance of the poor ladyand her sons. He would gladly sit up with them, if it were in thesame house with his lordship. 

No one came out to meet the party. John was found with Armine, whohad been taken back at night to his own room; Mrs. Brownlow, asusual, with Jock, who would endure no presence but hers, and lookedexceedingly injured when, sending Cecil in to sit with him, thedoctor called her out of the room. 

It was a sore stroke on her to hear that her charges must beseparated; and there was the harrowing question whether she shouldstay with one or go with the other. 

"Please, decide, " she said. 

"I think you should be with the most serious case. "

"And that, I fear, means my little Armine. Yes, I will do as youtell me. But what can be done for Jock?-—poor Jock who thinks heneeds me most. And perhaps he does. You know best, though, Dr. Medlicott, and you shall settle it. "

"That is a wise nurse, " said he, kindly; "I wish I could take yourplace myself, but I must be with the little fellow myself; and I amafraid we can only leave his brother to your nephew for this onenight. Should you be afraid to be sole nurse?" he added, as Johnnycame to Armine's door. 

"I think I know what to do, if Jock can stand having me, " saidJohnny, stoutly, as soon as he understood the question. 

"Mother!" just then shouted Jock, and as Johnny obeyed the call, hebegan-—"I want my head higher-—no-—I say not you-—Mother Carey!"

"She is busy with the doctor. "

"Can't she come and do this? No, I say, " and he threw the nearestthing at hand at him. 

"Come, " said Cecil, "I'm glad you can do such things as that. "

But Jock gave a cry of pain, and protested that it was all John'sfault for making him hurt himself instead of fetching mother. 

"You had better let me lift you, " said John, "you know she is tired, and I _really_ am stronger. "

"No, you shan't touch me-—a great clumsy lout. "

In the midst of these amenities, the doctor appeared, and Jock lookedslightly ashamed, especially when the doctor, instead of doing whatwas wanted, directed John where to put an arm, and how to givesupport, while moving the pillow, adding that he was a handy fellow, more so than many a pupil after half a year's training at thehospital, and smiling down Jock's growls and groans, which were asmuch from displeasure as from pain. They were followed by somedespairing sighs at the horrors of the prospect of being moved. 

"Ah! what will you give me for letting you off?" said the Doctor. 

Jock uttered a sound of relief, then, rather distrustfully, asked-—"Why?"

"We can only get bearers enough for one; and as it is most importantto move your brother, while you will gain by a night's rest, he musthave the first turn. "

"And welcome, " said Jock; "my mother will stay with me. "

"That's the very point, " said Dr. Medlicott. "I want you not only togive her up, but to do so cheerfully. "

"I'm sure mother wants to stay with me. Armine does not need herhalf so much. "

"He does not require the same kind of attention; but he is in socritical a state that I do not think I ought to separate her fromhim. "

"Why, what is the matter with him?" asked Jock, startled. 

"Congestion of the right lung, " said the doctor, seeing that he wasstrong enough to bear the information, and feeling the need ofrousing him from his monopolising self-absorption. 

"People get over that, don't they?" said Jock, with an awestruckinterrogation in his voice. 

"They _do_; and I hope much from getting him into a warmeratmosphere, but the child is so much reduced that the risk is great, and I should not dare not to have his mother with him. " Then, asJock was silent, "I have told you because you can make a greatdifference to their comfort by not showing how much it costs you tolet her go. "

Jock drew the bed clothes over his face, and an odd stifled sound washeard from under them. He remained thus perdu, while directions werebeing given to John for the night, but as the doctor was leaving theroom, emerged and said—-

"Bring him in before he goes. "

In a short time, for it was most important not to lose the fineweather, the doctor carried Armine in swathed in rugs and blankets, apale, sunken, worn face, and great hollow eyes looking out at thetop. 

The mother said something cheerful about a live mummy, but the twopoor boys gazed at one another with sad, earnest, wistful eyes, andwrung one another's hands. 

"Don't forget, " gasped Armine, labouring for breath. 

And Jock answered—-

"All right, Armie; good-bye. I'm coming to morrow, " with a choking, quivering attempt at bravery. 

"Yes, to-morrow, " said poor Mother Carey, bending over him. "My boy-—my poor good boy, if I could but cut myself in two! I can't tellyou how thankful I am to you for being so good about it. That deargood Johnny will do all he can, and it is only till tomorrow. You'llsleep most of the time. "

"All right, mother, " was again all that Jock could manage to utter, and the kisses that followed seemed to him the most precious he hadknown. He hid his face again, bearing his trouble the better becausethe lull of violent pain quelled by opiates, so that his senses wereall as in a dream bound up. When he looked up again at the clink ofglass, it was Cecil whom he saw measuring off his draught. 

"You!" he exclaimed. 

"Yes, Medlicott said I might stay till four, and give the Monk achance of a sleep. That fellow can always snooze away off hand, andhe is as sound as a top in the next room; but I was to give you thisat two. "

"You're sure it's the right stuff?"

"I should think so. We've practice enough in the family to know howto measure off a dose by this time. "

"How is it you are out here still? This is Thursday, isn't it? Wemeant to have been half way home, to be in time for the matches. "

"I'm not going back this half, worse luck. They were mortally afraidthese measles would make me get tender in the chest, like all therest of us, so I've got nothing to do but be dragged about withFordham after churches and picture galleries and mountains, " saidCecil, in a tone of infinite disgust. "I declare it made me half madto look at the Lake of Lucerne, and recollect that we might have beenin the eight. "

"Not this year. "

"No, but next. "

In this contemplation Cecil was silent, only fondling Chico, untilJock, instead of falling asleep again, said, "Evelyn, what does yourdoctor really think of the little chap?"

Cecil screwed up his face as if he had rather not be asked. 

"Never you think about it, " he said. "Doctors always croak. He'll beall right again soon. "

"If I was sure, " sighed Jock; "but you know he has always been such areligious little beggar. It's a horrid bad sign. "

"Like my brother Walter, " said Cecil gravely. "Now, Duke can be everso snappish and peevish; I'm not half so much afraid for him. "

"You never heard anything like the little fellow that night, " saidJock, and therewith he gave his friend by far the most connectedaccount of the adventure that had yet been arrived at. He even spokeof the resolution to which he had been brought, and in a tone of awedescribed how he had pledged himself for the future. 

"So you see I'm in for it, " he concluded; "I must give up all ourjolly larks. "

"Then I shan't get into so many rows with my mother and uncle, " saidCecil, by no means with the opposition his friend had anticipated. 

"Then you'll stand by me?" said Jock. 

"Gladly. My mother was at me all last Easter, telling me my goingson were worse to her than losing George or Walter, and talking aboutmy Confirmation and all. She only let me be a communicant on EasterDay, because I did mean to make a fresh start-—and I did mean it withall my heart; only when that supper was talked of, I didn't like tostick out against you, Brownlow; I never could, you know, and Ididn't know what it was coming to. "

"Nor I, " said Jock; "that's the worst of it. When a lark begins onedoesn't know how far one will get carried on. But that night Ithought about the Confirmation, and how I had made the promisewithout really thinking about it, and never had been to HolyCommunion. "

"I meant it all, " said Cecil, "and broke it, so I'm worst. "

"Well!" said Jock, "if I go back from the promise little Armie mademe make about being Christ's faithful soldier and servant I couldnever face him again—-no, nor death either! You can't think what itwas like, Evelyn, sitting in the dead stillness-—except for an awfulcrack and rumbling in the ice, and the solid snow fog shutting onein. How ugly, and brutish, and horrid all those things did look; andhow it made me long to have been like the little fellow in my arms, or even this poor little dog, who knew no better. Then somehow camenow and then a wonderful sense that God was all round us, and thatour Lord had done all that for my forgiveness, if I only meant to doright in earnest. Oh! how to go on meaning it!"

"That's the thing, " said Cecil. "I mean it fast enough at home, andwhen my mother talks to me and I look at my brothers' graves, but itall gets swept away at Eton. It won't now, though, if you aredifferent, Brownlow. I never liked any fellow like you I knew youwere best, even when you were worst. So if you go in for doingright, I shan't care for anyone else—-not even Cressham and Bulford. "

"If they choose to make asses of themselves they must, " said Jock. "It will be a bore, but one mustn't mind things. I say, Evelyn, suppose we make that promise of Armine's over again together now. "

"It is only the engagement we made when we were sworn into Christ'sarmy at our baptism, " said the much more fully instructed Cecil. "We always were bound by it. "

"Yes, but we knew nothing about it then, and we really mean it now, "said Jock. "If we do it for ourselves together, it will put us onour honour to each other, and to Christ our Captain, and that's whatwe want. Lay hold of my hand. "

The two boys, with clasped hands, and grave, steadfast eyes, with onevoice, repeated together—-

"We, John Lucas Brownlow and Cecil Fitzroy Evelyn, promise with allour hearts manfully to fight under Christ's banner, and continue Hisfaithful soldiers and servants to our lives' end. Amen. "

Then Cecil touched Lucas's brow with his lips, and said—-

"Fellow-soldiers, Brownlow. "

"Brothers in arms, " responded Jock. 

It was one of those accesses of deep enthusiasm, and even ofsentiment, which modern cynicism and false shame have not entirelydriven out of youth. Their hearts were full; and Jock, the stronger, abler, and more enterprising had always exercised a fascination overhis friend, who was absolutely enchanted to find him become an allyinstead of a tempter, and to be no longer pulled two opposite ways. 

"Ought we not to say a prayer to make it really firm? We can't standalone, you know, " he said, diffidently. 

"If you like; if you know one, " said Jock. 

Cecil knelt down and said the Lord's Prayer and the collect for theFourth Epiphany Sunday. 

"That's nice, " was Jock's comment. "How did you know it?"

"Mother made us learn the collects every Sunday, and she wrote thatin my little book. I always begin the half with it, but afterwards Ican't go on. "

"Then it doesn't do you much good, " was the not unnatural remark. 

"I don't know, " said Cecil, hesitating; "may be all this-—yourgetting right, I mean, is the coming round of prayers—-my mother's, Imean, for if you take this turn, it will be much easier for me! Poormother! it's not for want of her caring and teaching. "

"My mother doesn't bother about it. "

"I wish she did, " said Cecil. "If she had gone on like mine, youwould have been ever so much better than I. "

"No, I should have been bored and bothered into being regularly good-for-nothing. You don't know what she's really like. She's nicerthan anyone—-as jolly as any fellow, and yet a lady all over. "

"I know that, " said Cecil; "she was uncommonly jolly to me at Eton, and I know my mother and she will get on like a house on fire. We'retoo old to have a scrimmage about them like disgusting little lowerboys, " he added, seeing Jock still bristling in defence of MotherCarey. 

This produced a smile, and he went on—-

"Look here, Skipjack, we will be fellow-soldiers every way. My UncleJames can do anything at the Horse Guards, and he shall have us setdown for the same regiment. I'll tell him you are my goodinfluence. "

"But I've been just the other way. "

"Oh, but you will be-—a year or two will show it. Which shall it be?Do you go in for cavalry or infantry? I like cavalry, but he's allfor the other. "

Jock was wearied enough not to have much contribution to make to theconversation, and he thus left Cecil such a fair field as he seldomenjoyed for Uncle James's Indian and Crimean campaigns, and for thecomparative merits of the regiments his nephew had beheld at reviews. 

He was interrupted by a message from the guide that there was a cloudin the distance, and the young Herr had better set off quickly unlesshe wished to be weather-bound. 

Johnny was on his feet as soon as there was a step on the stairs, andwas congratulated on his ready powers of sleeping. 

"It's in the family, " said Jock. "His brother Rob went to sleep inthe middle of the examination for his commission. "

"Then I should think he could sleep on the rack, " said Cecil. 

"I'm sure I wish I could, " rejoined Jock. 

"What a sell for the torturers, to get some chloroform!" said John. And so Cecil departed amid laughter, which gave John little idea howserious the talk had been in his absence. 

The rain came on even more rapidly than the guide had foretold, andit was a drenched and dripping object that rode into the court of thetall hotel at Leukerbad, and immediately fell into the hands of Dr. Medlicott and Reeves, who deposited him ignominiously in bed, inspite of all his protestations and murmurs. However, he had thecomfort of hearing that his little fag was recovering from theexhaustion of the journey. He had at first been so faint that thedoctor had watched, fearing that he would never revive again, and hehad not yet attempted to speak; but his breathing was certainlyalready less laboured, and the choking, struggling cough lessfrequent. "He really seems likely to have a little natural sleep, "was Lord Fordham's report somewhat later, on coming in to find Cecilsitting up in bed to discuss a very substantial supper. "I hope thatwith Reeves and the doctor to look to him, his mother may get alittle rest to-night. "

"Have you seen her?"

"Only for a moment or two, poor thing; but I never did see such eyesor such a wonderful sad smile as she tried to thank us with. Medlicott is ready to do anything for her husband's sake; I am sureanyone would do the same for hers. To get such a look is somethingto remember!"

"Well done, Duke!" ejaculated Cecil under his breath, for he hadnever seen his senior so animated or so enthusiastic. "Then you meanto stay, and let Medlicott look after them?"

"Of course I do, " said Fordham, in a much more decided tone than hehad used in the morning. "I'm not going to do anything so barbarousas to leave them to some German practitioner; and when we are here, Idon't see why they should have advice out from home—-not half so goodprobably. "

"You're a brick, Duke, " uttered Cecil; and though Fordham hatedslang, he smiled at the praise. 

"And now, Duke, be a good fellow, and give me some clothes. Thatbrute Reeves has not brought me in one rag. "

"Really it is hardly worth while. It is nearly eight o'clock, and Idon't know where your portmanteau was put. Shall I get you a book?"

"No; but if you'd get me a pen and ink, I want to write to mother. "

Such a desire was not too frequent in Cecil, and Fordham was gladenough to promote it, bringing in his own neat apparatus, with only amild entreaty that his favourite pen might be well treated, and thesheets respected. He had written his own letter of explanation ofhis first act of independence, and he looked with some wonder at hisbrother's rapid writing, not without fear that some sudden pressurefor a foolish debt might have been the result of his tete-a-tete withhis dangerous friend. Cecil's letters were too apt to be requestsfor money or confessions of debts, and if this were the case, whatwould be Mrs. Evelyn's view of the conduct of the whole party indisregarding her wishes?

Had he been with his mother, he would have probably been called intoconsultation over the letter, but he was forced to remain without theprivilege here offered to the reader:—-

 "Baden Hotel, Leukerbad, June 14. 

"Dearest Mother, -—Duke has written about our falling in with theBrownlows, and how pluckily Friar caught us up. It was a regularmercy, for the little one couldn't have lived without Dr. Medlicott, and most likely Lucas is in for a rheumatic fever. He has beentelling me all about it, and how frightful it was to be all night outon the edge of the glacier in a thick fog with his ankle strained, and how little Armine went on with his texts and hymns and wasn't abit afraid, but quite happy. You never would believe what a fellowBrownlow is. We have had a great talk, and you will never have tosay again that he does me harm. 

"Mammy, darling, I want to tell you that I was a horrible donkey lasthalf, worse than you guessed, and I am sorrier than ever I wasbefore, and this is a real true resolution not to do it again. Brownlow and I have promised to stand by one another about right andwrong to our lives' end. He means it, and what Brownlow means hedoes, and so do I. We said your collect, and somehow I do feel as ifGod would help us now. 

"Please, dearest mother, forgive me for all I have not told you. 

"Duke is very well and jolly. He is quite smitten with Mrs. Brownlow, and, what is more, so is Reeves, who says she is 'such alady that it is a pleasure to do anything for her. '

 "Your loving son, "C. F. E. "

Cecil's letter went off with his brother's in early morning; but itwas such a day as only mails and postmen encounter. Mountains, pine-woods, nay, even the opposite houses, were blotted out by sheets ofdriving rain, and it was impossible to think of bringing Jock down!Dr. Medlicott heard and saw with dismay. What would the mother sayto him-—nay, what ought he to have done? He could hardly expect hernot to reproach him, and he fairly dreaded meeting her eyes when theyturned from the streaming window. 

But all she said was, "We did not reckon on this. "

"If I had--" began the doctor. 

"Please don't vex yourself, " said she; "you could not have doneotherwise, and perhaps the move would have hurt him more than stayingthere. You have been so very kind. See what you have done here!"

For Armine, after some hours that had been very distressing, had sunkinto a calm sleep, and there was a far less oppressed look on his wanlittle face. 

The doctor would have had her take some rest, but she shook her head. The only means of allaying the gnawing anxiety for Jock, and thedespairing fancies about his suffering and Johnny's helplessness, wasthe attending constantly to Armine. 

"Anyway, I will see him to-day, " said Dr. Medlicott, impelled farmore by the patient silence with which she sat, one hand against herbeating heart, than he would have been by any entreaty. But how shethanked him when she found him really setting forth! She insisted onhis taking a guide, as much for his own security as to carry someadditional comforts to the prisoners, and she committed to him twolittle notes, one to each boy, written through a mist of tears. Yes;tears, unusual as they were with her, were called forth as much bythe kindness she met with as by her sick yearning after the twolonely boys. And when she knew the doctor was on his way, she couldyield to Armine's signs of entreaty, lie back in her chair and sleep, while Reeves watched over him. 

When the doctor, by a strong man's determination, had made his way upthe pass, he found matters better than he had dared to expect. Thepatient was certainly not worse, and the medicine had kept him in asleepy, tranquil state, in which he hardly realised the situation. His young attendant was just considering how to husband the lastdraught, when the welcome, dripping visitor appeared. The patientwas not in bad spirits considering, and could not but feel himselfreprieved by the weather. He was too sleepy to feel the dulness ofhis present position, and even allowed that his impromptu nurse haddone tolerably well. Johnny had been ready at every call, had rubbedaway an attack of pain, hurt wonderfully little in lifting him, andwas "not half a bad lot altogether"—-an admission of which doctor andnurse knew the full worth. 

Johnny himself was pleased and grateful, and had that sort ofsatisfaction which belongs to the finding out of one's own availabletalent. He had done what was pronounced the right thing; and notonly that, but he had liked the doing it, and he declared himself notafraid to encounter another night alone with his cousin. He hadpicked up enough vernacular German to make himself understood, andindeed was a decided favourite with Fraulein Rosalie, who would doanything for her dear young Herr. It was possible to get a fairamount of sleep, and Dr. Medlicott felt satisfied that the charge wasnot too much for him, and indeed there was no other alternative. Thedoctor stayed as long as he could, and did his best to enliven thedulness by producing a pocketful of Tauchnitzes, and sitting talkingwhile the patient dozed. Johnny showed such intelligent curiosity asto the how and why of the symptoms and their counteraction, thatafter some explanation the doctor said, "You ought to he one of us, my friend. "

"I have sometimes thought about it, " said John. 

"Indeed!" cried the doctor, like an enthusiast in his profession; andJohn, though not a ready speaker, was drawn on by his notes ofinterest to say, "I don't really like anything so much as making outabout man and what one is made of. "

"Physiology?"

"Yes, " said the boy, who had been shy of uttering the scientificterm. "There's nothing like it for interest, it seems to me. Besides, one is more sure of being of use that way than in anyother. "

"Capital! Then what withholds you? Isn't it _swell_ enough?"

Johnny laughed and coloured. "I'm not such a fool, but I am not sureabout my people. "

"I thought your uncle was Joseph Brownlow. "

"My aunt would be delighted, but it is my own people. They would saymy education—-Eton and all that-—was not intended for it. "

"You may tell them that whatever tends to make you more thoroughly aman and gentleman, and less of a mere professional, is a benefit toyour work. The more you are in yourself, the higher your work willbe. I hope you will go to the university. "

"I mean to go up for a scholarship next year; but I've lost a greatdeal of time now, and I don't know how far that will tell. "

"I think you will find that what you may have lost in time, you willhave gained in power. "

"I do want to go in for physical science, but there's anotherdifficulty. One of my cousins does so, but the effect on him has notmade my father like it the better-—and-—and to tell the truth—-" hehalf mumbled, "it makes me doubt—-"

"The effect on his faith?"

"Yes. "

"If faith is unsettled by looking deeper into the mysteries of God'sworks it cannot have been substantial faith, but merely outward, thoughtless reception, " said the doctor, as he met two thoughtfuldark eyes fixed on him in inquiry and consideration. 

"Thank you, sir, " after a pause. 

"Had this troubled you?"

"Yes, " said John; "I couldn't stand doubt there. I would ratherbreak stones on the road than set myself doubting!"

"Why should you think that there is danger?"

"It seems to be so with others. "

"Depend upon it, Doubting Castle never lay on the straight road. Ifmen run into it, it is not simple study of the works of creation thatleads them there; but either they have only acquiesced, and nevermade their faith a living reality, or else they are led away byfashion and pride of intellect. One who begins and goes on in activelove of God and man, will find faith and reverence not diminished butincreased. "

"But aren't there speculations and difficulties?"

"None which real active religion, and love cannot regard as the mereeffects of half-knowledge-—the distortions of a partial view. Ispeak with all my heart, as one who has seen how it has been withmany of my own generation, as well as with myself. "

Johnny bent his head, and the young physician, somewhat surprised atfinding himself saying so much on such points, left that branch ofthe subject, and began to talk to him about his uncle. 

CHAPTER XXII. SHUTTING THE STABLE DOOR. 

Presumptuous maid, with looks intent, Again she gazed, again she bent, Nor knew the gulf between. Grey. 

"Hurrah! It's Johnny!"

"Georgie. Recollect yourself. "

"But, mamma, it was Johnny. "

"Johnny does not come till evening. Sit still, children, or I shallhave to send you to dine in the nursery. "

"Somebody did pass the window, mamma, but I thought it was Rob, " saidJessie, now grown into a very fine-looking, tall, handsome maiden, with a grandly-formed head and shoulders, and pleasant soft browneyes. 

"It was Johnny, " reiterated little George; and at that moment thedining-room door opened, and the decorum of the luncheon dinnerentirely giving way, the three little ones all precipitatedthemselves towards the entering figure, while Jessie and her motherrose at their two ends of the table, and the Colonel, no luncheoneater, came in from the study. 

"What, Johnny, already!"

"The tidal train was earlier than I expected, so I have another half-day. "Well! are you all well?"

"Quite well. Why—-how you are grown! I thought it was Rob when youpassed my window, " said his father. 

"So did I at first, " added Jessie, "but Rob is much broader. "

"Yes, " said his mother. "I am glad you are come back, Johnny; youlook thin and pale. Sit down. Some mutton or some rabbit-pie? No, no, let Jessie help you; you shan't have all the carving; I'm sureyou are tired; you don't look at all well. "

"I was crossing all night, you know, " said Johnny laughing, "and amas hungry as a hunter, that's all. What a blessing to see a niceclean English potato again without any flummery!"

"Ah! I thought so, " said his mother; "they didn't know how to feedyou. It was an unfortunate business altogether. "

"How did you leave those poor boys, Johnny?" asked his father. 

"Better, " said Johnny. "Jock is nearly well, -—will be quite so afterthe baths; and Armine is getting better. He sat up for an hour theday before I came away. "

"And your aunt?" said his father. 

"Wonderful, " said John, with a quiver of feeling on his face. "Younever saw anything like her. She keeps up, but she looks awfullythin and worn. I couldn't have left her, if Dr. Medlicott and LordFordham and his man had not all been bent on saving her whatever theycould. "

Her Serene Highness virtuously forbore a sigh. She never couldbelieve those chains with which Caroline bound all men to her serviceto be either unconscious or strictly proper. However, she only said—-

"It was high time that you came away; you were quite knocked up withbeing left a week alone with Lucas in that horrid place. I can'tthink how your aunt came to think of it. "

"She didn't think, " said John, bluntly. "It was only a week, and itcouldn't be helped. Besides it was rather jolly. "

"But it knocked you up. "

"Oh! that was only a notion of the doctor and my aunt. They said Iwas done up first because I caught cold, and I was glad to wait a dayor two longer at Leukerbad, in hopes Allen and Bobus would have comeout before I went. "

"They come out! Not they!" said the Colonel. "'Tis not the way ofyoung men nowadays to give up anything for their fathers and mothers. No, no, Bobus can't spare a week from his reading-party, but mustleave his mother to a set of chance acquaintance, and Allen-—whompoor Caroline always thinks the affectionate one, if he is nothingelse-—can't give up going to gape at the sun at midnight, and Rob waswanting to make one of their freight of fools, but I told him it wasquite enough to have one son wandering abroad at other people'sexpense, when it couldn't be helped; and that I wouldn't have anotherunless he was prepared to lay down his share in the yacht, out of hispay and allowance. I'm glad you are come home, Johnny; it was quiteright to come as soon as your aunt could spare you, poor thing! Shewrites warmly about you; I am glad you were able to be of use to her, but you ought not to waste any more time. "

"No. I wrote to my tutor that I would be at Eton to-morrow night, intime to begin the week's work. "

"Papa!" cried out Mrs. Brownlow, "you will never let him start sosoon? He is so pulled down, I must have him at home to get him rightagain; and there are all his clothes to look over!"

Colonel Brownlow gave the odd little chuckling noise that meant toall the family that he did not see the force of mamma's objections, and John asseverated that he was perfectly well, and that his Etongarments were all at Hyde Corner, where he should take them up. Meantime, he thought he ought to walk to Belforest to report to hiscousins, and carry a key which his aunt had sent by him to Janet. 

"They will be coming in this evening, " said his mother; "you hadbetter stay and rest. "

"I must go over, thank you, " said John. "There is a book Arminewants to have sent out to him. Jessie, will you walk with me?"

"And me!" cried George. 

"And me!" cried Edmund. 

"And me, Lina go!" cried the smallest voice. 

But the Colonel disconcerted the petitioners by announcing that hehad business at Belforest, and would drive Johnny over in the dog-cart. So Jessie had to console herself by agreeing with her motherthat Johnny looked much more manly, yes, and had an air and styleabout him which both admired very much, though, while Mrs. Brownlowdeemed it the true outcome of the admixture of Friar and Brownlow, Jessie gave more credit to Eton and Belforest, for Jessie was reallyfond of her aunt, to whom she had owed most of her extra gaieties. Moreover, Mrs. Brownlow, though often chafing secretly, had the powerof reticence, and would not set the minds of her children against onewho was always doing them kindnesses. True, these favours were morethan she could easily brook, since her pride and independence werenot, like her husband's, tempered by warm affection. It was hisdoing that the expenses of Johnny's education had been accepted, andthat Esther and Ellen had been sent by their aunt to a good school;thus gratitude, unpalatable though it were, prevented unguardedcensure. She abstained from much; and as there was no quickintuition in the family, even Jessie, the most in her confidence, only vaguely knew that mamma thought Aunt Caroline too clever andfly-away; but mamma was grave and wise, and it was very nice to havean aunt who was young and lively, and always had pleasant thingsgoing on in her house. Jessie always had her full share, not indeedappreciating the intellect, but possessing beauty and charm enough tobe always appreciated there. "Sweetly pretty, " as Mrs. Coffinkeycalled her, was exactly what she was, for she was thoroughly good andunselfish, and a happy, simple nature looked out through her brownsmiling eyes. She was very fond of her cousins, had shared all theanxieties of the last fortnight to the utmost, and was a good dealdisappointed at being baulked of the walk with her brother, in whichshe would have heard so much more about Armine, Jock, and AuntCaroline, than would be communicated in public. 

Johnny, however, was glad of the invitation, even though a little shyof it. The tete-a-tete drive was an approach to the serious businessof life, since it was evidently designed to give opportunity foranswering a letter which he had thought out and written while laid upat Leukerbad by a bad cold and the reaction from his exertions atSchwarenbach. 

Still his father did not speak till they had driven up the hill, andwere near the gates of Belforest. Then he said—-

"That was not a bad letter that you wrote me, Johnny. "

Johnny flushed with pleasure. The letter had cost him much thoughtand pains, and commendation from his father was rare. 

"But it will take a great deal of consideration. "

"Yes, " said Johnny. "You don't disapprove, do you, papa?"

"Well, " said the Colonel, in his ponderous way, "you have advantages, you know, and you might do better for yourself. "

There was a quivering impulse on Johnny's lips to say that it was notto himself that he wanted to do good; but when his father wasspeaking in that deliberate manner, he was not to be interrupted, andthere was nothing for it but to hear him out. 

"Your aunt is providing you with the best of educations, you havegood abilities and industry, and you will be a well-looking fellowbesides, " added the Colonel, glancing over him with an approving eyeof fatherly satisfaction; "and it seems to me that you could succeedin some superior line. Your mother and I had always hoped to see youat the bar. Every opportunity for distinction is given you, and I donot understand this sudden desire to throw them up for a professionof much greater drudgery and fewer chances of rising, unless it werefrom some influence of your aunt. "

"She never spoke of it. She does not know that I have thought of it, nor of my letter to you. "

"Then it is simply from enthusiasm for this young doctor?"

"Not exactly, " said John, "but I always wished I could be like myuncle. I remember hearing mamma read a bit of one of the letters ofcondolence which said 'His was one of the most beautiful lives I haveever known, ' and I never forgot it. It stayed in my mind like ariddle, till I gradually found out that the beauty was in the good hewas always doing—-"

"Ah!" said the Colonel, in a tone betokening that he was touched, andwhich encouraged John to continue, —-

"Besides, I really do like and enter into scientific subjects betterthan any others; I believe it is my turn. "

"Perhaps-—you do sometimes put me in mind of your uncle. But whyhave you only spoken of it now?"

"I don't think I really considered what I should be, " said John. "There was quite enough to think of with work, and cricket, and allthe rest, till this spring, when I have been off it all, and thenwhen I talked it over with Dr. Medlicott, he settled my mind aboutvarious things that I wanted to know. "

"Did he persuade you?"

"No more than saying that I managed well for Jock when I was leftalone with him, and that he thought I had the makings of a doctor inme. He loves his profession of course, and thinks it a grand one. Yes, papa, indeed I think it is. To be always learning the ways ofGod's working, for the sake of lessening all the pain and grief inthe world-—"

"Johnny! That's almost what my brother said to me thirty years ago, and what did it come to? Being at the beck and call night and day ofevery beggar in London, and dying at last in his prime, of diseasecaught in their service. "

"Yes, " said John, with a low, gruff sound in his voice, "but is notthat like being killed in battle?"

"The world doesn't think it so, my boy, " said the soldier. "Well!what is it you propose to do?"

"I don't suppose it will make much difference yet, " said John, "except that at Oxford I should go in more for physical science. "

"You don't want to give up the university?"

"Oh, no! Dr. Medlicott said a degree there is a great help, besidesthat, all the general study one can get is the more advantage, lifting one above the mere practitioner. "

"That is well, " said the Colonel. "If you are to go to theuniversity, there is no need to dwell further on the matter atpresent. You will have had time to see more of the world, and youwill know whether this wish only comes from enthusiasm for a pleasantyoung man who has been kind to you, or if it be your real deliberatechoice, and if so, your mother will have had time to reconcileherself to the notion. At any rate we will say no more about it forthe present. Though I must say, Johnny, " he added, as he turned hishorse's head between the ribbon borders of the approach, "you havethought and spoken like a sensible lad, and so like my dear brother, that I could not deny you. "

If Johnny could hardly believe in the unwonted commendation whichmade his heart throb, and sent a flood of colour into his cheeks. Colonel Brownlow was equally amazed at the boy's attainment of amanly and earnest thought and purpose, so utterly unlike anything hehad hitherto seen in the stolid Rob, or the easy-going Allen, or evenin Bobus, who—-whatever there might be in him—-never thought it worthwhile to show it to his uncle. 

However, discussion was cut short by a little flying figure whichcame rushing across the garden, and Babie with streaming hair clungto her cousin, gasping—-

"Oh! Johnny, Johnny, tell me about Armie and Jock. "

"They are ever so much better, Babie, " said Johnny, lifting the slimlittle thing up in his arms, as he had lifted his own five-year-oldbrother; "I've got a thick parcel of acrostics for you, Armie makesthem in bed, and Lord Fordham writes them out. "

"Will you come to the rosary, Uncle Robert?" said Babie, recoveringher manners, as Johnny set her down. "It is the coolest place, andthey are sitting there. "

"Why, Babie, what a sprite you look, " said Johnny. "You look as ifyou were just off the sick-list too!"

"I'm all right, " said Babie, shaking her hair at him, and bounding onbefore with the tidings of their coming, while her uncle observed ina low voice—-

"Poor little thing! I believe she has been a good deal knocked upbetween the heat and the anxiety; there was no making her eat orsleep. Ah! Miss Elfie, are you acting queen of roses?" as Babiereturned together with Elvira, who with a rich dark red rose over oneear, and a large bouquet at her bosom, justified the epithet at whichshe bridled, and half curtsied in her graceful stately archness, asshe gave her hand in greeting, and exclaimed—-

"Ah, Johnny! are you come? When is Mother Carey going to send forus?"

"When they leave Leukerbad I fancy, " said John. "That's a tiresomeplace for anyone who does not need to lead the life of a hippo-potamus. "

"It can't be more tiresome than this is, " said Elvira, with a yawn. "Lessons all day, and nobody to come near us. "

"Isn't this a dreadful place?" said John, merrily, as he looked intothe rosary, a charming bowery circle of fragrance, inclosed by archesof trellis-work on which roses were trained, their wreaths nowbearing a profusion of blossoms of every exquisite tint, from deepcrimson or golden-yellow, to purest white, while their more splendidstandard sisters bloomed out in fragrant and gorgeous magnificenceunder their protection. 

At the shady end there was a little grass plat round a tiny fountain, whose feather of spray rose and plashed coolness. Near it were seatswhere Miss Ogilvie and Janet were discovered with books and work. They came forward with greetings and inquiries, which Johnny answeredin detail. 

"Yes, they are both better. Armine sat by the window for an hour theday before I came away. "

"Will they be able to come back to Eton after the holidays?" askedhis father. 

"Certainly not Armine, but Jock seems to be getting all right. If hewas to catch rheumatism he did it at the right place, for that's whatLeukerbad is good for. Oh, Babie, you never saw such a lark! Fancya great room, and where the floor ought to be, nothing but muddywater or liquid mud, with steps going down, and a lot of headslooking out of it, some with curly heads, some in smoking-caps, somein fine caps of lace and ribbons. "

"Oh! Johnny; like women!"

"Like women! They are women. "

"Not both together. "

"Yes, I tell you, the whole boiling of them, male and female. There's a fat German Countess, who always calls Jock her liebes Kind, and comes floundering after him, to his very great disgust. The onlythings they have to show they are human still, and not frogs, arelittle boards floating before them with their pocket-handkerchiefsand coffee-cups and newspapers. "

"Oh! like the little blacks in the dear bright bays at SanIldefonso, " cried Elvira. 

"You don't mean that they have no clothes on?" said Babie, withshocked downrightness of speech that made everybody laugh; and Johnnysatisfied her on that score, adding that Dr. Medlicott had made aparody of Tennyson's "Merman, " for Jock's benefit, on giving him upto a Leukerbad doctor, who was to conduct his month's Kur. It was togo into the "Traveller's Joy, " a manuscript magazine, the "firstnumber of which was being concocted and illustrated amongst theLeukerbad party, for the benefit of Babie and Sydney Evelyn. As aforetaste, Johnny produced from the bag he still carried strapped onhis shoulder, a packet of acrostics addressed to Miss BarbaraBrownlow, and a smaller envelope for Janet. 

"Is it the key?" asked Colonel Brownlow. 

"Yes, " said Janet, "the key of her davenport, and directions in whichdrawer to find the letters you want. Do you like to have them atonce, Uncle Robert?"

"Thank you-—yes, for then I can go round and settle with that fellowMartin, which I can't do without knowing exactly what passed betweenhim and your mother. "

Janet went off, observing-—"I wonder whether that is a possibility;"while Miss Ogilvie put in an anxious inquiry for Mrs. Brownlow'shealth and spirits, and a good many more details were elicited thanJohnny had given at home. She had never broken down, and now thatshe was hopeful, was, in spite of her fatigue, as bright and merry asever, and was contributing comic pictures to the "Traveller's Joy, "while Lord Fordham did the sketches. Those kind people were ascareful of her as any could be. 

"And what are her further plans?" asked Miss Ogilvie. "Has she beenable to form any?"

"Hardly, " said Johnny. "They must stay at Leukerbad for a month forJock to have the course of waters rightly, and indeed Armine couldhardly be moved sooner. I think Dr. Medlicott wants them to keep inSwitzerland till the heat of the weather is over, and then winter inthe south. "

"And when may I go to Armine?"

"When shall we get away from here?" asked Babie and Elfie in abreath. 

"I don't quite know, " said John. "There is not much room to spare inthe hotel where they are at Leukerbad, and it is a dreadfully slowplace. Evelyn is growling like a dozen polar bears at it. "

"Why isn't he gone back with you to Eton?"

"I believe it was settled that he was not to go back this half, forfear of his lungs, and you see he is a swell who takes it easily. Hewould have been glad enough to return with me though, and wouldscarcely have endured staying, but that he is so fond of Jock. "

"What is there to be done there?"

"Nothing, except to wade in tepid mud. Fordham has routed out aGerman to read Faust with, and that puts Evelyn into a sweet temper. They go on expeditions, and do sketching and botany, which amusesArmine; but they get up some fun over the queer people, and _do_ themfor the mag. , but it is all deadly lively, not that I saw much of it, for we only got down from Schwarenbach on Monday, and they kept me inbed all the two next days; but Jock and Evelyn hate it awfully. Indeed Jock is so down in the mouth altogether I don't know what tomake of him, and just when the German doctors say the treatment makespeople particularly brisk and lively. "

"Perhaps what makes a German lively makes an Englishman grave, "sagely observed Babie. 

"Jock grave must be a strange sight, " said the Colonel; "I am afraidhe can't be recovering properly. "

"The doctor thinks he is, " said John; "but then he doesn't know thenature of the Skipjack. But, " he added, in a low voice, "that nightwas enough to make any one grave, and it was much the worst to Jock, because he kept his senses almost all the time, and was a good dealhurt besides to begin with. His sprain is still so bad that he hasto be carried upstairs and to go to the baths in a chair. "

"And do you think, " said the Colonel, "that this young lord is goingto stay on all this time in this dull place for the sake of an utterstranger?". 

"Jock and Evelyn were always great friends at Eton, " said John. "Thenmy uncle did something, I don't know what, that Medlicott is gratefulfor, and they have promised to see Armine through this illness. Theplace agrees with Fordham; they say he has never been so well oractive since he came out. "

"What is he like?" inquired Babie. 

"Like, Babie? Like anything long and limp you can think of. He sitsall in a coil and twist, and you don't think there's much of him; butwhen he gets up and pulls himself upright, you go looking and lookingtill you don't know where's the top of him, till you see a thin whiteface in washed-out hair. He is a good fellow, awfully kind, and Isuppose he can't help being such a tremendous-—" John hesitated, indeference to his father, for a word that was not slang, and finallychose "don. "

"Oh, " sighed Babie, "Armie said in his note he was jolly beyonddescription. "

"Well, so he is, " said John; "he plays chess with Armie, and bringshim flowers and books, and waits on him as you used to do on a sickdoll. And that's just what he is; he ought to have been a woman, andhe would have been much happier too, poor fellow. I'd rather be deadat once than drag about such a life of coddling as he does. "

"Poor lad!" said his father. "Did Janet understand that I waswaiting for those letters, I wonder?"

"You had better go and see, Babie, " said Miss Ogilvie. "Perhaps shecannot find them. "

Babie set off, and John proceeded to explain that Mrs. Evelyn wasstill detained in London by old Lady Fordham, who continued to bekept between life and death by her doctors. Meantime, the sons coulddispose of themselves as they pleased, while under the care of Dr. Medlicott, and were not wanted at home, so that there was littledoubt but that they would remain with Armine as long as he neededtheir physician's care. 

All the while Elfie was flitting about, pelting Johnny with handfulssnatched from over-blown roses, and though he returned the assault atevery pause, his grey travelling suit was bestrewn with crimson, pink, cream, and white petals. 

At last the debris of a huge Eugenie Grandet hit him full on thebridge of his nose, and caused him to exclaim—-

"Nay, Elfie, you little wretch; that was quite a good rose--not fairgame, " and leaping up to give her chase in and out among the beds, they nearly ran against Janet returning with the letters, and saying"she was sorry to have been so long, but mother's hoards were nevereasy places of research. "

Barbara came more slowly back, and looked somewhat as if she had hada sharper rebuke than she understood or relished. 

Poor child! she had suffered much in this her first real trouble, anda little thing was enough to overset her. She had not readilyrecovered from the petulant tone of anger with which Janet told hernot to come peeping and worrying. 

Janet had given a most violent start when she opened the door of hermother's bedroom where the davenport stood; and Janet much resentedbeing startled; no doubt that was the reason she was so cross, thought Barbara, but still it was very disagreeable. 

That room was the child's also. She had been her mother's bed-fellowever since her father's death, and she felt her present solitude. The nights were sultry, and her sleep had been broken of late. 

That night she was in a slumber as cool as a widely-opened windowwould make it, but not so sound that she was not haunted all the timeby dread for Armine. 

Suddenly she was awakened to full consciousness by seeing a light inthe room. No, it was not the maid putting away her dresses. It wasJanet, bending over her mother's davenport. 

Babie started up. 

"Janet! Is anything the matter?"

"Nothing! Nonsense! go to sleep, child. "

"What are you about?"

"Never mind. Only mother keeps her things in such a mess; I wassetting them to rights after disturbing them to find the book. "

There was something in the tone like an apology. 

Babie did not like it, but she well knew that she should becontemptuously put down if she attempted an inquiry, far less aremonstrance, with Janet. Only, with a puzzled sort of watch-dogsense, she sat up in bed and stared. 

"Why don't you lie down?" said Janet. 

Babie did lie down, but on her back, her head high up on the pillow, and her eyes well open still. 

Perhaps Janet did not like it, for she gave an impatient shuffle tothe papers, shut the drawer with a jerk, locked it, took up hercandle, and went away without vouchsafing a "good-night. "

Babie lay wondering. She knew that the davenport contained all thatwas most sacred and precious to her mother, as relics of her oldlife, and that only dire necessity would have made her let anyonetouch it. What could Janet mean? To speak would be of no use. One-and-twenty was not likely to listen to thirteen, though Babie, in herdreamy wakefulness, found herself composing conversations in whichshe made eloquent appeals to Janet, which she was never likely toutter. 

At last the morning twitterings began outside, doves cooed, peacocksmiawed, light dawned, and Babie's perceptions cleared themselves. Inthe wainscoted room was a large closet, used for hanging up cloaksand dresses, and fortunately empty. No sooner did the light begin toreflect itself in its polished oak-panelled door, than an idea struckBabie, and bounding from her bed, she opened the door, wheeled in thedavenport, shut it in, turned the big rusty key with both hands and adesperate effort, then repairing to her own little inner room, disturbed the honourable retirement of the last and best-beloved ofher dolls in a pink-lined cradle in a disused doll's house, andlaying the key beneath the mattress, felt heroically ready for thethumbscrew rather than yield it up. She knew Armine would say shewas right, and be indignant that Janet should meddle with mother'sprivate stores. So she turned over on the pillow, cooled by themorning breeze, and fell into a sound sleep, whence she was onlyroused by the third "Miss Barbara, " from her maid. 

She heard no more of the matter, and but for the absence of thedavenport could really have thought it all a dream. 

She was driving her two little fairy ponies to Kenminster withElvira, to get the afternoon post, when a quiet, light step came intothe bedroom, and Janet stood within it, looking for the davenport, asif she did not quite believe her senses. However, rememberingBabie's eyes, she had her suspicions. She looked into the littlegirl's room and saw nothing, then tried the closet door, and findingit locked, came to a tolerably correct guess as to what had become ofit, and felt hotly angry at "that conceited child's meddling folly. "

For the awkward thing was that the clasped memorandum-book, containing "Magnum Bonum, " was in her hand, locked out of, instead ofinto, its drawer. 

When searching for the account-book for her uncle, it had, as itwere, offered itself to her; and though so far from being green, with"Garden" marked on it, it was Russia leather, and had J. B. Upon it. She had peeped in and read "Magnum Bonum" within the lid. All daythe idea had haunted her, that there lay the secret, in the charge ofher little thoughtless mother, who, ignorant of its true value, anddeterred by uncomprehended words and weak scruples, was withholdingit from the world, and depriving her own family, and what was worstof all, her daughter, of the chances of becoming illustrious. 

"I am his daughter as much as hers, " thought she. "Why should shedeprive me of my inheritance?"

Certainly Janet had been told that the great arcanum could not bedealt with by a woman; but this she did not implicitly believe, andshe was in consequence the more curious to discover what it reallywas, and whether it was reasonable to sacrifice the best years of herlife to preparing for it. The supposed unfairness of her exclusionseemed to her to justify the act, and thus it was that she had stolento the davenport when she supposed that her little sister would beasleep, and finding it impossible to attend or understand withBabie's great brown eyes lamping on her, she had carried off thebook. 

She had been reading it even till the morning light had surprisedher, and had been able to perceive the general drift, though she hadleaped over the intermediate steps. She had just sufficientcomprehension of the subject for unlimited confidence that theachievement was practicable, without having knowledge enough tounderstand a tithe of the difficulties, though she did see that theycould hardly be surmounted by a woman unassisted. However, shemight see her way by the time her studies were completed, and in themeantime her mother might keep the shell while she had the essence. 

However, to find the shell thus left on her hands was no slightperplexity. Should she, as eldest daughter left in charge, demandthe desk, Barbara would produce her reasons for its abstraction, andfor this Janet was not prepared. Unless something else was wantedfrom it, so as to put Babie in the wrong, Janet saw no alternativebut to secure the book in her own bureau, and watch for a chance ofsmuggling it back. 

Thus Babie escaped all interrogation, but she did not release thecaptive davenport, and indeed she soon forgot all about it in herabsorption in Swiss letters. 

CHAPTER XXIII. THE LOST TREASURE. 

But solemn sound, or sober thought The Fairies cannot bear;They sing, inspired with love and joy, Like skylarks in the air. Of solid sense, or thought that's grave, You find no traces there. Young Tamlane. 

When old Lady Fordham's long decay ended in death, Mrs. Evelyn wouldnot recall her sons to the funeral, but meant to go out herself tojoin them, and offered to escort Mrs. Brownlow's daughters to themeeting-place. This was to be Engelberg, for Dr. Medlicott haddecided that after the month at Leukerbad all his patients would bemuch the better for a breath of the pine-woods on the Alpine height, and undertook to see them conveyed thither in time to meet theladies. 

This proposal set Miss Ogilvie free to join her brother, who had acuracy in a seaside place where the season began just when the Londonseason ended. Her holiday was then to begin, and Janet was to writeto Mrs. Evelyn and declare herself ready to meet her in London at thetime appointed. 

The arrangement was not to Janet's taste. She thought herselfperfectly capable of escorting the younger ones, especially as theywere to take their maid, a capable person named Delrio, daughter ofan Englishwoman and a German waiter, and widow of an Italian courier, who was equal to all land emergencies, and could speak any language. She belonged to the young ladies. Their mother, not liking strangersabout her, had, on old nurse's death, caused Emma to learn enough ofthe lady's maid's art for her own needs at home, and took care ofherself abroad. 

Babie was enraptured to be going to Mother Carey and Armine, andElvira was enchanted to leave the schoolroom behind her, being fullyaware that she always had more notice and indulgence from outsidersthan at home, or indeed from anyone who had been disappointed at herwant of all real affection. 

"You are just like a dragon fly, " said Babie to her; "all brightnessoutside and nothing within. "

This unusually severe remark came from Babie's indignation atElvira's rebellion against going to River Hollow to take leave. Itwould be a melancholy visit, for her grandfather had become nearlyimbecile since he had had a paralytic stroke, in the course of thewinter, and good sensible Mrs. Gould had died of fever in theprevious autumn. 

Elvira, who had never liked the place, now loathed it, and did notseem capable of understanding Babie's outburst. 

"Not like to go and see them when they are ill and unhappy! Elfie, how can you?"

"Of course I don't! Grandpapa kisses me and makes me half sick. "

"But he is so fond of you. "

"I wish he wasn't then. Why, Babie, are you going to cry? What'sthe matter?"

"It is very silly, " said Babie, winking hard to get rid of her tears;"but it does hurt me so to think of the good old gentleman caringmore for you than anybody, and you not liking to go near him. "

"I can't see what it matters to you, " said Elvira; "I wish you wouldgo instead of me, if you are so fond of him. "

"He wouldn't care for me, " said Babie; "I'm not his ain lassie. "

"_His_ lassie! I'm a lady, " exclaimed the senorita, with the haughtySpanish turn of the neck peculiar to herself. 

"That's not what I mean by a lady, " said Babie. 

"What do you mean by it?" said Elvira, with a superior air. 

"One who never looks down on anybody, " said Babie, thoughtfully. 

"What nonsense!" rejoined the Elf; "as if any lady could like to heargrandpapa maunder, and Mary scold and scream at the farm people, justlike the old peahen. "

"Miss Ogilvie said poor Mary was overstrained with having more toattend to than she could properly manage, and that made her shrill. "

"I know it makes her very disagreeable; and so they all are. I hatethe place, and I don't see why I should go, " grumbled Elvira. 

"You will when you are older, and know what proper feeling is, " saidMiss Ogilvie, who had come within earshot of the last words. "Go andput on your hat; I have ordered the pony carriage. "

"Shall I go, Miss Ogilvie?" asked Babie, as Elfie marched offsullenly, since her governess never allowed herself to be disobeyed. 

"I think I had better go, my dear; Elfie may be under more restraintwith me. "

"Please give old Mr. Gould and Mary and Kate my love, and I will runand ask for some fruit for you to take to them, " said Babie, hertender heart longing to make compensation. 

Miss Ogilvie and her pouting companion were received by afashionable-—nay, extra fashionable--looking person, whom Mary andKate Gould called Cousin Lisette, and the old farmer, Eliza Gould. While the old man in his chair in the sun in the hot little parlourcaressed, and asked feeble repetitions of questions of his impatientgranddaughter, the lady explained that she had thrown up an excellentsituation as instructress in a very high family to act in the samecapacity to her motherless little cousins. She professed to beenchanted to meet Miss Ogilvie, and almost patronised. 

"I know what the life is, Miss Ogilvie, and how one needscompanionship to keep up one's spirits. Whenever you are left alone, and would drop me a line, I should be quite delighted to come andenliven you; or whenever you would like to come over here, there's nointerruption by uncle; and he, poor old gentleman, is quite-—quitepasse. The children I can always dismiss. Regularity is my motto, of course, but I consider that an exception in favour of my ownfriends does no harm, and indeed it is no more than I have a right toexpect, considering the sacrifices that I have made for them. Mary, child, don't cross your ankles; you don't see your cousin do that. Kate, you go and see what makes Betsy so long in bringing the tea. I rang long ago. "

"I will go and fetch it, " said Mary, an honest, but harassed-lookinggirl. 

"Always in haste, " said Miss Gould, with an effort at good humour, which Miss Ogilvie direfully mistrusted. "No, Mary, you must remainto entertain your cousin. What are servants for but to wait on us?She thinks nothing can be done without her, Miss Ogilvie, and I amforced to act repression sometimes. "

"Indeed we do not wish for any tea, " said Miss Ogilvie, seeing Elviralook as black as thunder; "we have only just dined. "

"But Elfie will have some sweet-cake; Elfie likes auntie's sweet-cake, eh?" said the old man. 

"No, thank you, " said Elfie, glumly, though in fact she did careconsiderably for sweets, and was always buying bonbons. 

"No cake! Or some strawberries-—strawberries and cream, " said hergrandfather. "Mr. Allen always liked them. And where is Mr. Allennow, my dear?"

"Gone to Norway. It's the fifth time I've told him so, " mutteredElvira. 

"And where is Mr. Robert? And Mr. Lucas?" he went on. "Fine younggentlemen all of them; but Mr. Allen is the pleasant-spoken one. Ain't he coming down soon? He always looks in and says, 'I don'tforget your good cider, Mr. Gould, '" and there was a feeble chucklinglaugh and old man's cough. 

"Do let me go into the garden; I'm quite faint, " cried Elvira, jumping up. 

It was true that the room was very close, rather medicinal, and notimproved by Miss Gould's perfumes; but there was an alacrity aboutElfie's movements, and a vehemence in the manner of her rejection ofthe said essences, which made her governess not think her casealarming, and she left her to the care of the young cousins, whiletrying to make up for her incivility by courteously listening to andanswering her grandfather, and consuming the tea and sweet-cake. 

When she went out to fetch her pupil to say goodbye, Miss Goulddetained her on the way to obtain condolence on the "dreadful trialthat old uncle was, " and speak of her own great devotion to him andthe children, and the sacrifices she had made. She said she had beenat school with Elvira's poor mamma, "a sweetly pretty girl, poordear, but so indulged. "

And then she tried to extract confidences as to Mrs. Brownlow'sintentions towards the child, in which of course she was baffled. 

Elvira was found ranging among the strawberries, with Mary and Katelooking on somewhat dissatisfied. 

Both the poor girls looked constrained and unhappy, and Miss Ogilviewondered whether "Cousin Lisette's" evident intentions of becoming afixture would be for their good or the reverse. 

"Are you better, my dear?" asked she, affectionately. 

"Yes, it was only the room, " said Elvira. 

"You are a good deal there, are not you?" said Miss Ogilvie to Mary, who had the white flabby look of being kept in an unwholesomeatmosphere. 

"Yes, " said Mary, wistfully, "but grandpapa does not like having mehalf so much as Elvira. He is always talking about her. "

"You had better come back to him now, Elfie, " said Miss Ogilvie. 

"It makes me ill, " said Elvira, with her crossest look. 

Her governess laid her hand on her shoulder, and told her in a fewdecided words, in the lowest possible voice, that she was not goingaway till she had taken a properly respectful and affectionate leaveof her grandfather. Whereupon she knew further resistance was of nouse, and going hastily to the door of the room, called out—-

"Good-bye, then, grandpapa. "

"Ah! my little beauty, are you there?" he asked, in a tone ofbewildered pleasure, holding out the one hand he could use. 

Elvira was forced to let herself be held by it. She hoped to kisshis brow, and escape; but the poor knotted fingers which had oncebeen so strong, would not let her go, and she had to endure many morekisses and caresses and blessings than her proud thoughtless naturecould endure before she made her escape. And then "Cousin Lisette"insisted on a kiss for the sake of her dear mamma; and Elfie couldonly exhale her exasperation by rushing to the pony-carriage, avoiding all kisses to her young cousins, taking the driving seat, and whipping up the ponies more than their tender-hearted mistresswould by any means have approved. 

Miss Ogilvie abstained from either blame or argument, knowing that itwould only make her worse; and recollecting the old Undine theory, wondered whether the Elf would ever find her soul, and think withtender regret of the affection she was spurning. 

The next day the travellers started, sleeping a couple of nights inHyde Corner, for convenience of purchases and preparations. 

They were to meet Mrs. Evelyn at the station; but Janet, who foretoldthat she would be another Serene Highness, soured by having missedthe family title, retarded their start till so late that there couldbe no introduction on the platform; but seats had to be rushed for, while a servant took the tickets. 

However, a tall, elderly, military-looking gentleman with a greatwhite moustache, was standing by the open door of a carriage. 

"Miss Brownlow, " said he, handing them in-—Babie first, next Janet, and then Elvira. 

He then bowed to Miss Ogilvie, took his seat, handed in theappurtenances, received, showed, and pocketed the tickets, negotiatedJanet's purchase of newspapers, and constituted himself altogethercavalier to the party. 

Sir James Evelyn! Janet had no turn for soldiers, and was notgratified; but Elvira saw that her blue eyes and golden hair wereproducing the effect she knew how to trace; so she was graciouslypleased to accept Punch, and to smile a bewitching acceptance of theseat assigned to her opposite to the old general. 

Barbara was opposite to Mrs. Evelyn, and next to Sydney, a girl a fewmonths older than herself, but considerably taller and larger. Mother and daughter were a good deal alike, save that the girl wasfresh plump, and rosy, and the mother worn, with the red colouringburnt as it were into her thin cheeks. Yet both looked as if smileswere no strangers to their lips, though there were lines of anxietyand sorrow traced round Mrs. Evelyn's temples. Their voices weresweet and full, and the elder lady spoke with a tender intonationthat inspired Babie with trustful content and affection, but causedJanet to pass a mental verdict of "Sugared milk and water. "

She immersed herself in her Pall Mall, and left Babie to exchangescraps of intelligence from the brother's letters, and compare noteson the journey. 

By-and-by Mrs. Evelyn retired into her book, and the two little girlsput their heads together over a newly-arrived acrostic, calling onElfie to assist them. 

"Do you like acrostics?" she said, peeping up through her longeyelashes at the old general. 

"Oh, don't tease Uncle James, " hastily interposed Sydney, as yetinexperienced in the difference between the importunities of a merelynice-looking niece, and the blandishments of a brilliant stranger. Sir James said kindly—-

"What, my dear?"

And when Elvira replied—-

"Do help us to guess this. What does man love most below?" he put ona droll face, and answered—-

"His pipe. "

"O Uncle James, that's too bad, " cried Sydney. 

"If Jock had made this acrostic, it might be pipe, " said Babie; "butthis is Armine's. "

It was thereupon handed to the elders, who read, in a boyish hand-writing—-

 Twins, parted from their rocky nest, We run our wondrous race, And now in tumult, now at rest, Flash back heaven's radiant face. 

 1. While both alike _this_ name we bear, And both like life we flow, 2. And near us nestle sweet and fair What man most loves below. 

 Alike it is our boasted claim To nurse the precious juice 3. That maddened erst the Theban dame, With streaming tresses loose. 

 4. The evening land is sought by one, One rushes towards midday, One to a vigil song has run, One heard Red Freedom's lay. 

 Tall castles, glorious battlefields Graced this in ages past, But now its mighty power that yields 5. To work my busy last. 

"Is that your brother Armine's own?" asked Sir James, surprised. 

"O yes, " said Janet with impressive carelessness, "all my brothershave a facility in stringing rhymes. "

"Not Bobus, " said Elvira. 

"He does not think it worth while, " said Janet, again absorbingherself in her paper, while the public united in guessing theacrostic; and the only objection was raised by the exact General, whowould not allow that the "Marseillaise" was sung at the mouth of theRhone, and defended Ino's sobriety. 

Barbara and Sydney lived upon those acrostics in their travellingbags till they reached Folkestone, and had grown intimate over them. Sir James looked after the luggage, putting gently aside Janet'sstrong-minded attempt to watch over it, and she only retained her ownleathern travelling case, where she carried her personals, and which, heavy as it was, she never let out of her immediate charge. 

They all sat on deck, for there was a fine smooth summer sea, and noone was deranged except the two maids, whom every one knew to bealways disabled on a voyage. 

Janet had not long been seated, and was only just getting immersed inher Contemporary, when she received a greeting which gratified her. It was from somewhat of a lion, the author of some startling poemsand more startling essays much admired by Bobus, who had brought himto some evening parties of his mother's, not much to her delectation, since there were ugly stories as to his private character. Thesewere ascribed by Bobus to pious malevolence, and Janet had acceptedthe explanation, and cultivated a bowing acquaintance. 

Hyde Corner was too agreeable a haunt to be despised, and Janet owedher social successes more to her mother's attractions than her own. Conversation began by an inquiry after her brothers, whose adventureshad figured in the papers, and it went on to Janet's own journey andprospects. Her companion was able to tell her much that she wantedto know about the university of Zurich, and its facilities for femalestudy. He was a well-known advocate of woman's rights, and shescrupled not to tell him that she was inquiring on her own account. Many men would have been bored, and have only sought to freethemselves from this learned lady, but the present lion was of thespecies that prefer roaring to an intelligent female audience, without the rough male argumentative interruption, and Janet thusmade the voyage with the utmost satisfaction to herself. 

Mrs. Evelyn asked Babie who her sister's friend was. The answer was, "Do you know, Elfie? You know so many more gentlemen than I do. "

"No, " replied Elvira, "I don't. He looks like the stupid sort ofman. "

"What is the stupid sort of man?" asked the General, as she intended. 

"Oh! that talks to Janet. "

"Is everyone that talks to Janet stupid?"

"Of course, " said Elvira. "They only go on about stupid things nobetter than lessons. "

Sir James laughed at her arch look, and shook his head at her, butthen made a tour among the other passengers, leaving her pouting alittle at his desertion. On his return, he sat down by his sister-in-law and mentioned a name, which made her start and glance aninquiry whether she heard aright. Then as he bent his head inaffirmation, she asked, "Is there anything to be done?"

"It is only for the crossing, and she is quite old enough to takecare of herself. "

"And it is evidently an established acquaintance, for which I am notresponsible, " murmured Mrs. Evelyn to herself. 

She was in perplexity about these friends of her son's. Ever sinceCecil had been at Eton, his beloved Brownlow had seemed to be hisevil genius, whose influence none of his resolutions or promisescould for a moment withstand. If she had acted on her own judgment, Cecil would never have returned to Eton, but his uncle disapproved ofhis removal, especially with the disgrace of the champagne supperunretrieved; and his penitent letter had moved her greatly. Trustingmuch to her elder son and to Dr. Medlicott, she had permitted theparty to continue together, feeling that it might be life or death tothat other fatherless boy in whom Duke was so much interested; andnow she was going out to judge for herself, and Sir James hadundertaken to escort her, that they might together come to a decisionwhether the two friends were likely to be doing one another good orharm. 

Mrs. Evelyn had lived chiefly in the country since her husband'sdeath, and knew nothing of Mrs. Joseph Brownlow. So she looked withanxiety for indications of the tone of the family who had captivatednot only Cecil, but Fordham, and seemed in a fair way of doing thesame by Sydney. The two hats, brown and black, were almost lockedtogether all the voyage, and indeed the feather of one once becameentangled with the crape of the other, so that they had to beextricated from above. There was perhaps a little maternal anxietyat this absorption; but as Sydney was sure to pour out everything atnight, her mother could let things take their course, and watch herdelight in expanding, after being long shut up in a melancholy housewithout young companions. 

Elvira had a tone of arch simplicity which, in such a prettycreature, was most engaging, and she was in high spirits with thepleasure of being with new people, away from her schoolroom and fromEngland, neither of which she loved, so she chattered amiably andamusingly, entertained Mrs. Evelyn, and fascinated Sir James. 

Janet and her companion were less complacently regarded. Certainlythe girl (though less ancient-looking at twenty-one than at fourteen)had the air of one well used to independence, so that she was nogreat subject for responsibility; but she gave no favourableimpression, and was at no pains to do so. When she rejoined theparty, Mrs. Evelyn asked whether she had known that gentleman long. 

"He is a friend of my brother Robert, " she answered. "Shall Iintroduce you?"

Mrs. Evelyn declined in a quiet civil tone, that provoked a mentaldenunciation of her as strait-laced and uncharitable, and as soon asthe gentleman returned to the neighbourhood, Janet again sought hiscompany, let him escort her ashore, and only came back to the othersin the refreshment-room, whither she brought a copy of a Germanperiodical which he had lent her. With much satisfaction Mrs. Evelynfilled the railway carriage with her own party, so that there was noroom for any addition to their number. Nor indeed did they see anymore of their unwelcome fellow-traveller, since he was bound for theHotel du Louvre, and, to Janet's undisguised chagrin, rooms werealready engaged at the Hotel Castiglione. 

They came too late for the table d'hote, and partook of anextemporised meal in their sitting-room immediately on their arrival, as the start was to be early. Then it was that Janet missed her bag, her precious bag! Delrio was sent all over the house to makeinquiries whether it had been taken to any other person's room, butin vain. Mrs. Evelyn said she had last seen it when they took theirseats on board the steamer. 

"Yes, " added Elvira, "you left it there when you went to walk up anddown with that gentleman. "

"Then why did not you take care of it? I don't mean Elfie-—nobodyexpects her to be of any use; but you, Babie?"

"You never told me!" gasped Babie, aghast. 

"You ought to have seen; but you never think of anything but your ownchatter. "

"It is a very inconvenient loss, " said Mrs. Evelyn, kindly. "Haveyou sent to the station?"

"I shall, as soon as I am satisfied that it is not here. I can sendout for the things I want for use; but there are books and papers ofimportance, and my keys. "

"The key of mother's davenport?" cried Babie. "Was it there?O Janet, Janet!"

"You should have attended to it, then, " said Janet sharply. 

Delrio knocked at the door with an account of her unsuccessfulmission, and Sir James, little as the young lady deserved it, concerned himself about sending to the station, and if the bag werenot forthcoming there, telegraphing to Boulogne the first thing inthe morning. 

While Janet was writing particulars and volubly instructing thecommissionaire, Mrs. Evelyn saw Babie's eyes full of tears, and herthroat swelling with suppressed sobs. She held out an arm and drewthe child to her, saying kindly, "I am sure you would have taken careof the bag if you had been asked, my dear. "

"It's not that, thank you, " said Babie, laying her head on the kindshoulder, "for I don't think it was my fault; but mother will be sosorry for her key. It is the key of her davenport, and father'spicture is there, and grandmamma's, and the card with all our hairs, and she will be so sorry. "

And Babie cried the natural tears of a tired child, whom anythingwould overcome after her long absence from her mother. Mrs. Evelynsaw how it was, and, as Delrio was entirely occupied with the hue andcry, she herself took the little girl away, and helped her to bed, tenderly soothing and comforting her, and finding her variousneedments. Among them were her "little books, " but they could not befound, and her eyes looked much too tired to use them, especially asthe loss again brought the ready moisture. "My head feels so funny, I can't think of anything, " she said. 

"Shall I do as I used when Sydney was little?" and Mrs. Evelyn kneltdown with her, and said one or two short prayers. 

Babie murmured her thanks, nestled up to her and kissed her, butadded imploringly, "My Psalm. Armie and I always say our Psalm atbed-time, and think of each other. He did it out on the moraine. "

"Will it do if you lie down and I say it to you?"

There was another fond, grateful nestling kiss, and some of thePsalms were gone through in the soft, full cadences of a voice thathad gained unconscious pathos by having many times used them as atrustful lullaby to a weary sufferer. 

If Babie heard the end, it was in the sweetness of sleep, and whenMrs. Evelyn left her, it was with far less judicial desire to inquireinto the subject of that endless conversation which had lasted, withslight intermission, from London to Paris. She was not long left inignorance, for no sooner had Sydney been assured that nothing ailedBarbara but fatigue, than she burst out, "Mamma, she is the nicestgirl I ever saw. "

"Do you like her better than Elvira?"

"Of course I do, " most emphatically. "Mamma, she loves Sir Kennethof the Leopard as much as I do. "

Mrs. Evelyn was satisfied. While Sir Kenneth of the Leopard remainedthe object of the young ladies' passion, there was not much fear ofany nonsense that was not innocent and happy. 

No news of the bag. Janet was disposed to go back herself or sendDelrio, but Sir James declared this impossible; nor would the Evelynsconsent to disturb the plan of the journey, and disappoint those whoexpected them at Engelberg on Saturday by waiting at Paris fortidings. Janet in vain told herself that she was not under theircontrol, and tried to remain behind by herself with her maid. Theyhad a quiet, high-bred decisive way of taking things for granted, andarranging for her and she found herself unable to resist; butwhenever, in after times, she was unpleasantly reminded of her loss, she always charged it upon them. 

Otherwise the journey was prosperous. Elfie was on the terms of asaucy pet with the General, and Babie's bright, gentle courtesy andunselfishness won Mrs. Evelyn's heart, while she and Sydney were asinseparable as ever. 

In fact Sydney had been made free of Jotapata. That celebratedromance had been going on all these years with the elision of severalgenerations; because though few members of the family were allowed tosee their twenty-fifth year, it was impossible to squeeze them allinto the crusading times; and besides the reigning favourites must betreated to an adventure with Coeur de Lion. 

Even thus abridged, it bade fair to last throughout the journey, boththe little maidens being sufficiently experienced travellers to carelittle for the sights from the French railway, and being onlystimulated to talk and listen the more eagerly when interrupted bysuch trifles as meals, companions, and calls to look at objects farless interesting. 

"Look, my dears; we are coming to the mountains. There is the firstsnowy head. "

"Yes, mamma, " but the hats were together again in the corner. 

"Come, Sydney, don't lose this wonderful winding valley. "

"I see, Uncle James. Beautiful!" popping back instantly with, "Goon, Babie, dear. How did Sir Gilbert get them out of that horriddefile full of Turks? It is true, you said. "

"True that Louis VII. And Queen Eleanor got into that dreadful mess. Armine found it in Sismondi, but nobody knew who Sir Gilbert wasexcept ourselves; and we are quite sure he was Sir Gilbert of theErmine, the son of the brother who thought it his duty to stay athome. "

"Sir Philibert? Oh, yes! I know. "

"There are some verses about the Iconium Pass, written out in ourspotted book, but I can say some of them. "

"Oh, do!"

 "'The rock is steep, the gorge is deep, Mount Joye St. Denys; But King Louis bold his way doth hold, Mount Joye St. Denys. 

 Ho ho, the ravine is 'narrow I ween, Lah billah el billah, hurrah. The hills near and far the Frank's way do bar, Lah billah el billah, hurrah. '

"It ought to be 'Allah el Allah, ' but you know that really does meana holy name, and Armine thought we ought not to have it. It wasdelightful making the ballad, for all the Christian verses have'Mount Joye St. Denys' in the different lines, and all the Turkishones 'Lah billah, ' till Sir Gilbert comes in, and then his war-crygoes instead—-

 "'On, on, ye Franks, hew down their ranks, Up, merry men, for the Ermine! For Christian right 'gainst Pagan might, Up, merry men, for the Ermine!'

but one day Jock got hold of it, and wrote a parody on it. "

"Oh what a shame! Weren't you very angry?"

"It was so funny, one could not help laughing. 

 "'Come on, old Turk, you'll find hot work—- Pop goes the weasel! They cut and run; my eyes, what fun!-- Pop goes the weasel!'"

"How could you bear it? I won't hear a bit more. It is dreadful. "

"Miss Ogilvie says if one likes a thing very much, parodies don'thurt one's love, " said Babie. 

"But what did Sir Gilbert do?"

"He rode up to where Louis was standing with his back against a rock, and dismounted saying 'My liege-—'"

"I thought he was an Englishman?"

"Oh, but you always called a king 'my liege, ' whoever you were. 'Myliege, ' he said-—"

"Look at that charming little church tower. "

"I see, thank you. "

"I see, Uncle James. No, thank you, I don't want to look out anymore. I saw it. Well, Babie, 'My liege—-'"

"Never mind, James, " said Mrs. Evelyn, "one can't be more than inElysium. "

There were fewer conveniences for the siege on the last day of thejourney, when railroads were no more; but something could be done onboard the steamer in spite of importunities from those who thought ita duty to look at the shores of the Lake of Lucerne, and when arrivalbecame imminent, happy anticipation inclined Barbara to a blissfulsilence. Mrs. Evelyn saw her great hazel eyes shining like stars, and began to prefer the transparent mask of that ardent little soulto the external beauty which made Elvira a continual study for anartist. 

CHAPTER XXIV. THE ANGEL MOUNTAIN. 

To your eager prayer, the VoiceMakes awful answer, "Come to Me. "Once for all now seal your choiceWith Christ to tread the boisterous sea. Keble. 

The Leukerbad section of the party had only three days' start of theothers, for Jock was not released till after a whole month's courseof the baths, and Armine's state fluctuated so much that the journeywould not have been sooner possible. 

It had been a trying time. While Dr. Medlicott thought he could notrouse Mrs. Brownlow to the sense of the little fellow's precariouscondition, deadly alarm lay couched in the bottom of her heart, onlykept at bay by defiantly cheerful plans and sanguine talk. 

Then Jock was depressed, and at his age (and, alas! at many others)being depressed means being cross, and very cross he was to hismother and his friend, and occasionally to his brother, who, in somemoods, seemed to him merely a rival invalid and candidate forattention, and whom he now and then threatened with becoming asfrightful a muff as Fordham. He missed Johnny, too, and perhapslonged after Eton. He was more savage to Cecil than to any one else, treating his best attentions with growls, railings, and occasionallyshowers of slippers, books, and cushions, but, strange as it sounds, the friendship only seemed cemented by this treatment, and thisdevoted slave evidently preferred being abused by Jock to being mademuch of by any one else. 

The regimen was very disagreeable to his English habits, and thetedium of the place was great. His mother thought it quite enough toaccount for his captiousness, and the doctor said it was recovery, but no one guessed how much was due to the good resolutions he hadmade on the moraine and ratified with Cecil. To no one else had hespoken, but all the more for his reserve did he feel himself bound bythe sense of the shame and dishonour of falling back from vows madein the time of danger. No one else was aware of it, but John LucasBrownlow was not of a character to treat a promise or a resolutionlightly. If he could have got out of his head the continual echo ofthe two lines about the monastic intentions of a certain personagewhen sick, he would have been infinitely better tempered. 

For to poor Jock steadiness appeared renunciation of all "jest andyouthful jollity, " and religion seemed tedious endurance of whatmight be important, but, like everything important, was to him verywearisome and uninteresting. To him all zest and pleasure in lifeseemed extinguished, and he would have preferred leaving Eton, wherehe must change his habits and amaze his associates. Indeed, he wasbetween hoping and fearing that all this would there seem folly. Butthen he would break his word, the one thing that poor half-heathenJock truly cared about. 

Meantime he was keeping it as best he knew how under thecircumstances, by minding his prayers more than he had ever donebefore, trying to attend when part of the service was read onSundays, and endeavouring to follow the Evelyn sabbatical code, butonly succeeding in making himself more dreary and savage on Sundaythan on any other day. 

By easy journeys they arrived at Engelberg early on a Fridayafternoon, and found pleasant rooms in the large hotel, looking outin front on the grand old monastery, once the lord of half theCanton, and in the rear upon pine-woods, leading up to a snow-crownedsummit. The delicious scent seemed to bring invigoration in at thewindows. 

However, Jock and Armine were both tired enough to be sent to bed, ifnot to sleep, immediately after the-—as yet, scantily filled tabled'hote. The former was lying dreamily listening to the evening bellsof the monastery, when Cecil came in, looking diffident andhesitating. 

"I say, Jock, " he began, "did you see that old clergyman at the tabled'hote?"

"Was there one?"

"Yes; and there is to be a Celebration on Sunday. "

"O! Then Armine can have his wish. "

"Fordham has been getting the old cleric to talk to your mother aboutit. "

Armine was unconfirmed. The other two had been confirmed just beforeEaster, but on the great Sunday Jock had followed his brotherRobert's example and turned away. He had recollected the omission onthat terrible night, and when after a pause Cecil said, "Do you meanto stay?" he answered rather snappishly, "I suppose so. "

"I fancied, " said Cecil, with wistful hesitation, "that if we weretogether it would be a kind of seal to--"

Jock actually forced back the words, "Don't humbug, " which were nothis own, but his ill-temper's, and managed to reply—-

"Well, what?"

"Being brothers in arms, " replied Cecil, with shy earnestness thattouched the better part of Jock, and he made a sound of full assent, letting Cecil, who had a turn for sentiment, squeeze his hand. 

He lay with a thoughtful eye, trying to recall some of the good seedhis tutor had tried to sow on a much-trodden way-side, very ready forthe birds of the air. The outcome was—-

"I say, Evelyn, have you any book of preparation? Mine is-—I don'tknow where. "

Neither his mother, nor Reeves, nor, to do him justice, Cecilhimself, would have made such an omission in his packing, and he washeartily glad to fetch his manual, feeling Jock's reformation his ownsecurity in the ways which he really preferred. 

Poor Jock, who, whatever he was, was real in all his ways, and couldnot lead a double life, as his friend too often did, read and triedto fulfil the injunctions of the book, but only became more confusedand unhappy than ever. Yet still he held on, in a blind sort of way, to his resolution. He had undertaken to be good, he meant thereforeto communicate, and he believed he repented, and would lead a newlife—-if—-if he could bear it. 

His next confidence was—-

"I say, Cecil, can you get me some writing things? We-—at least I—-ought to write and tell my tutor that I am sorry about that supper. "

"Well, he was rather a beast. "

"I think, " said Jock, who had the most capacity for seeing thingsfrom other people's point of view, "we did enough to put him in awax. It was more through me than any one else, and I shall write atonce, and get it off my mind before to-morrow. "

"Very well. If you'll write, I'll sign, " said Cecil. "Mother said Iought when I saw her in London, but she didn't order me. She saidshe left it to my proper feeling. "

"And you hadn't any?"

"I was going to stick by you, " said Cecil, rather sulkily; on whichJock rewarded him with something sounding like—-

"What a donkey you can be!"

However, with many writhings and gruntings the letter was indited, and Jock was as much wearied out as if he had taken a long walk, sothat his mother feared that Engelberg was going to disagree with him. He had not energy enough to go out in the evening of Saturday to meetthe new arrivals, but stayed with Armine, who was in a state ofrestless joy and excitement, marvelling at him, and provoking him bythis surprise as if it were censure. 

With his forehead against the window, Armine watched and did hisutmost to repress the eagerness that seemed to irritate his brother, and at last gave vent to an irrepressible hurrah. 

"There they are! Cecil has got his sister! Oh! and there she is!Babie-—holding on to mother, and that must be Mrs. Evelyn withFordham-—and there's Elf making up already to the Doctor! Aren't youcoming down, Jock?"

"Not I! I don't want to see you make a fool of yourself beforeeverybody!-—I say-—you'll have to come up stairs again, you know!Shut the door I say!"-—shouted Jock, as he found Armine deaf to allhis expostulations, and then getting up, he banged it himself, andthen shuffling back to the sofa, put his hands over his face andexclaimed, "There! What an eternal brute I am!"

A few moments more and the door was open again, and Cecil, with hisarm round his sister, thrust her forwards, exclaiming—-"Here he is, Syd. "

Jock had recovered his gentlemanly manners enough to shake handscourteously, as well as to receive and return Babie's kiss, when sheand Armine staggered in together, reeling under their weight ofdelight. Janet kissed him too, and then, scanning both brothers, observed to her mother—-

"I think Lucas is the more altered of the two. " In which sentimentElvira seemed to agree, for she put her hands behind her andexclaimed—-

"O Jock, you do look such a fright; I never knew how like Janet youwere!"

"You are letting every one know what a spiteful little Elf you canbe, " returned Janet, indignantly. "Can't you give poor Jock a kindergreeting?"

Whereupon the Elf put on a cunning look of innocence and said—-

"I didn't know it was unkind to say he was like you, Janet. "

The Evelyn pair had gone-—after this introduction of Jock and Sydney-—to their own sitting-room, which opened out of that of theBrownlows, and the door was soon unclosed, for the two families meantto make up only one party. The two mothers seemed as if they hadbeen friends of old standing, and Mrs. Evelyn was looking withdelighted wonder at her eldest son, who had gained much in flesh andin vigour ever since Dr. Medlicott's last and most successfulprescription of a more pressing subject of interest than his owncough. 

She had an influence about her that repressed all discords in herpresence, and the evening was a cheerful and happy one, leaving asoothing sense upon all. 

Then came the awakening to the sounds of the monastery bells, and indue time the small English congregation assembled, and one at leastwas trying to force an attention that had freely wandered everbefore. 

The preacher was the chance visitor, an elderly clergyman withsilvery hair. He spoke extempore from Job xxviii. 

 Where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; Neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, "It is not in me:" And the sea saith, "It is not with me. " It cannot be gotten for gold. Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. 

What he said was unlike any sermon the young people had heard before. It began with a description of the alchemist's labours, seeking forever for the one great arcanum, falling by the way upon numerousprecious discoveries, yet never finding the one secret which wouldhave rendered all common things capable of being made of pricelessvalue. He drew this quest into a parable of man's search for the OneGreat Good, the wisdom that is the one thing necessary to giveweight, worth, and value to the life which, without it, is vanity ofvanities. Many a choice gift of thought, of science, of philosophy, of beauty, of poetry, has been brought to light in its time by theseekers, but in vain. All rang empty, hollow, and heartless, likesounding brass or tinkling cymbal, till the secret should be won. And it is no unattainable secret. It is the love of Christ thattruly turneth all things into fine gold. One who has attained thatlove has the true transmuting and transforming power of making lifegolden, golden in brightness, in purity, in value, so as to be "apresent for a mighty King. "

Then followed a description of the glory and worth of the true, noble, faithful manhood of a "happy warrior, " ever going forward andcarrying through achievements for the love of the Great Captain. Each in turn, the protector of the weak, the redresser of wrong, thepatriot, the warrior, the scholar, the philosopher, the parent, thewife, the sister, or the child, the healthful or the sick, whoeverhas that one constraining secret, the love of Christ, has his serviceeven here, whether active or passive, veritably golden, the fruitunto holiness, the end everlasting life. 

Perhaps it was the cluster of young faces that led the preacher thusto speak, and as he went on, he must have met the earnest andresponsive eyes that are sure to animate a speaker, and the power andbeauty of his words struck every one. To the Evelyns it was a newand beautiful allegory on a familiar idea. Janet was divided betweendiscomfort at allusions reminding her of her secret, and oncriticisms of the description of alchemy. Her mother's heart beat asif she were hearing an echo of her husband's thoughts about hisMagnum Bonum. Little Armine was thrilled as, in the awe of drawingnear to his first Communion, this golden thread of life was put intohis hand. But it was Jock to whom that discourse came like a beam oflight into a dark place. When upon the dreary vista of dullabnegation on which he had been dwelling for a month past, came thisvision of the beauty, activity, victory, and glory of true manhood, as something attainable, his whole soul swelled and expanded withjoyful enthusiasm. The future that he had embraced as lead hadbecome changed to gold! Thus the whole ensuing service was to him acontinuation of that blessed hopeful dedication of himself and allhis powers. It was as if from being a monk, he had become a RedCross Knight of the Hospital. Yet, after his soiled, spoiled, reckless boyhood, how could that grand manhood be attained?

Later in the afternoon, when the denizens of the hotel had gone theirseveral ways, some to look and listen at Benediction in the Conventchurch, some to climb through the pine-woods to the Alp, some tosaunter and rest among the nearer trees, the clergyman, with hisGreek Testament in his hand, was sitting on a seat under one of thetrees, enjoying the calm of one of his few restful Sundays; when heheard a movement, and beheld the pale thin lad, who still walked solame, who had been so silent at the table d'hote, and whose dark eyeshad looked up with such intensity of interest, that he had more thanonce spoken to them. 

"You are tired, " said the clergyman, kindly making room for him. 

"Thanks, " said the boy, mechanically moving forward, but then pausingas he leant on his stick, and his eyes suddenly dimmed with tears ashe said, "Oh, sir, if you would only tell me how to begin-—"

"Begin what?" said the old man, holding out his hand. 

"To turn it to gold, " said Jock. "Can I, after being the mad foolI've been?"

They talked for more than an hour; even till Dr. Medlicott, comingdown from the Alp, laid his hand on Jock's shoulder, and told him theevening chill was coming, and he must sit still no longer. And whenthe boy looked up, the restless weary distress of his face was gone. 

Jock never saw that old clergyman again, nor heard of him, unless itwere his death that he read of in the paper six months later. But henever heard the name of Engelberg without an echo of the partingbenediction, and feeling that to him it had indeed been an Angelmountain. 

This had been a happy day to several others. Cecil, after tenminutes with his mother, which filled her with hope and thankfulness, had gone to show his sister the charms of the place, and Armine andBabie, on a sheltered seat, were free to pour out their hearts to oneanother, ranging from the heights of pure childish wisdom to itsdepths of blissful ignorance and playful folly, as they talked overthe past and the future. 

Armine knew there was no chance of an immediate and entire recoveryfor him, and this was a severe stroke to Babie, who was quiteunprepared. And, as her face began to draw up with tears near thesurface, he hugged her close, and consolingly whispered that now theywould be together always, he should not have to go away from his owndear Babie Bunting, and there was a little kissing match, ending byBabie saying, disconsolately, "But you did like Eton so, and you weregoing to get the Newcastle and the Prince Consort's prize, and to bein the eleven and all—-and you were so sure of a high remove! Oh, dear!" and she let her head drop on his shoulder, and was almostcrying again. 

"Don't, don't, Babie! or you'll make me as bad again, " said Armine. "It does come over me now and then, and I wish I had never known whatit was to be strong and jolly, and to expect to do all sorts ofthings. "

"I shall always be wishing it, " said Babie. 

"No, you are not to cry! You would be more sorry if I was dead, andnot here at all, Babie; and you have got to thank God for that. "

"I do-—I have! I've done it ever since we got Johnny's dreadfulletter. Oh, yes, Armine, I'll try not to mind, for perhaps if wearen't thankful, I mayn't keep you at all, " said poor Babie, with herarms round her treasure. "But are you quite sure, Armine? Couldn'tDr. Lucas get you quite well? You see this Dr. Medlicott is veryyoung, " added the small maiden sapiently. 

"Young doctors are all the go. Dr. Lucas said so when mother wroteto ask if she had better bring me home for advice, " said Armine. "He knows all about Dr. Medlicott, and said he was first-rate, andthey've been writing to each other about me. The doctor stethoscopedme all over, and then he did a map of my lungs, Cecil said, to sendin his letter. "

"Oh!" gasped Babie, "didn't it frighten you?"

"I wanted to know, for I saw mother was in a way. She did talk andwhisk about so fast, and made such a fuss, that I thought I must bemuch worse than I knew. So I told Dr. Medlicott I wished he wouldtell me right out if I was going to die, in time to see you, and thenI shouldn't mind. So he said not now, and he thought I should getover it in the end, but that most likely I should have a long time, years perhaps, of being very careful. And when I asked if I shouldbe able to go back to Eton, he said he hardly expected it; and thathe believed it was kinder to let me know at once than let me bestraining and hoping on. "

"Was it?" said Babie. 

"I thought not, " said Armine, "when I shut my eyes and the playing-fields and the trees and the river stood up before me. I thought ifI could have hoped ever so little, it would have been nice. And thento think of never being able to run, or row, or stay out late, andalways to be bothering about one's stockings and wraps, and making amiserable muff of oneself just to keep in a bit of uncomfortablelife, and being a nuisance to everybody. "

Babie fairly shrieked and sobbed her protest that he could never be anuisance to her or mother. 

"You are Babie, and mother is mother, I know that; but it did seemsuch a long burthen and bore, and when-—oh, Babie-—don't you know-—"

"How we always thought you would go on and be something great, and dosomething great, like Bishop Selwyn, or like that Mr. Denison thatMiss Ogilvie has a book about, " said Babie. "But you will get welland do it when you are a man, Armie! Didn't you think about it whenyou heard all about the golden life in the sermon to-day? I thought, "That's going to be Armie's life, " and I looked at you, but you werelooking down. Were you thinking how it was all spoilt, Armie, poordear Armie. For perhaps it isn't. "

"No, I know nobody can spoil it but myself, " said Armine. "And youknow he said that one might make weakliness and sickness just asgolden, by that great Love, as being up and doing. I was going totell you, Babie, I was horridly wretched and dismal one day atLeukerbad when I thought mother and all were out of the way-—gone outdriving, I believe-—and then Fordham came in. He had stayed in, I dobelieve, on purpose--"

"But, but, " said Babie, not so much impressed as her brother wished;"isn't he rather a spoon? Johnny said he ought to have been a girl. "

"I didn't think Johnny was such a stupid, " said Armine, "I only knowhe has been no end of a comfort to me, though he says he only wantsto hinder me from getting like him. "

"Don't then, " said Babie, "though I don't understand. I thought youwere so fond of him. "

"So must you be, " said Armine; "I never got on with anybody so well. He knows just how it is! He says if God gives one such a life, Hewill help one to find out the way to make the best of it for oneselfand other people, and to bear to see other people doing what onecan't, and we are to help one another. Oh, Babie! you must likeFordham!"

"I must if you do!" said Babie. "But he is awfully old for a friendfor you, Armie. "

"He is nineteen, " said Armine, "but people get more and more of thesame age as they grow older. And he likes all our books, and moretoo, Babie. He had such a delicious book of French letters, that helent me, with things in them that were just what I wanted. If we areto be abroad all the winter, he will get his mother to go wherever wedo. Suppose we went to the Holy Land, Babie!"

"Oh! then we could find Jotapata! Oh, no, " she added, humbly, "Ipromised Miss Ogilvie not to talk of Jotapata on a Sunday. "

"And going to the Holy Land only to look for it would be much thesame thing, " said Armine. "Besides, I expect it is up among theDruses, where one can't go. "

"Armie, " in the tone of a great confession, "I've told Sydney allabout it. Have you told Lord Fordham?"

"No, " said Armine, who was less exclusively devoted to the greatromance. "I wonder whether he would read it?"

"I've brought it. Nineteen copybooks and a dozen blank ones, thoughit was so hard to make Delrio pack them up. "

"Hurrah for the new ones! We did so want some for the 'Traveller'sJoy, ' the paper at Leukerbad was so bad. You should hear the versesthe Doctor wrote on the mud baths. They are as stunning as 'FlyLeaves. ' Mr. Editor, I say, " as Lord Fordham's tall figure strodetowards them, "she has brought out a dozen clean copybooks. Isn'tthat a joy for the 'Joy'?"

"Had you no other intentions for them?" said Fordham, detectingsomething of disappointment in Babie's face. "You surely were notgoing to write exercises in them?"

"Oh, no!" said Babie, "only-—"

"She can't mention it on Sunday, " said Armine, a little wickedly. "It's a wonderful long story about the Crusaders. "

"And, " explained Babie, "our governess said we—-that is I-—thought ofnothing else, and made the Lessons at Church and everything elseapply to it, so she made me resolve to say nothing about it onSunday. "

"And she has brought out nineteen copybooks full of it, " addedArmine. 

"Yes, " said Babie, "but the little speckled ones are very small, andhave half the leaves torn out, and we used to write larger when webegan. I think, " she added, with the humility of an aspirantcontributor towards the editor of a popular magazine, "if LordFordham would be so kind as to look at it, Armie thought it might dowhat people call, I believe, supplying the serial element of fiction, and I should be happy to copy it out for each number, if I write wellenough. "

The word "happy, " was so genuine, and the speech so comical, that theEditor had much ado to keep his countenance as he gave considerablehopes that the serial element should be thus supplied in the MS. Magazine. 

Meantime, the two mothers were walking about and resting together, keeping their young people in some degree in view, and discussing atfirst the subject most on their minds, their sons' bodily health, andthe past danger, for which Caroline found a deeply sympatheticlistener, and one who took a hopeful view of Armine. 

Mrs. Evelyn was indeed naturally disposed to augur well whenever thecomplaint was not hereditary, and she was besides in excellentspirits at the very visible progress of both her sons, the one inphysical, the other in moral health, and she could not but attributeboth to the companionship that she had been so anxious to prevent. She had never seen Duke look so well, nor seem so free from languorand indifference since he was a mere child, and all seemed due to hisdevotion to Armine; while as to Cecil, he seemed to have a new springof improvement, which he ascribed altogether to his friend. 

"It is strange to me to hear this of my poor Jock, " said Caroline, "always my pickle and scapegrace, though he is a dear good-heartedboy. His uncle says it is that he wants a strong hand, but don't youthink an uncle's strong hand is much worse than any mother'sweakness?"

"Not than her weakness, " said Mrs. Evelyn. "It is her love, I think, that you mean. There are some boys with whom strong hands are vain, but who will guide themselves for love, and that we mothers aresurely the ones to infuse. "

"My boys are affectionate enough, dear fellows, " said Carolineproudly, forgetting her sore disappointment that neither Allen norRobert had chosen to come to her help. 

"I did not only mean love of oneself, " said Mrs. Evelyn, gently. "I was thinking of the fine gold we heard of this morning. When ourboys once have found that secret, the chief of our work is done. "

"Ah! and I never understood how to give them that, " said Caroline. "We have been all astray ever since their father left us. "

"Do you know, " said Mrs. Evelyn, with a certain sweet shyness, "Ican't help thinking that your dear Lucas found that gold among thestones of the moraine, and will help my poor weak Cecil to keep afast hold of it. "

Mrs. Evelyn's opinion was confirmed, when a few days later came theanswer to Jock's letter to his tutor, pleasing and touching bothfriends so much that each showed it to his mother. Another importantpiece of intelligence came in a letter from John to his cousin, namely that the present Captain of the house, with two or three more"fellows, " were leaving Eton at the Midsummer holidays, and that histutor had been talking to him about becoming Captain. 

Jock and Cecil greatly rejoiced, for the departing Captain had been ayouth whose incapacity for government had been much better known tohis subordinates than to his master, and the other two had been thespecial tempters and evil geniuses of the house, those who above allhad set themselves to make obedience and religion seem contemptible, and vice daring and manly. 

"I should have hated the notion of being Captain, " wrote John, "ifthose impracticable fellows had stayed on, and if I did not feel sureof you and Evelyn. You are such a fellow for getting hold of theothers, but with you two at my back, I really think the house may geta different tone into it. "

"And every one told us what an excellent character it had, " said Mrs. Evelyn, when the letter, through a chain of strict confidence, cameround to her, the boys little knowing how much it did to decide theircontinuance together, and at Eton. Sir James had never been willingthat Cecil should be taken away, and he had become as sensible as anyof the rest to the Brownlow charm. 

That was a very happy time in the pine-woods and the Alp. The wholeof the nineteen copy books were actually read by Babie to Sydney andArmine; and Lord Fordham, over his sketches, submitted to hear a gooddeal. He told his mother that the story was the most diverting thinghe had ever heard, with its queer mixture of childish simplicity andborrowed romance, of natural poetry and of infantine absurdity, ofextraordinary knowledge and equally comical ignorance, of originalityand imitation, so that his great difficulty had been not to laugh inthe wrong place, when Babie had tears in her eyes at the heights ofpathos and sublimity, and Sydney was shedding them for company. Itwas funny to come to places where Armine's slightly superior age andknowledge of the world began to tell, and when he corrected andcriticised, or laughed, with appeals to his elder friend. Babie wasso perfectly good-humoured about the sacrifice of her pet passages, and even of her dozen copybooks, that the editor of the "Traveller'sJoy" could not help encouraging the admission of "Jotapata" into themagazine, in spite of the remonstrances of the rest of his public, who declared it was merely making the numbers a great deal heavierfor postage, and all for nothing. 

The magazine was well named, for it was a great resource. There wereillustrations of all kinds, from Lord Fordham's careful watercolours, and Mrs. Brownlow's graceful figures or etchings, to the doctor'sclever caricatures and grotesque outlines, and the contributions wereequally miscellaneous. There were descriptions of scenery, fragmentary notes of history and science, records more or lessveracious or absurd of personal adventures, and conversations, andadvertisements, such as—-

 Stolen or strayed. —-A parasol, white above, black below, minus a ring, with an ivory loop handle, and one broken whalebone. Whoever will bring the same to the Senora Donna Elvira de Menella, will he handsomely rewarded with a smile or a scowl, according to her mood. 

 Lost. -—On the walk from the Alp, of inestimable value to the owner, and none to any one else, an Idea, one of the very few originated by the Honble. C. F. Evelyn. 

Small wit went a good way, and personalities were by no meansprohibited, since the editor could be trusted to exercise a safediscretion in the riddles, acrostics, and anagrams deposited in thebag at his door; and immense was the excitement when the numbers wereproduced, with a pleasing irregularity as to time, depending on whenthey became bulky enough to look respectable, and not too thick to besewn up comfortably by the great Reeves, who did not mind turning hishand to anything when he saw his lordship so merry. 

The only person who took no interest in the "Traveller's Joy " wasJanet, who could not think how reasonable people could endure suchnonsense. Her first affront had been taken at a most absurddescription which Jock had illustrated by a fancy caricature of "TheFox and the Crow, " "Woman's Progress, " in which "Mr. HermannDowsterswivel" was represented as haranguing by turns with her on thesteamer, and, during her discourse, quietly secreting her bag. Itwas such wild fun that Lord Fordham never dreamt of its being anaffront, nor perhaps would it have been, if Dr. Medlicott would havechopped logic, science, and philosophy with her in the way shethought her due from the only man who could be supposed to approachher in intellect. He however took to chaff. He would defend everypopular error that she attacked, and with an acumen and ease thatbaffled her, even when she knew he was not in earnest, and made herfeel like Thor, when the giant affected to take three blows withMiolner for three flaps of a rat's tail. 

The magazine contained a series of notes on the nursery rhymes, wherethe "Song of Sixpence" was proved to be a solar myth. The pocketfulof rye was the yield of the earth, and the twenty-four blackbirdssang at sunrise while the king counted out the golden drops of therain, and the queen ate the produce while the maid's performance inthe garden was, beyond all doubt, symbolic of the clouds suddenlybroken in upon by the lightning!

Moreover the man of Thessaly was beautifully illustrated, blindinghimself by jumping into the prickly bush of science, where eachgooseberry was labelled with some pseudo study. When he saw his eyeswere out, he stood wondrously gazing after them with his socketswhile they returned a ludicrous stare from the points of thorns, likelobsters. In his final leap deeper into truth, he scratched them inagain, and walked off, in a crown of laurels, triumphant. 

Janet was none the less disposed to leap into her special gooseberry-bush; and her importunity prevailed, so that before Dr. Medlicottreturned to England he escorted her and her mother to Zurich. Thenafter full inquiries it was decided that she should have her will, and follow out her medical course of study, provided she could find asatisfactory person to board with. 

She proposed, and her mother consented, that the two Miss Rays shouldbe her chaperons, of course with liberal payment. Nita could carryon her studies in art, and made the plan agreeable to Janet, whileold Miss Ray's eyes, which had begun to suffer from the copying, would have a rest, and Mrs. Brownlow had as much confidence in her asin any one Janet would endure. 

CHAPTER XXV. THE LAND OF AFTERNOON. 

And all at once they sang, "Our island homeIs far beyond the wave, we will no longer roam. " Tennyson. 

We must pass over three more years and a half, and take up the scenein the cloistered court of a Moorish house in Algeria, adapted toEuropean habits. The slender columns supporting the horse-shoearches were trained with crimson passion-flower and bougainvillia, while orange and gardenia blossom scented the air, and in the midstof a pavement of mosaic marbles was a fountain, tinkling coolness tothe air which was already heated enough to make it impossible tocross the court without protection from the sunshine even at nineo'clock in the morning. 

Mrs. Brownlow had a black lace veil thrown over her head; and bothshe and the clergyman with her, in muslin-veiled hat, had large whitesunshades. 

"Little did we think where we should meet again, and why, Mr. Ogilvie. Do you feel as if you had got into 'Tales of the Alhambra, 'or into the 'Tempest'?"

"I hope not to continue in the 'Tempest, ' at any rate, after thisAlgier wedding. "

"Though no doubt you feel, as I do, that the world goes very like agame at consequences. Who would ever have put together The Vicar ofBenneton and Mary Ogilvie in the amphitheatre at Constantina, eatinglion-steaks. Consequence was, an engaged ring. What the world said, 'Who would have thought it?'"

"The world in my person should say you have been Mary's kindestfriend, Mrs. Brownlow. Little did I think, when I persuaded CharlesMorgan to give himself six months' rest from his parish by readingwith Armine, that this was to be the end of it, though I am surethere is not a man in the world to whom I am so glad to give mysister. "

"And is it not delightful to see dear old Mary? She looks youngernow than ever she did in her whole life, and has broken out of allher primmy governessy crust. Oh! it has been such fun to watch it, so entirely unconscious as both of them were. Mrs. Evelyn and Igloated over it together, all the more that the children had not asuspicion. I don't think Babie and Sydney realise any one being inlove nearer our own times than 'Waverley' at the very latest. Theyreceived the intelligence quite as a shock. Allen said, as if theyhad heard that the Greek lexicon was engaged to the French grammar!It will be their first bridesmaid experience. "

"Did they miss the wedding at Kenminster?"

"Yes; Jessie's old General chose to marry her in the depth of winter, when we could not think of going home. You know I have not been atBelforest for four years. "

"Four years! I suppose I knew, but I did not realise it. "

"Yes. You know there was the first summer, when, just as we got backto London after our Italian winter, poor Armie had such a dreadfulattack on the lungs, that Dr. Medlicott said he was in more dangerthan when he was at Schwarenbach; and, as soon as he could move, wehad to take him to Bournemouth, to get strength for going to theRiviera. I can say now that I never did expect to bring him backagain! But I am thankful to say he has been getting stronger eversince, and has scarcely had a real drawback. "

"Yes, I was astonished to see him looking so well. He would scarcelygive a stranger the impression of being delicate. "

"They told me last summer in London that the damage to the lungs hadbeen quite outgrown, and that he would only need moderate care forthe future. Indeed, we should have stayed at home this year, butlast summer twelvemonth there was a fever, and that set on foot aperquisition into our drains at Belforest, and it was satisfactorilyproved that we ought by good rights to have been all dead of typhoidlong ago. So we turned the workmen in, and they could not of coursebe got out again. And then Allen fell in love with parquet andtiles, and I was weak enough to think it a good opportunity when allthe floors were up. But when a man of taste takes to originality, there's no end of it. Everything has had to be made on purpose, andcertain little tiles five times over; for when they did come out theright shape, they were of a colour that Allen pronounced utterdemoralisation. However, we are quite determined to get home thissummer, and you and Mary must meet there, and show old Kenminster toMr. Morgan. Ah! here she comes, and I shall leave you to enjoy thislucid interval of her while Mr. Morgan is doing his last lessons withthe children. "

"How exactly like herself!" exclaimed Mr. Ogilvie, as Mrs. Brownlowvanished under one of the arches. 

"Like! yes; but much more, much better, " said Mary, eagerly. 

"Ah, do you remember when you told me coming to her was anexperiment, and you thought it might be better for the old friendshipif you did not accept the situation?"

"You triumph at last, David; but I can confess now that for the firstfour years I held to that opinion, and felt that my poor Carey and Icould have loved each other better if our relative situations hadbeen different, and we had not seen so much of one another. My lifeused to seem to me half-unspoken remonstrance, half-trucklingcompliance, and nothing but our mutual loyalty to old times, and dearlittle Babie's affection, could have borne us through. "

"And her extraordinary sweetness and humility, Mary. "

"Yes, I allow that. Very few employers would have treated me as shedid, knowing how I regretted much that went on in her household. However, when I met her at Pontresina, after the boys' terribleadventure in Switzerland, there was an indefinable change. I cannottell whether it is owing to the constant being with such a boy asArmine, while he was for more than a year between life and death, orwhether it was from the influence of living with Mrs. Evelyn; but shehas certainly ever since had the one thing that was wanting to allher sweetness and charm. "

"I never thought so!"

"No; but you were never a fair judge. I think she has owedunspeakably much to Mrs. Evelyn, who, so far as I can see, is thefirst person who, at any rate since the break-up of the originalhome, made conscientiousness, or indeed religion, appear winning toher, neither stiff, nor censorious, nor goody. "

"Is not this close combination of the two families rather odd?"

"I don't think it is. Poor Lord Fordham is very fond of Armine, andhe hates the being driven abroad every winter so much, that themeeting Armine is the only pleasant ingredient. And it has beenconvenient for Sydney to join our school-room party. I was very gladalso, that these last two summers, there have been visits at Fordham. Staying there has given Mrs. Brownlow and the younger ones someinsight into what the life at Belforest might be, but never has been;and they will not be kept out of it any longer. "

"Then they are going home!"

"After the London season. "

"Why, little Barbara is surely not coming out yet?"

"No; but Elvira is. "

"Ah! by the bye, was I not told that I was to have two weddings?"

"Allen wished it, but the Elf won't hear of it. She says she had nonotion of turning into a stupid old married woman before she has hadany fun. "

"Does she care for him?"

"I don't think she is capable of caring for any one much. I don'tknow whether she may ever soften with age; but-—"

"Say it, Mary-—out with it. "

"I never saw such a heartless little butterfly! She did not care arush when her good old grandfather died, and I don't believe she hasone fraction more love for Mrs. Brownlow, or Allen, or anybody else. The best thing I can see is that she is too young to perceive theprudence of securing Allen; but perhaps that is only frivolity, andhe, poor fellow, is so devoted to her, that it is quite provoking tosee how she trifles with and torments him. "

"Isn't it rather good for the great Mr. Brownlow? Not much besideshas contradicted him, I should imagine. "

"His mother thinks that it is the perpetual restlessness in whichElvira keeps him that renders him so unsettled, and that if they wereonce married he would have some peace of mind, and be able to beginlife in earnest. But to hurry on the marriage is such a fearfulrisk, with such a creature as that sprite, that she has persuaded himto wait, and let the child be satisfied by this season in London, that she may not think they are cheating her of her young lady life. "

"It is on the cards, I suppose, that she might see some one whom shepreferred to him?"

"Which might, in some aspects of the matter, be the best thingpossible; but Mrs. Brownlow would have many conscientious scruplesabout the property, and Allen would be in utter despair. "

"Though, of course, all this would be far better than exposing thattropical-natured Spanish butterfly to meeting the subject of a grandpassion too late, " said Mr. Ogilvie. 

"Yes; of course that must be in his mother's mind, though I don'tsuppose she expresses it even to herself. Miss Evelyn is coming outtoo, and is to be presented, which reconciles the younger ones toputting off all their schemes for working at Belforest, after thetrue Fordham and story-book fashion. Besides, Mrs. Brownlow alwaysfeels that she has a duty towards Elvira, even apart from Allen. "

"And what do you think of Allen? He seems very pleasant andgentlemanly. "

"That's just what he is! He has always been as agreeable and nice aspossible all these eight years that I have been with them, and hastreated me entirely as his mother's old friend. I can't help likingAllen very much, and wondering what he would have been if-—if he hadhad to work for his living-—or if Elvira had not been such a littletormenting goose—-or if, all manner of ifs-—indeed; but they allresolve themselves into one question if there be much stuff in him!"

"If not, he is the only one of the family without, except, perhaps, Jock. "

"Oh! if you saw Jock now, you would not doubt that there's plenty ofsubstance in him! He has been a very different person ever since hisillness in Switzerland, as full of life and fun as ever, butthoroughly in earnest about doing right. He had an immense number ofmarks for the army examination, and seems by all accounts to bekeeping up to regular work, now that it is more voluntary. "

"Is he not rather wasted on the Guards!"

"Well, that was Sir James Evelyn's doing. They are glad enough tohave him there to look after his friend, Mr. Evelyn, and it was oneof the cases where the decision for life has to be made before theyouth is old enough to understand his full capabilities. I expectLucas, to give him his right name, will do something distinguishedyet, perhaps be a great General; and I hope Sir James has interestenough to get him employment before he has eaten his heart out ondrill and parade. Now that Armine's health is coming round, I doleave Caroline very happy about the younger half of her family. "

"And the elder half?"

"Well! I sometimes think that there must have been somethingdefective in the management of that excellent doctor and his mother, as if they had never taught the children proper loyal respect forher! The three younger ones have it all right, and the two eldersons are as fond of her as possible; but she never had any authorityover those three from the first. Only Allen is too gentle and hastoo much good taste to show it; while as to the other two, Bobus'scontempt is of a kindly, filial, petting description; Janet's, anasty, defiant, overt disregard. "

"Impossible! They could not dare to despise her. "

"They do, for the very things that are best in her; and so far Ithink the Evelyn intercourse has been unlucky, since they ascribe hergreater religiousness to what it suits their democratic notions toscorn. Not that there is much to complain of in Bobus's manner whenwe do see him. He only uses little stings of satire, chiefly aboutLord Fordham. I don't think he would knowingly pain his mother if hecould help it; and for that reason there is a reserve between them. "

"He is eating his terms in the Temple, is he not? And Janet? Is shestudying medicine still? Does she mean to practise?"

"I can't make out. She has only been with us twice in these fouryears, once at Sorrento and once in London; but she has a very activedislike to Mrs. Evelyn, and vexes her mother by making no secret ofit. I believe she is to take her degree at Zurich this spring, but Idon't think she means to practise. She is too well off for thedrudgery, but she is bent on making researches of some kind, and Ithink I heard of some plan of her going to attend lectures, to whichher degree may admit her, but I am not sure where. The two Miss Raysseem to be happy to escort her anywhere, and that is a sort ofcomfort to Mrs. Brownlow. Miss Ray keeps us informed of theircomings and goings, for Janet seldom deigns to write. "

"It is very strange that there should be such alienation, and fromsuch a mother. "

"The two characters are as unlike as can be, but I have alwaysthought there must be some cause that no one but Janet herself couldperhaps explain. I cannot help thinking that she has some definitepurpose in this study of medicine; for I do not think it is for thesake either of the emancipation of women or of general philanthropy. They must be an odd party. Miss Ray attends to the householdmatters, mends the clothes, and pays the bills. Nita sketches, readsat the libraries, and talks at the table d'hote, like a strong-mindedwoman, as she is; and Janet goes her own way. Bobus looked in onthem once and described them to us with great gusto. "

There Mary's face became illuminated as a step approached, and agentleman with grizzled hair, and a thoughtful, gentle face came out, and sat down on her other side. 

He had been college tutor to her brother, though not much older, andhad stayed on at Oxford, till two years back he had taken a muchneglected living. His health had broken down under the severe workof organising, and he had accepted the easy task of reading withArmine Brownlow for the winter in a perfect climate, as a welcomemode of recruiting his strength. He had truly recruited it in anunexpected manner, and was about to take home with him one who wouldprove such a helpmeet as would lighten all the troubles anddifficulties that had weighed so heavily on him, and remove some ofthem entirely. 

So he came out and testified to the remarkable ability and zeal hehad found in his pupil, and likewise to the spirit of industry whichhad prevented the desultory life of travelling and ill-health fromhaving made him nearly so much behindhand as might have beenexpected. If he only had health to work steadily for the next twoyears, he would be quite as well prepared to matriculate at theuniversity as all but the very foremost scholars from the publicschools. Mr. Morgan thought his intellect equal to that of hisbrother Robert, who had taken a double first-class, but of a finerorder, being open to those poetical instincts which went for nothingwith the materialistic Bobus. 

Wherewith the friends fell into conversation more immediatelyinteresting to themselves, while at the other end of the court, sheltered by a great orange-tree, a committee of the "Traveller'sJoy" was held. 

For that serial still survived, though it could never be called aperiodical, since it was an intermittent, and sometimes came out veryrapidly, sometimes with intervals of many months; but it was alwayssent to, and greatly relished by, the absent members of the originalparty, at first at Eton, and later, two in their barracks, and one athis college at Oxford, whither, to his great satisfaction, he hadgone by means of a well-won scholarship, not at his aunt's expense. 

Jotapata's lengthy romance had died a natural death in the winterthat had been spent between Egypt and Palestine. So far from pickingup ideas from it there, Babie, in the actual sight of Mount Hermon'swhite crown, had begged not to be put in mind of such nonsense, andhad never recurred to it; but the wells of fancy had never beendried, and the young people were happily putting together their bitsof journal, their bits of history, the description of the greatamphitheatre, a poem of Babie's on St. Louis's death, a spiritedtranslation in Scott-like metre of Armine's of the opening of theAEneid, also one from the French, by Sydney, on Arab customs, and allLord Fordham had been able to collect about Hippo, also "The SingleEye, " by Allen, and "Marco's Felucca, " by Armine and Babie inpartnership, and a fair proportion of drollery. 

"There was a space left for the wedding, the greatest event the'Traveller's Joy' had ever had on record, " said Sydney, as shetouched up the etching at the top of her paper, sitting on a lowstool by a low mother-of-pearl inlaid Eastern table. 

"The greatest and the last, " chimed in Babie, as she worked away atthe lace she was finishing for the bride. 

"I don't see why it should be the last of the poor old 'Joy, '" saidLord Fordham, sorting the MSS. Which were scattered round him on theground. 

"Well, somehow I feel as if we had come to the end of a division ofour lives, " returned Babie. 

"Having done with swaddling bands, eh, Infanta?" said Lord Fordham, while Armine hastily sketched in pen and ink, Babie, with her hairflying and swaddling bands off, executing a war-dance. She did notlike it. 

"For shame, Armine! Don't you know how dreadful it is to lose dearMiss Ogilvie?"

"Of course, Babie, " said her brother, "I didn't think you were such aBabie as not to know that things go by contraries. "

"It is too tender a spot for irony, Armie, " said Lord Fordham. 

"Well, " said Armine, "I shall be obliged to do something outrageouspresently, so look out!"

"Not really!" said Sydney. 

"Yes, really, " said Babie, recovering; "I see what he means. Hewould like to do anything rather than sit and think that this is thelast time we shall all be together again in this way. "

"I'm sure I don't see why we should not, " said Sydney. "To saynothing of meetings in England; Duke and Armine have only to coughthree times in October, and we should all go off together again, andbe as jolly as ever. "

"I don't mean to cough, " said Armine, gravely, "I've wasted enough ofmy life already. "

"In our company, eh?" said Sydney, "or are you to be taken bycontraries?"

"No, " said Armine. "One has duties, and lotus-eating is uncommonlynice, but it won't do to go on for ever. I wouldn't have given in toit this winter if Allen hadn't _floored_ us. "

"And then when you thought I had got a tutor, and should do some goodwith him, " chimed in Babie, he must needs go and fall in love andspoil our Miss Ogilvie. "

The disgust with which she uttered the words was so comic, that allthe others burst out laughing. 

And Fordham said—

"The Land of Afternoon was too strong for him. Shall you really pinemuch for Miss Ogilvie, Infanta?"

"I shall miss her dreadfully, " said Babie, " and I think it is verystupid of her to leave mother, whom she has known all her life, andall of us, for a strange man she never saw till four months ago. "

"Oh, Babie, you to be the author of a chivalrous romance!" saidFordham. 

"I was young and silly then, " said the young lady, who was within amonth of sixteen. 

"And all your romances are to be henceforth without love, " saidArmine. 

"I think they would be much more sensible, " said Babie. "Why do youall laugh so? Don't you see how stupid poor Allen always is? And itcan even spoil Miss Ogilvie, and make her inattentive. "

"Poor Allen, " echoed one or two voices, in the same low tone, for asthey peeped out beyond the orange-tree, Allen might be seen, extendedon a many-coloured rug, in an exceedingly deplorable attitude. 

"O yes, " said Sydney; "but if one has such a—-such a-—such an objectas that, one must expect to be stupid and miserable sometimes!"

"She must have been worrying him again, " said Babie. 

"O yes, didn't you see?" said Armine. "No, I remember you didn't goout riding early to-day. "

"No, I was finishing Miss Ogilvie's wedding lace. "

"Well, that French captain, that Elfie went on with at thecommandant's ball, came riding up in full splendour, and trottedalongside of her, chattering away, she bowing and smiling, andplaying off all her airs, and at last letting him give her a greatwhite flower. Didn't you see it in her breast at breakfast? PoorAllen was looking as if he had eaten wormwood all the time when hewas forced to fall back upon me, and I suppose he has been having itout with her and has got the worst of it. "

"O, it is that, is it?" said Lord Fordham; "I thought she wanted topique Allen, she was so empressee with me. "

"If people will be so foolish as to care for a pretty face, " sagelysaid Sydney. 

"You know it is not only that, " said Babie; "Allen is bound in honourto marry Elvira, to repair the great injustice. It is a great pityshe will not marry him now at once, but I think she is afraid, because then, you know, she would get to have a soul, like Undine, and she doesn't want one yet. "

"That's a new view of the case, " said Lord Fordham in his peculiarlazy manner, "and taken allegorically it may be the true one. "

"But one would like to have a soul, " said Sydney. 

"I'm not sure, " said Babie, with a great look of awe. "One wouldknow it was best, but it would be very tremendous to feel all sortsof thoughts and perceptions swelling up in one. "

"If that is the soul, " said Armine. 

"Which is the soul?" said Babie, "our understanding, or our feelings, or both?"

"Both, " said Sydney, undoubtingly. 

"I don't know, " said Babie. "Poor little Chico has double the heartof his mistress. "

"It is quite true, " said Fordham. "We may share intellect withdemons, but we do share what is called heart with animals. "

"I think good animals have a sort of soul, " observed Armine. 

"And of course, Elvira has a soul, " said Sydney, who was gettingbewildered. 

"Theologically speaking-—yes, " said Armine, making them all laugh, "and I suppose Undine hadn't. But it was sense and heart that waswanting. "

"The heart would bring the sense, " said Lord Fordham, "and so we havecome round to the Infanta's first assertion that the young ladyshrinks from the awakening. "

"I'll tell you what she really does care for, " said Babie, "and whatI believe would waken up her soul much better than marrying poorAllen, "

The announcement was so extraordinary that they all turned theirheads to listen. 

"Her old black nurse at San Ildefonso, " said Babie. "I believe goingback there would do her all the good in the world. "

"There's something in that notion, " said Armine. "She is alwaysbetter-tempered in a hot country. "

"Yes, " added Babie, "and you didn't see her when somebody advised ourtrying the West Indies for the winter. Her eyes gleamed, and shepanted, and I didn't know what she was going to do. I told mother atnight, but she said she was afraid of going there, because of theyellow fever, and that San Ildefonso had been made a coaling-stationby the Americans, so it would only disappoint her. But Elfie looked—-I never saw any one look as she did-—fit to kill some one when shefound it was given up, and she did not get over it for ever so long. "

"Take care; here's an apparition, " said Armine, as a brilliant figuredarted out in a Moorish dress, rich jacket, short full white tunic, full trousers tied at the ankles, coins pendulous on the brow, bracelets, anklets, and rows of pearls. It was a dress on whichElvira had set her heart in readiness for fancy balls; it had beenprocured with great difficulty and expense, and had just come homefrom the French modiste who had adapted it to European wear. 

Allen started up in admiration and delight. Even Mr. Morgan wasroused to make an admiring inspection of the curious ornaments anddevices; and Elvira, with her perfect features, rich complexion, darkblue eyes, Titian coloured hair, fine figure, and Oriental air, formed a splendid study. 

Lord Fordham begged her to stand while he sketched her; and Babie, with Sydney, was summoned to try on the bridesmaids' apparel. 

The three girls, Elvira, Sydney, and Barbara acted as bridesmaids thenext day, when, in the English chapel, Mr. Ogilvie gave his sister tohis old friend, to begin her new life as a clergyman's wife. 

What could be called Elvira de Menella's character? Those who knewher best, such as Barbara Brownlow, would almost have soon havethought of ascribing a personal character to a cloud as to her. Shesmiled into glorious loveliness when the sun shone; she was gloomyand thunderous when displeased, and though she had a passionatetemper, and could be violent, she had no fixed purpose, but driftedwith the external impulse of the moment. She had not much mind orpower of learning, and was entirely inattentive to anythingintellectual, so that education had not been able at the utmost to domore than fit her to pass in the crowd, and could get no deeper; andwhat principles she had it was not easy to tell. Not that she did orsaid objectionable things, since she had outgrown her childishoutbreaks; but she seemed to have no substance, and to be kept rightby force of circumstances. She had the selfishness of any littlechild, and though she had never been known to be untruthful, thismight be because there was not the slightest temptation to deceive. She was just as much the spoilt child, to all intents and purposes, as if she had been the heiress; perhaps more so, for Mrs. Brownlowhad always been so remorseful for the usurpation as to be extraindulgent-—lenient to her foibles, and lavish in gifts and pleasures, even inconveniencing herself for her fancies; whilst Allen had, fromthe first, treated her with the devotion of a lover. No stranger hadever supposed that she was not the equal in all respects of the restof the family, nor had she realised it herself. 

CHAPTER XXVI. MOONSHINE. 

But still the lady shook her head, And swore by yea and nayMy whole was all that he had said, And all that he could say. W. M. Praed. 

Mrs. Brownlow had intended to go at once to London on her return toEngland, but the joint entreaties of Armine and Barbara prevailed onher to give them one week at Belforest, now in that early springbeauty in which they had first seen it. 

How delightful the arrival was! Easter had been very late, so it wasthe last week of the vacation, and dear old Friar John's handsomeface was the first thing they saw at the station, and then hisfather's portly form, with a tall pretty creature on each side ofhim, causing Babie to fall back with a cry of glad amazement, "Oh!Essie and Ellie! Such women!"

Then the train stopped, and there was a tumult of embracings andwelcomes, in the midst of which Jock appeared, having just come bythe down train. 

"You'll all come to dinner this evening?" entreated Caroline. "Mylove to Ellen. Tell her you must all of you come. "

It was a most delightsome barouche full that drove from the station. Jock took the reins, and turned over coachman and footman to thebreak, and in defiance of dignity, his mother herself sprang upbeside him. The sky was blue, the hedges were budding with purelight-green above, and resplendent with rosy campion and whitespangles of stitchwort below. Stars of anemone, smiling bunches ofprimrose, and azure clouds of bluebell made the young hearts leap asat that first memorable sight. Armine said he was ready to hurrahand throw up his hat, and though Elvira declared that she saw nothingto be so delighted about, they only laughed at her. 

Gorgeous rhododendrons and gay azaleas rose in brilliant massesnearer the house, beds of hyacinths and jonquils perfumed the air, judiciously arranged parterres of gay little Van Thol tulips andwhite daisies flashed on the eyes of the arriving party, while theexquisite fresh green provoked comparisons with parched Africa. 

Bobus was standing on the steps to receive them, and when they hadcrossed the hall, with due respect to its Roman mosaic pavement, theyfound the Popinjay bowing, dancing, and chattering for joy, and teaand coffee for parched throats in the favourite Dresden set in themorning room, the prettiest and cosiest in the house. 

"How nice it is! We are all together except Janet, ' exclaimed Babie. 

"And Janet is coming to us in London, " said her mother. "Did you seeher on her way to Edinburgh boys?"

"No, " said Jock. "She never let us know she was there. "

"But I'll tell you an odd thing I have just found out, " said Bobus. "It seems she came down here on her way, unknown to anyone, got outat the Woodside station, and walked across here. She told Brock thatshe wanted something out of the drawers of her library-table, ofwhich the key had been lost, and desired him to send for Higg tobreak it open; but Brock wouldn't hear of it. He said his Missus hadleft him in charge, and he could not be answerable to her for havinglocks picked without her authority-—or leastways the Colonel's. Hesaid Miss Brownlow was in a way about it, and said as how it was herown private drawer that no one had a right to keep her out of, but hestood to his colours; he said the house was Mrs. Brownlow's, andunder his care, and he would have no tampering with locks, except byher authority or the Colonel's. He even offered to send toKenminster if she would write a note to my uncle, but she said shehad not time, and walked off again, forbidding him to mention thatshe had been here. "

"Janet always was a queer fish!" said Jock. 

"Poor Janet, I suppose she wanted some of her notes of lectures, "said her mother. "Brock's sound old house-dog instinct must havebeen very inconvenient to her. I must write and ask what shewanted. "

"But she forbade him to mention it, " said Bobus. 

"Of course that was only to avoid the fuss there would have been ifit had been known that she had been here without coming to Kencroft. By the bye, I didn't tell Brock those good people were coming todinner. How well the dear old Monk looks, and how charming Essie andEllie! But I shall never know them apart, now they are both the samesize. "

"You won't feel that difficulty long, " said Bobus. "There really isno comparison between them. "

"Just the insipid English Mees, " said Elvira. "You should hear whatthe French think of the ordinary English girl!"

"So much the better, " said Bobus. "No respectable English girl wouldwish for a foreigner's insulting admiration. "

"Well done, Bobus! I never heard such an old-fashioned insularsentiment from you. One would think it was your namesake. By thebye, where is the great Rob?"

"At Aldershot, " said Jock. "I assure you he improves as he growsolder. I had him to dine the other day at our mess, and he cut acapital figure by judiciously holding his tongue and looking such afine fellow, that people were struck with him. "

"There, " said Armine, slyly, "he has the seal of the Guards'approval. "

Jock could afford to laugh at himself, for he was entirely devoid ofconceit, but he added, good humouredly—-

"Well, youngster, I can tell you it goes for something. I wasn't atall sure whether the ass mightn't get his head out of the lion-skin. "

"Oh, yes! they are all lions and no asses in the Guards, " said Babie;whereupon Jock fell on her, and they had a playful skirmish. 

Nobody came to dinner but John and his two sisters. It had turnedout that the horse had been too much worked to be used again, andthere was a fine moon, so that the three had walked over together. Esther and Eleanor Brownlow had always been like twins, and were morethan ever so now, when both were at the same height of five feeteight, both had the same thick glossy dark-brown hair, done in thevery same rich coils, the same clearly-cut regular profiles, ovalfaces, and soft carnation cheeks, with liquid brown eyes, underpencilled arches. Caroline was in confusion how to distinguish them, and trusted at first solely to the little coral charms which formedEsther's ear-rings, but gradually she perceived that Esther was lessplump and more mobile than her sister-—her colour was more variable, and she seemed as timid as ever, while Eleanor was developing thesturdy Friar texture. Their aunt had been the means of sending themto a good school, and they had a much more trained and less homelyappearance than Jessie at the same age, and seemed able to take theirpart in conversation with their cousins, though Essie was manifestlyafraid of her aunt. They had always been fond of Barbara, and tookeager possession of her, while John's Oxford talk was welcome toall, -—and it was a joyous evening of interchange of travellers'anecdotes and local and family news, but without any remarkablefeature till the time came for the cousins to return. They hadabsolutely implored not to be sent home in the carriage, but to walkacross the park in the moonlight; and it was such a lovely night thatwhen Bobus and Jock took up their hats to come with them, Babiebegged to go too, and the same desire strongly possessed her mother, above all when John said, "Do come, Mother Carey;" and "rowed her ina plaidie. "

That youthful inclination to frolic had come on her, and she onlywaited to assure herself that Armine did not partake of her madness, but was wisely going to bed. Allen was holding out a scarf toElvira, but she protested that she hated moonlight, and that it was asharp frost, and she went back to the fire. 

As they went down the steps in the dark shadow of the house, Johngave his aunt his arm, and she felt that he liked to have her leaningon him, as they walked in the strong contrasts of white light anddark shade in the moonshine, and pausing to look at the wonderfulsnowy appearance of the white azaleas, the sparkling of the fountain, and the stars struggling out in the pearly sky; but John soon grewsilent, and after they had passed the garden, said—-

"Aunt Caroline, if you don't mind coming on a little way, I want toask you something. "

The name, Aunt Caroline, alarmed her, but she professed her readinessto hear. 

"You have always been so kind to me" (still more alarming, thoughtshe); "indeed, " he added, "I may say I owe everything to you, and Ishould like to know that you would not object to my making medicinemy profession. "

"My dear Johnny!" in an odd, muffled voice. 

"Had you rather not?" he began. 

"Oh, no! Oh, no, no! It is the very thing. Only when you began Iwas so afraid you wanted to marry some dreadful person!"

"You needn't be afraid of that. Ars Medico, will be bride enough forme till I meet another Mother Carey, and that I shan't do in ahurry. "

"You silly fellow, you aren't practising the smoothness of tongue ofthe popular physician. "

"Don't you think I mean it?" said John, rather hurt. 

"My dear boy, you must excuse me. It is not often one gets so manycompliments in a breath, besides having one of the first wishes ofone's heart granted. "

"Do you mean that you really wished this?"

"So much that I am saying, 'Thank God!' in my heart all the time. "

"Well, my father and mother thought you might be wishing me to be abarrister, or something swell. "

"As if I could-—as if I ever could be so glad of anything, " said shewith rejoicing that surprised him. "It is the only thing that couldmake up for none of my own boys taking that line. I can't tell younow how much depends on it, John, you will know some day. Tell mewhat put it into your head—-"

He told her, as he had told his father nearly four years before, howthe dim memory of his uncle had affected him, and how the bent hadbeen decidedly given by his attendance on Jock, and his intercoursewith Dr. Medlicott. At Oxford, he had availed himself of allopportunities, and had come out honourably in all examinations, including physical science, and he was now reading for his degree, meaning to go up for honours. His father, finding him steady to hispurpose, had consented, and his mother endured, but still hoped hisaunt would persuade him out of it. She was so far from any suchintention, that a hint of the Magnum Bonum had very nearly beensurprised out of her. For the first time since Belforest had come toher, did she feel in the course of carrying out her husband'sinjunctions; and she felt strengthened against that attack from Janetto which she looked forward with dread. She talked with John of hisplans till they actually reached the lodge gate, and there foundJock, Babie, and Eleanor chattering merrily about fireflies andglowworms a little way behind, and Bobus and Esther paired togethermuch further back. When all had met at the gate and the partinggood-nights had been spoken, Bobus became his mother's companion, andtalked all the way home of his great satisfaction at her wanderingtime being apparently over, of his delight in her coming to settle athome at last, his warm attachment to the place, and his desire tocultivate the neighbouring borough with a view to representing it inParliament, since Allen seemed to be devoid of ambition, and so muchto hate the mud and dust of public life, that he was not likely toplunge into it, unless Elvira should wish for distinction. ThenBobus expatiated on the awkward connection the Goulds would be forAllen, stigmatising the amiable Lisette, who of course by this timehad married poor George Gould, as an obnoxious, presuming woman, whomit would be very difficult to keep in her right position. It was nota bad thing that Elvira should have a taste of London society, tomake her less likely to fall under her influence. 

"That is not a danger I should have apprehended, " said Caroline. 

"The woman can fawn, and that is exactly what a haughty being likeElvira likes. She is always pining for a homage she does not get inthe family. "

"Except from poor Allen. "

"Except from Allen, but that is a matter of course. He is a slave tobe flouted! Did you ever see a greater contrast than that betweenher and our evening guests?"

"Esther and Eleanor? They have grown up into very sweet-lookinggirls. "

"Not that there can be any comparison between them. Essie has noneof the ponderous Highness in her—-only the Serenity. "

"Yes, there is a very pleasant air of innocent candour about theirfaces—-"

"Just what it does a man good to look at. It is like going out intothe country on a spring morning. And there is very real beauty too—-"

"Yes, Kencroft monopolises all the good looks of the family. What afine fellow the dear old Friar has grown. "

"If you bring out those two girls this year, you will take the shineout of all the other chaperons!"

"I wonder whether your aunt would like it. "

"She never made any objection to Jessie's going out with you. "

"No. I should like it very much; I wonder I had not thought of itbefore, but I had hardly realised that Essie and Ellie were olderthan Babie, but I remember now, they are eighteen and seventeen. "

"It would be so good for you to have something human and capable of alittle consideration to go out with, " added Bobus, "not to be tied tothe tail of a will-of-the-wisp like that Elf-—I should not like thatfor you. "

"I am not much afraid, " said Caroline. "You know I don't stand insuch awe of the little donna, and I shall have my Guardsman to takecare of me when we are too frivolous for you. But it would be verynice to have those two girls, and make it pleasanter for my Infanta, who will miss Sydney a good deal. "

"I thought the Evelyns were to be in town. "

"Yes, but their house is at the other end of the park. What are Jockand the Infanta looking at?"

Jock and Babie, who were on a good way in advance in very happy andeager conversation, had come to a sudden stop, and now turned round, exclaiming "Look, mother! Here's the original Robin Goodfellow. "

And on the walk there was a most ludicrous shadow in the moonlight, agrotesque, dancing figure, with one long ear, and a hand held up inwarning. It was of course the shadow of the Midas statue, which theboys had never permitted to be restored to its pristine state. Oneear had however crumbled away, but in the shadow this gave the figurethe air of cocking the other, in the most indescribably comicalmanner, and the whole four stood gazing and laughing at it. Therewas a certain threatening attitude about its hand, which, Jock said, looked as if the ghost of old Barnes had come to threaten them forthe wasteful expenditure of his hoards. Or, as Babie said, it wasmore like the ghastly notion of Bertram Risingham in Rokeby, of somephantom of a murdered slave protecting those hoards. 

"I don't wonder he threatens, " said Caroline. "I always thought hemeant that audacious trick to have forfeited the hoards. "

"Very lucky he was balked, " said Bobus, "not only for us, but forhuman nature in general. Fancy how insufferable that Elf would havebeen if she had been dancing on gold and silver. "

"Take care!" muttered Jock, under his breath. "There's her swaincoming; I see his cigar. "

"And we really shall have it Sunday morning presently, " said hismother, "and I shall get into as great a scrape as I did in the olddays of the Folly. "

It was a happy Sunday morning. The Vicar of Woodside had muchimproved the Church and services with as much assistance in the wayof money as he chose to ask for from the lady of Belforest, thoughhitherto he had had nothing more; but he and his sister auguredbetter things when the lady herself with her daughter and her twoyoungest sons came across the park in the freshness of the morning tothe early Celebration. The sister came out with them and asked themto breakfast. Mrs. Brownlow would not desert Allen and Bobus, butshe wished Armine to spare himself more walking. Moreover, Babiediscovered that some desertion of teachers would render their aid atthe Sunday School desirable on that morning. 

This was at present her ideal of Sunday occupation, and she hadgained a little fragmentary experience under Sydney's guidance atFordham. So she was in a most engaging glow of shy delight, and thetidy little well-trained girls who were allotted to her did notdiminish her satisfaction. To say that Armine's positive enjoymentwas equal to hers would not be true, but he had intended all his lifeto be a clergyman, and he was resolved not to shrink from his firstexperience of the kind. The boys were too much impressed, by theapparition of one of the young gentlemen from Belforest, to comportthemselves ill, but they would probably not have answered hisquestions even had they been in their own language, and they staredat him in a stolid way, while he disadvantageously contrasted themwith the little ready-tongued peasant boys of Italy. However, he hadjust found the touch of nature which made the world kin, and had madetheir eyes light up by telling them of a scene he had beheld inPalestine, illustrating the parable they had been repeating, when thechange in the Church bells was a signal for leaving off. 

Very happy and full of plans were the two young things, much pleasedwith the clergyman and his sister, who were no less charmed with thelittle, bright, brown-faced, lustrous-eyed girl, with her eager yetdiffident manner and winning vivacity, and with the slender, delicate, thoughtful lad, whose grave courtesy of demeanour sat soprettily upon him. 

Though not to compare in numbers, size, or beauty with the Kencroftflock, the Belforest party ranged well in their seat at Church, forRobert never failed to accompany his mother once a day, as aconcession due from son to mother. It was far from satisfying her. Indeed there was a dull, heavy ache at her heart whenever she lookedat him, for however he might endeavour to conform, like MarcusAurelius sacrificing to the gods, there was always a certain half-patronising, half-criticising superciliousness about his countenance. Yet, if he came for love of her, still something might yet strike himand win his heart?

Had her years of levity and indifference been fatal to him? was everher question to herself as she knelt and prayed for him. 

She felt encouraged when, at luncheon, she asked Jock to walk withher to Kenminster for the evening service, after looking in atKencroft, Robert volunteered to be of the party. 

Caroline, however, did not think that he was made quite so welcome atKencroft as his exertion deserved. Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow weresitting in the drawing-room with the blinds down, presumablyindulging in a Sunday nap in the heat of the afternoon, for theColonel shook himself in haste, and his wife's cap was a little lessstraight than suited her serene dignity, and though they kissed andwelcomed the mother, they were rather short and dry towards Bobus. They said the children had gone out walking, whereupon the two ladssaid they would try to meet them, and strolled out again. 

This left the field free for Caroline to propose the taking the twogirls to London with her. 

"I am sure, " said Ellen, "you have always been very kind to thechildren. But indeed, Caroline, I did not think you would haveencouraged it. "

"It?-—I don't quite understand, " said Caroline, wondering whetherEllen had suddenly taken an evangelically serious turn. 

"There!" said the Colonel, "I told you she was not aware of it, " andon her imploring cry of inquiry, Ellen answered, "Of this folly ofRobert. "

"Bobus, do you mean, " she cried. "Oh!" as conviction flashed on her, "I never thought of _that_. "

"I am sure you did not, " said the Colonel kindly. 

"But-—but, " she said, bewildered, "if-—if you mean Esther-—why didyou send her over last night, and let him go out to find her now. "

"She is safe, reading to Mrs. Coffinkey, " said Ellen. "I did notknow Robert was at home, or I should not have let her come withoutme. "

"Esther is a very dear, sweet-looking girl, " said Caroline. "If onlyshe were any one else's daughter! Though that does not sound civil!But I know my dear husband had the strongest feeling about firstcousins marrying. "

"Yes, I trusted to your knowing that, " said the Colonel. "And I relyon you not to be weak nor to make the task harder to us. Remembering, too, " he added in a voice of sorrow and pity that made the wordssound not unkind, "that even without the relationship, we should feelthat there were strong objections. "

"I know! My poor Bobus!" said Caroline, sadly. "That makes it sucha pity she is his cousin. Otherwise she might do him so much good. "

"I have not much faith in good done in that manner, " said theColonel. 

Caroline thought him mistaken, but could not argue an abstractquestion, and came to the personal one. "But how far has it gone?How do you know about it? I see now that I might have detected it inhis tone, but one never knows, when one's children grow up. "

"The Colonel was obliged to tell him in the autumn that we did notapprove of flirtations between cousins, " said Mrs. Brownlow. 

"And he answered—-?"

"That flirtation was the last thing he intended, " said the Colonel. "On which I told him that I would have no nonsense. "

"Was that all?"

"Except that at Christmas he sent her, by way of card, a drawing thatmust have cost a large sum, " said the Colonel. "We thought it betterto let the child keep it without remark, for fear of putting thingsinto her head; though I wrote and told him such expensive trumperywas folly that I was much tempted to forbid. So what does he do onValentine's Day but send her a complete set of ornaments like littlebirds, in Genoa silver—-exquisite things. Well, she was very good, dear child. We told her it was not nice or maidenly to take suchvaluable presents; and she was quite contented and happy when hermother gave her a ring of her own, and we have written to Jessie tosend her some pretty things from India. "

"She said she did not care for anything that Ellie did not have too, "added her mother. 

"Then you returned them?"

"Yes, and my young gentleman patronisingly replies that he'appreciates my reluctance, and reserves them for a future time. '"

"Just like Bobus!" said Caroline. "He never gives up his purpose!But how about dear little Esther? Is she really untouched?"

"I hope so, " replied her mother. "So far it has all been put uponpropriety, and so on. I told her, now she was grown up and come homefrom school she must not run after her cousins as she used to do, andI have called her away sometimes when he has tried to get her alone. Last evening, she told me in a very simple way-—like the child sheis—-that Robert would walk home with her in the moonlight, andhindered her when she tried to join the others, telling me she hopedI should not be angry with her. He seems to have talked to her aboutthis London plan; but I told her on the spot it was impossible. "

"I am afraid it is!" sighed Caroline. "Dear Essie! I will do mybest to keep her peace from being ruffled, for I know you are quiteright; but I can't help being sorry for my boy, and he is sodetermined that I don't think he will give up easily. "

"You may let him understand that nothing will ever make me consent, "returned the Colonel. 

"I will, if he enters on it with me, " said Caroline; "but I think itis advisable as long as possible to prevent it from taking a definiteshape. "

Caroline was much better able now to hold her own with her brotherand sister-in-law. Not only did her position and the obligationsthey were under give her weight, but her character had consolidateditself in these years, and she had much more force, and appearance ofgood sense. Besides, John was a weight in the family now, and hisfeeling for his aunt was not without effect. They talked of hisprospects and of Jessie's marriage, over their early tea. The eldersof the walking party came in with hands full of flowers, namely, thetwo Johns and Eleanor, but ominously enough, Bobus was not there. Hehad been lost sight of soon after they had met. 

Yes, and at that moment he was loitering at a safe distance from thedoor of the now invalid and half-blind Mrs. Coffinkey, to whom theBrownlow girls read by turns. She lived conveniently up a lane notmuch frequented. This was the colloquy which ensued when the tall, well-proportioned maiden, with her fresh, modest, happy face, trippeddown the steps:—-

"So the Coffinkey is unlocked at last! Stern Proserpine relented!"

"Robert! You here?"

"You never used to call me Robert. "

"Mamma says it is time to leave off the other. "

"Perhaps she would like you to call me Mr. Robert Otway Brownlow. "

"Don't talk of mamma in that way. "

"I would do anything my queen tells me except command my tones whenthere is an attempt to stiffen her. She is not to be made intobuckram. "

"Please, Robert, " as some one met and looked at them, "let me walk onby myself. "

"What? Shall I be the means of getting you into trouble?"

"No, but I ought not-—"

"The road is clear now, never mind. In town there are no gossips, that's one comfort. Mother Carey is propounding the plan now. "

"Oh, but we shall not go. Mamma told me so last night. "

"That was before Mother Carey had talked her over. "

"Do you think she will?"

"I am certain of it! You are a sort of child of Mother Carey's own, you know, and we can't do without you. "

"Mother would miss us so, just as we are getting useful. "

"Yes, but Ellie might stay. "

"Oh! we have never been parted. We _couldn't_ be. "

"Indeed! Is there no one that could make up to you for Ellie?"

"No, indeed!" indignantly. 

"Ah, Essie, you are too much of a child yet to understand the forceof the love that—-"

"Don't, " broke in Esther, "that is just like people in novels; andmamma would not like it. "

"But if I feel ten times far more for you than 'the people in novels'attempt to express?"

"Don't, " again cried Esther. "It is Sunday. "

"And what of that, my most scriptural little queen ?"

"It isn't a time to talk out of novels, " said Esther, quickening herpace, to reach the frequented road and throng of church-goers. "

"I am not talking out of any novel that ever was written, " said Bobusseriously; but she was speeding on too fast to heed him, and startedas he laid a hand on her arm. 

"Stay, Essie; you must not rush on like a frightened fawn, or peoplewill stare, " he said; and she slackened her pace, though she shookhim off and went on through the numerous passengers on the footpath, with her pretty head held aloft with the stately grace of thestartled pheasant, not choosing to seem to hear his attempts ataddressing her, and taking refuge at last in the innermost recessesof the family seat at Church, though it was full a quarter to five. 

There the rest of the party found her, and as they did not findBobus, they concluded that all was safe. However, when the two Johnswere walking home with Mother Carey, Bobus joined them, and soon madehis mother fall behind with him, asking her, "I hope your eloquenceprevailed. "

"Far from it, Bobus, " she said. "In fact you have alarmed them. "

"H. S. H. Doesn't improve with age, " he replied carelessly. "Shenever troubled herself about Jessie. "

"Perhaps no one gave her cause. My dear boy, I am very sorry foryou, " and she laid her hand within his arm. 

"Have they been baiting you? Poor little Mother Carey!" he said. "Force of habit, you know, that's all. Never mind them. "

"Bobus, my dear, I must speak, and in earnest. I am afraid you maybe going on so as to make yourself and-—some one else unhappy, andyou ought to know that your father was quite as determined as youruncle against marriages between first cousins. "

"My dear mother, it will be quite time to argue that point when thematter becomes imminent. I am not asking to marry any one before Iam called to the bar, and it is very hard if we cannot, in themeantime, live as cousins. "

"Yes, but there must be no attempt to be 'a little more than kin. '"

"Less than kind comes in on the other side!" said Bobus, in histhroat. "I tell you the child _is_ a child who has no soul apartfrom her sister, and there's no use in disturbing her till she hasgrown up to have a heart and a will of her own. "

"Then you promise to let her alone?"

"I pledge myself to nothing, " said Bobus, in an impracticable voice. "I only give warning that a commotion will do nobody any good. "

She knew he had not abandoned his intention, and she also knew shehad no power to make him abandon it, so that all she could say was, "As long as you make no move there will be no commotion, but I onlyrepeat my assurance that neither your uncle nor I, acting in theperson, of your dear father, will ever consent. "

"To which I might reply, that most people end by doing that againstwhich they have most protested. However, I am not going to stir inthe matter for some time to come, and I advise no one else to do so. "

CHAPTER XXVII. BLUEBEARD'S CLOSET. 

A moment then the volume spread, And one short spell therein he read. Scott. 

The reality of John's intention to devote himself to medicine madeCaroline anxious to look again at the terms of the trust on which sheheld the Magnum Bonum secret. 

Moreover, she wanted some papers and accounts, and therefore onMonday morning, while getting up, she glanced towards the place whereher davenport usually stood, and to her great surprise missed it. She asked Emma, who was dressing her, whether it had been moved, andfound that her maid had been as much surprised as herself at itsabsence, and that the housekeeper had denied all knowledge of it. 

"Other things is missing, ma'am, " said Emma; "there's the key of thecloset where your dresses hangs. I've hunted high and low for it, and nobody hasn't seen it. "

"Keys are easily lost, " said Caroline, "but my davenport is veryimportant. Perhaps in some cleaning it has been moved into one ofthe other rooms and forgotten there. I wish you would look. Youknow I had it before I came here. "

Not only did Emma look, but as soon as her mistress was ready toleave the room she went herself on a voyage of discovery, peepingfirst into the little dressing-room, where seeing Babie at hermorning prayers, she said nothing to disturb her, and then going onto look into some spare rooms beyond, where she thought it might havebeen disposed of, as being not smart enough for my lady's chamber. Coming back to her room she found, to her extreme amazement, thecloset open, and Babie pushing the davenport out of it, with hercheeks crimson and a look of consternation at being detected. 

"My dear child! The davenport there! Did you know it? How did itget there?"

"I put it, " said Barbara, evidently only forced to reply by sheersincerity. 

"You! And why?"

"I thought it safer, " mumbled Babie. 

"And you knew where the key of the closet was?"

"Yes. "

"Where?"

"In my doll's bed, locked up in the baby-house. "

"This is most extraordinary. When did you do this?"

"Just before we came out to you at Leukerbad, " said Babie, each replypumped out with great difficulty. 

"Four years ago! It is a very odd thing. I suppose you had a panic, for you were too old then for playing monkey tricks. "

To which Babie made no answer, and the next minute her mother, whohad become intent on the davenport, exclaimed, "I suppose you haven'tgot the key of this in your doll's bed?"

"Don't you remember, mother, " said Barbara, "you sent it home toJanet, and it was lost in her bag on the crossing?"

"Oh, yes, I remember! And it is a Bramah lock, more's the pity. Wemust have the locksmith over from Kenminster to open it. "

The man was sent for, the davenport was opened, desk, drawers, andall. Caroline was once more in possession of her papers. She turnedthem over in haste, and saw no book of Magnum Bonum. Again, morecarefully she looked. The white slate, where those precious lastwords had been written, was there, proving to her that her memory hadnot deceived her, but that she had really kept her treasure in thatdavenport. 

Then, in her distress, she thought of Barbara's strange behaviour, went in quest of her, and calling her aside, asked her to tell herthe real reason why she had thought fit to secure the davenport inthe closet. 

"Why, " asked Babie, her eyes growing large and shining, "is anythingmissing?"

"Tell me first, " said Caroline, trembling. 

Then Babie told how she had wakened and seen Janet with the desk partraised up, reading something, and how, when she lay watching andwondering, Janet had shut it up and gone away. "And I did not feelcomfortable about it, mother, " said Babie, "so I thought I would lockup the davenport, so that nobody could get at it. "

"You did not see her take anything away?"

"No, I can't at all tell, " said Babie. "Is anything gone?"

"A book I valued very much. Some memoranda of your father were inthat desk, and I cannot find them now. You cannot tell, I suppose, whether she was reading letters or a book?"

"It was not letters, " said Babie, "but I could not see whether it wasprint or manuscript. Mother, I think she must have taken it to readand could not put it back again because I had hidden the davenport. Oh! I wish I hadn't, but I couldn't ask any one, it seemed such awicked, dreadful fancy that she could meddle with your papers. "

"You acted to the best of your judgment, my dear, " said Caroline. "I ought never to have let it out of my own keeping. "

"Do you think it was lost in the bag, mother?"

"I hope not. That would be worst of all!" said Caroline. "I mustask Janet. Don't say anything about it, my dear. Let me think itover. "

When Caroline recollected Janet's attempt, as related by Robert, tobreak open her bureau, she had very little doubt that the book wasthere. It could not have been lost in the bag, for, as sheremembered, reference had been made to it when Janet had extortedpermission to go to Zurich, and she had warned her that even thesestudies would not be a qualification for the possession of thesecret. Janet had then smiled triumphantly, and said she would makeher change her mind yet; had looked, in fact, very much as Bobus didwhen he put aside her remonstrances. It was not the air of a personwho had lost the records of the secret and was afraid to confess, though it was possible she might have them in her own keeping. Caroline longed to search the bureau, but however dishonourably Janetmight have acted towards herself, she could not break into herprivate receptacles without warning. So after some consideration, she made Barbara drive her to the station, and send the followingtelegraphic message to Janet's address at Edinburgh:—-

"Come home at once. Father's memorandum book missing. Must besearched for. "

All that day and the next the sons wondered what was amiss with theirmother, she was so pensive, with starts of flightiness. Allenthought she was going to have an illness, and Bobus that it was avery strange and foolish way of taking his resistance, but all thetime Armine was going about quite unperceiving, in a blissful state. The vicar's sister, a spirited, active, and very winning woman ofthirty-five, had captivated him, as she did all the lads of theparish. He had been walking about with her, being introduced to allthe needs of the parish, and his enthusiastic nature throwing itselfinto the cause of religion and beneficence, which was in truth hiscongenial element; he was ready to undertake for himself and hismother whatever was wanted, without a word of solicitation, nayrather, the vicar, who thought it all far too good to be true, heldhim back. 

And when he came in and poured out his narrative, he was, for thefirst time in his life, even petulant that his mother was too muchpreoccupied to confirm his promises, and angry when Allen laughed athis vehemence, and said he should beware of model parishes. 

By dinner-time the next day Janet had actually arrived. She lookedthin and sharp, her keen black eyes roamed about uneasily, and someindescribable change had passed over her. Her brothers told herstudy had not agreed with her, and she did not, as of old, answertartly, but gave a stiff, mechanical smile, and all the eveningtalked in a woman-of-the-world manner, cleverly, agreeably, notputting out her prickles, but like a stranger, and as if on herguard. 

Of course there was no speaking to her till bedtime, and Caroline atfirst felt as if she ought to let one night pass in peace under thehome roof; but she soon felt that to sleep would be impossible toherself, and she thought it would be equally so to her daughterwithout coming to an understanding. She yearned for some interchangeof tenderness from that first-born child from whom she had been solong separated, and watched and listened for a step approaching herdoor; till at last, when the maid was gone and no one came, sheyielded to her impulse; and in her white dressing-gown, with softly-slippered feet, she glided along the passage with a strange mixedfeeling of maternal gladness that Janet was at home again, and ofpainful impatience to have the interview over. 

She knocked at the door. There was no answer. She opened it. Therewas no one there, but the light on the terrace below, thrown from thewindows of the lower room, was proof to her that Janet was in hersitting-room, and she began to descend the private stairs that leddown to it. She was as light in figure and in step as ever, and hersoft slippers made no noise as she went down. The door in thewainscot was open, and from the foot of the stairs she had a strangeview. Janet's candle was on the chair behind her, in front of it layhalf-a-dozen different keys, and she herself was kneeling before thebureau, trying one of the keys into the lock. It would not fit, andin turning to try another, she first saw the white figure, andstarted violently at the first moment, then, as the trembling, pleading voice said, "Janet, " she started to her feet, and cried outangrily—-

"Am I to be always spied and dogged?"

"Hush, Janet, " said her mother, in a voice of grave reproof, "Isimply came to speak to you about the distressing loss of what yourfather put in my charge. "

"And why should I know anything about it?" demanded Janet. 

"You were the last person who had access to the davenport, " said hermother. 

"This is that child Barbara's foolish nonsense, " muttered Janet toherself. 

"Barbara has nothing to do with the fact that I sent you the key ofthe davenport where the book was. It is now missing. Janet, it isbitterly painful to me to say so, but your endeavours to open thatbureau privately have brought suspicion upon you, and I must have itopened in my presence. "

"I have a full right to my own bureau. "

"Of course you have; but I had these notes left in my trust. It ismy duty towards your father to use every means for their recovery. "

"You call it a duty to my father to shut up his discovery and keep ituseless for the sake of a lot of boys who will never turn it toprofit. "

"Of that I am judge. My present duty is to recover it. Your conductis such as to excite suspicion, and I therefore cannot allow you totake anything out of that bureau except in my presence, till I havesatisfied myself that his memoranda are not there. I would notsearch your drawers in your absence, and therefore telegraphed foryou. "

"Thank you. Since you like to treat your daughter like a maidservant, you may go on and search my boxes, " said Janet, sulkily. 

"I beg your pardon, my poor child, if I am unjustly causing you thishumiliation, " said Caroline humbly, as Janet sullenly flumped downinto a chair without answering. She took up the keys that Janet hadbrought with her, and tried them one by one, where Janet had beenusing them. The fourth turned in the lock, and the drawer was open!

"I will disarrange nothing unnecessarily, " said Caroline. "Look foryourself. "

Janet would not, however, move hand, foot, or eye, while her motherput in her hand and took out what lay on the top. It was the MagnumBonum. She held it to the light and was sure of it; but she hadtaken up an envelope at the same time, and her eye fell on theaddress as she was laying it down. It was to-—"James Barnes, Esq. "And as her eye caught the pencilled words "My Will, " a strangeelectric thrill went through her, as she exclaimed, "What is this, Janet? How came it here?"

"Oh! take it if you like, " said Janet. "I put it there to spare youworry; but if you will pursue your researches, you must take theconsequences. "

Caroline, thus defied, still instinctively holding Magnum Bonum closeto her, drew out the contents of the envelope, and caught in thebroken handwriting of the old man, the words—-"Will and Testament—-George Gould—-Wakefield—-Elvira de Menella--whole estate. " Then shesaw signature, seal, witnesses-—date, "April 24th, 1862. "

"What is this? Where did it come from?" she asked. 

"I found it-—in his table drawer; I saw it was not valid, so I keptit out of the way from consideration for you, " said Janet. 

"How do you know it was not valid?"

"Oh-—why-—I didn't look much, or know much about it either, " saidJanet, in an alarmed voice. "I was a mere child then, you know. Isaw it was only scrawled on letter-paper, and I thought it was only arough draft, which would just make you uncomfortable. "

"I hope you did, Janet. I hope you did not know what you weredoing!"

"You don't mean that it has been executed?"

"Here are witnesses, " said Caroline-—her eyes swam too much to seetheir names. "It must be for better heads than ours to decidewhether this is of force; but, oh, Janet! if we have been robbing theorphan all these years!"

"The orphan has been quite as well off as if it had been all hers, "said Janet. "Mother, just listen! Give me the keeping of myfather's secret, and-—even if we lose this place-—it shall make upfor all-—"

"You do not know what you are talking of, Janet, " said Caroline, pushing back those ripples of white hair that crowned her brow, "norindeed I either! I only know you have spoken more kindly to me, andthat you are under my own roof again. Kiss me, my child, and forgiveme if I have pained you. You did not know what you did about thewill, and as to this book, I know you meant to put it back again. "

"I did-—I did, mother-—if Barbara had not hidden the desk, " criedJanet. And as her mother kissed her, she laid her head on hershoulder, and wept and sobbed in an hysterical manner, such asCaroline had never seen in her before. Of course she was tired outby the long journey, and the subsequent agitation; and Carolinesoothed and caressed her, with the sole effect of making her cry morepiteously; but she would not hear of her mother staying to undressand put her to bed, gathered herself up again as soon as she could, and when another kiss had been exchanged at her bedroom door, Caroline heard it locked after her. 

Very little did Caroline sleep that night. If she lost consciousnessat all, it was only to know that something strange and wonderful washanging over her. Sometimes she had a sense that her trust andmission as a rich woman had been ill-fulfilled, and therefore theopportunity was to be taken away; but more often there was a strangesense of relief from what she was unfit for. She remembered thatstrange dream of her children turning into statues of gold, and theMagnum Bonum disenchanting them, and a fancy came over her that thismight yet be realised, a fancy to whose lulling effect she wasindebted for the sleep she enjoyed in the morning, which made herunusually late, but prevented her from looking as haggard as Janetdid, with eyelids swollen, as if she had cried a good deal longerlast night. 

The postbag was lying on the table, and directly after family prayers(which she had for some years begun when at home), Mrs. Brownlowbeguiled her nervousness by opening it, and distributing the letters. 

The first she opened was such a startling one, that her head seemedto reel, and she doubted whether the shock of last night wasconfusing her senses. 

"MY DEAR MRS. BROWNLOW, —-What will you think of us now that the fulltruth has burst on you? Of me especially, to whom you entrusted yourdear daughter. I never could have thought that Nita would have lentherself to the transaction, and alas! I let the two girls take careof themselves more than was right. However, I can at least give youthe comfort of knowing that it was a perfectly legal marriage, forNita was one of the witnesses, and looked to all that—-"

Here Caroline could read no more. Sick and stunned, she began todispense her teacups, and even helped herself to some of the foodthat was handed round, but her hand trembled so, and she looked sowhite and bewildered, that Allen exclaimed—-

"Mother, you are really ill. You should not have come down. "

She could not bear the crowd and buzz of voices and all the anxiouseyes any longer. She pushed back her chair, and as sons camehurrying round with offered arms, she took the nearest, which wasJock's, let him take her to the morning-room, and there assured himshe was not ill, only she had had a letter. She wanted nothing, onlythat he should go back, and send her Janet. She tried once more tomaster the contents of Miss Ray's letter, but she was too dizzy; andwhen Janet came in, she could only hold it out to her. 

"Oh!" said Janet, "poor old Maria has forestalled me. Yes, mother, it is what I meant to tell you, only I thought you could not bear afresh shock last night. "

"Married! Oh, Janet; why thus?"

"Because we wished to avoid the gossip and conventionality. My uncleand aunt were to be avoided. "

"Let me hear at once who it is, " said Caroline, with the sharpness ofmisery. 

"It is Professor Demetrius Hermann, a most able lecturer, whosecourse we have been following. I met him a year ago, at the tabled'hote, at Zurich, where he delivered a series of lectures onphysiology on a new and original system. He is now going on withthem in Scotland, where his wonderful acuteness and originality haveproduced an immense sensation, and I have no doubt that in his handsthis discovery of my father's will receive its full development. "

There was no apology in her tone; it was rather that of one who wasdefying censure; and her mother could only gasp out—-

"How long?"

"Three weeks. When we heard you were returning, we thought it wouldsave much trouble and difficulty to secure ourselves againstcontingencies, and profit by Scottish facilities. " Wherewith Janethanded her mother a certificate of her marriage, at Glasgow, beforeJane Ray and another witness, and taking her wedding-ring from herpurse, put it on, adding, "When you see him, mother, you will be morethan satisfied. "

"Where is he?" interrupted Caroline. 

"At the Railway Hotel, waiting till you are prepared to see him. Hebrought me down, but he is to give a lecture at Glasgow the day aftertomorrow, so we can only remain one night. "

"Oh, Janet-—Janet, this is very fearful!"

At that moment, Johnny strolled up to the window from the outside, and, as he greeted Janet with some surprise, he observed—-

"There's a most extraordinary looking foreign fellow loitering aboutout here. I warned him he was on private ground, and he made me abow, as if I, not he, were the trespasser. "

On this Janet darted out at the window without another word, and Johnexclaiming, in dismay—-

"Mother Carey! what is the matter?"

She gasped out, "Oh, Johnny! she's married to him! And the childrendon't know it. Send them in-—Allen and Bobus I mean-—make haste; Imust prepare them. Take that letter, and let the others know. "

John saw the truest kindness was implicit obedience; and Allen andBobus instantly joined her, the latter asking what new tomfooleryJanet had brought home, Allen following with a cup of coffee. 

Caroline's lips felt too dry to speak, and she held out thecertificate. 

It was received by Allen, with the exclamation—-

"By Jove!"

And by Bobus, with an odd, harsh laugh—-"I thought she would dosomething monstrous one of these days. "

"Did you ever hear of him, Bobus?" she found voice to say, afterswallowing a mouthful of coffee. 

"I fancy I have. Yes, I remember now; he was lecturing and vapouringabout at Zurich; he is half Greek, I believe, and all charlatan. Well, Janet _has_ been and gone and done for herself now, and nomistake. "

"But he is a professor, " pleaded Caroline. "He must be of someuniversity. "

"Don't make too sure, " said Allen, "A professor may mean a writingmaster. Good heavens! what a connection. "

"It can't be so bad as that, " said Caroline. "Remember, your sisteris not foolish. "

"Flatter an ugly woman, " said Bobus, "and it's a regular case of foxand crow. "

"Mercy! here they come!" cried Allen. 

"Mother, do you go away! This is not work for you. Leave us tosettle the rascal, " said Bobus. 

"No, Bobus, " she said; "this ought to be settled by me. Rememberthat, whatever the man may be, he is Janet's husband, and she is yoursister. "

"Worse luck!" sighed Allen. 

"And, " she added, "he has to go away to-morrow, at latest, " asentence which she knew would serve to pacify Allen. 

They had crossed the parterre by this time, and were almost at thewindow. 

It was Bobus who took the initiative, bowing formally as he spoke, inGerman—-

"Good morning, Herr Professor. You seem to have a turn for enteringhouses by irregular methods. "

The new-comer bowed with suavity, saying, in excellent English—-

"It is to your sister that in both senses I owe my entrance, and tothe lady, your mother, that I owe my apology. "

And before Caroline well knew what was going on, he had one knee tothe ground, and was kissing her hand. 

"The tableau is incomplete, Janet, " said Bobus, whom Carolineheartily wished away. "You ought to be on your knees beside him. "

"I have settled it with my mother already, " said Janet. 

Both Caroline and her eldest son were relieved by the first glance atthe man. He was small, and had much more of the Greek than of theGerman in his aspect, with neat little features, keen dark eyes, andno vulgarity in tone or appearance. His hands were delicate; therewas nothing of the "greasy foreigner" about him, but rather an air offinesse, especially in his exquisitely trimmed little moustache andpointed beard, and his voice and language were persuasive and fluent. It might have been worse, was the prominent feeling, as she hastilysaid—-

"Stand up, Mr. Hermann; I am not used to be spoken to in thatmanner. "

"Nor is it an ordinary occasion on which I address madame, " said hernew son-in-law, rising. "I am aware that I have transgressed manycodes, but my anxiety to secure my treasure must plead for me; andshe assured me that she might trust to the goodness of the best ofmothers. "

"There is such a thing as abusing such goodness, " said Bobus. 

"Sir, " said Hermann, "I understand that you have rights as eldestson, but I await my sentence from the lips of madame herself. "

"No, he is not the eldest, " interrupted Janet. "This is Allen-—Allen, you were always good-natured. Cannot you say one friendlyword?"

Something in the more childish, eager tone of Janet's addresssoftened Allen, and he answered—-

"It is for mother to decide on what terms we are to stand, Janet, andstrange as all this has been, I have no desire to be at enmity. "

Caroline had by this time been able to recover herself and spoke. 

"Mr. Hermann can hardly expect a welcome in the family into which hehas entered so unexpectedly, and-—and without any knowledge of hisantecedents. But what is done cannot be undone; I don't want to beharsh and unforgiving. I should like to understand all abouteverything, and of course to be friends; as to the rest, it mustdepend on how they go on, and a great deal besides. "

It was a lame and impotent conclusion, but it seemed to satisfy thegentleman, who clasped her hand and kissed it with fervour, wrungthat of Allen, which was readily yielded, and would have done thesame by that of Bobus, if that youth had done more than accord verystiff cold tips. 

Immediately after, John said at the door—-

"Aunt Caroline, my father is here. Will you see him?"

That was something to be got over at once, and she went to theColonel, who was very kind and pitiful to her, and spared her the "Itold you so. " He did not even reproach her with being too lenient, in not having turned the pair at once out of her house; indeed, hewas wise enough to think the extremity of a quarrel ought to beavoided, but he undertook to make every inquiry into Mr. DemetriusHermann's history, and observed that she should be very cautious inpledging herself as to what she would do for him, since she had, ashe expressed it, the whip-hand of him, since Janet was totallydependent upon her. 

"Oh! but Robert, I forgot; I don't know if there is anything foranybody, " she said, putting her hand to her forehead; "there's thatother will! Ah! I see you think I don't know what I am saying, andmy head is getting past understanding much, but I really did find theother will last night. "

"What other will?"

"The one we always knew there must be, in favour of Elvira. Thisdreadful business put it out of my head; the children don't know ityet, and I don't seem able to think or care. "

It was true; severe nervous headache had brought her to the state inwhich she could do nothing but lie passively on her bed. The Colonelsaw this, and bade her think of nothing for the present, and sentBarbara to take care of her. 

She spent the rest of the day in the sort of aniantissement whichthat sort of headache often produces, and in the meantime everybodyheld tete-a-tetes. The Colonel held his peace about the will, nothalf crediting such a catastrophe, and thinking one matter at a timequite enough for his brain; but he talked to the Professor, to Janet, to Allen, and to Bobus, and tried to come to a knowledge of thebridegroom's history, and to decide what course ought to be pursued, feeling as the good man always did and always would do, that he was, or ought to be, the supreme authority for his brother's widow andchildren. 

Allen was quite placable, and ready to condone everything. Hethought the Athenian Professor a very superior man, with excellentclassical taste, by which it was plain that his mosaic pavement, his old china, and his pictures had met with rare appreciation. Moreover, the Professor knew how to converse, and could be brill-iantly entertaining; there was nothing to find fault with in hisappearance; and if Janet was satisfied, Allen was. He knew his unclehated foreigners, but for his own part, he thought nothing so dull asEnglish respectability. 

For once the Colonel declared that Bobus had more sense! Bobus hadcome to a tolerably clear comprehension of the matter, and his firstimpressions were confirmed by subsequent inquiries. DemetriusHermann was the son of some lawyer of King Otho's court who hadmarried a Greek lady. He had studied partly at Athens, partly at somany other universities, that Bobus thought it rather suspicious;while his uncle, who held that a respectable degree must be either ofOxford or Cambridge, thought this fatal to his reputation. He hadstudied medicine at one time, but had broached some theory which theGerman faculty were too narrow to appreciate; "Which means, " quothBobus, "either that he could not get a licence to practise, or elsehad it revoked. "

Then he had taken to lecturing. The professorship was obscure; hesaid it was Athenian, and Bobus had no immediate means of finding outwhether it were so or not, nor of analysing the alphabet of lettersthat followed his name upon the advertisement of his lectures. 

Apparently he was a clever lecturer, fluent and full of illustration, with an air of original theory that caught people's attention. Heknew his ground, and where critically scientific men were near tobring him to book, was cautious to keep within the required bounds, but in the freer and less regulated places, he discoursed on newtheories and strange systems connected with the mysteries ofmagnetism, and producing extraordinary and unexplained effects. 

Robert and Jock were inclined to ascribe to some of these arts thecaptivation of so clever a person as their sister, by one whom theyboth viewed with repulsion as a mere adventurer. 

They had not the clue which their mother had to the history of thematter, when the next day, though still far from well, she had aninterview with her daughter and the Athenian Professor before theirreturn to Scotland. 

He knew of the Magnum Bonum matter. It seemed that Janet, as herknowledge increased, had become more sensible of the difficulties inthe pursuit, and being much attracted by his graces and ability, hadso put questions for her own enlightenment as to reveal to him thatshe possessed a secret. To cajole it from her, so far as she knewit, had been no greater difficulty than it was to the fox to get thecheese from the crow: and while to him she was the errant unprotectedyoung lady of large and tempting fortune, he could easily makehimself appear to her the missing link in the pursuit. He could dowhat as a woman she could not accomplish, and what her brothers werenot attempting. 

In that conviction, nay, even expecting her mother to be satisfiedwith his charms and his qualifications, she claimed that he might atleast read the MS. Of the book, assuring her mother that all she hadintended the night before was to copy out the essentials for him. 

"To take the spirit and leave me the letter?" said Caroline. "OJanet, would not that have been worse than carrying off the book?"

"Well, mother, I maintain that I have a right to it, " said Janet, "and that there is no justice in withholding it. "

"Do you or your husband fulfil these conditions Janet?" and Carolineread from the white slate those words about the one to whom thepursuit was intrusted being a sound, religious man, who would notseek it for his own advancement but for the good of others. 

Janet exultantly said that was just what Demetrius would do. As tothe being a sound religious man, her mother might seek in vain for aman of real ability who held those old-fashioned notions. They werevery well in her father's time, but what would Bobus say to them?

She evidently thought Demetrius would triumph in his privateinterview with her mother, but if Caroline had had any doubt before, that would have removed it. Janet honestly had a certain enthusiasmfor science, beneficence, and the honour of the family, but theProfessor besieged Mrs. Brownlow with his entreaties and promisesjust as if—-she said to herself—-she had been the widow of some quackdoctor for whose secret he was bidding. 

If she would only grant it to him and continue her allowance to Janetwhile he was pursuing it, then, there would be no limit to the sharehe would give her when the returns came in. It was exceedingly hardto answer without absolutely insulting him, but she entrenchedherself in the declaration that her husband's conditions required afull diploma and degree, and that till all her sons were grown up shehad been forbidden to dispose of it otherwise. Very thankful she wasthat Armine was not seventeen, when a whole portfolio of testimonialsin all sorts of languages were unfolded before her! Whatever she hadever said of Ellen's insular prejudices, she felt that she herselfmight deserve, for she viewed them all as utterly worthless comparedwith an honest English or Scottish degree. At any rate, she couldnot judge of their value, and they did not fulfil her conditions. She made him understand at last that she was absolutely impractic-able, and that the only distant hope she would allow to be wrung fromher by his coaxing, wheedling tones, soft as the honey of Hybla, was, that if none of her sons or nephews were in the way of fulfilling theconditions, and he could bring her satisfactory English certificates, she might consider the matter, but she made no promises. 

Then he most politely represented the need of a maintenance while hewas thus qualifying himself. Janet had evidently not told him aboutthe will, and Caroline only said that from a recent discovery shethought her own tenure of the property very insecure, and she couldundertake nothing for the future. She would let him know. However, she gave him a cheque for 100 pounds for the present, knowing thatshe could make it up from the money of her own which she had beenaccumulating for Elvira's portion. 

Then Janet came in to take leave. Mr. Hermann described what theexcellent and gracious lady had granted to him, and he made it soundso well, and his wife seemed so confident and triumphant, that hermother feared she had allowed more to be inferred than she intended, and tried to explain that all depended on the fulfilment of theconditions of which Janet at least was perfectly aware. She wasoverwhelmed, however, with his gratitude and Janet's assurances, andthey went away, leaving her with a hand much kissed by him, and thefondest, most lingering embrace she had ever had from Janet. Thenshe was free to lie still, abandoned to fears for her daughter'sfuture and repentance for her own careless past, and, above allcrushed by the ache that would let her really feel little but painand oppression. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. THE TURN OF THE WHEEL. 

Is there, for honest poverty, That hangs his head and a' that, The coward slave, we pass him by, A man's a man for a' that. Burns. 

Thinking and acting were alike impossible to Caroline for theremainder of the day when her daughter left her, but night broughtpower of reflection, as she began to look forward to the new day, andits burthen. 

Her headache was better, but she let Barbara again go down tobreakfast without her, feeling that she could not face her sons atonce, and that she needed another study of the document before shecould trust herself with the communication. She felt herself too inneed of time to pray for right judgment and steadfast purpose, andthat the change might so work with her sons that it might be ablessing, not a curse. Could it be for nothing that the finding ofMagnum Bonum had wrought the undoing of this wrong? That thought, and the impulse of self-bracing, made her breakfast well on thedainty little meal sent up to her by the Infanta, and look so muchrefreshed, that the damsel exclaimed—-

"You are much better, mother! You will be able to see Jock before hegoes—-"

"Fetch them all, Babie; I have something to tell you-—"

"Writs issued for a domestic parliament, " said Allen, presentlyentering. "To vote for the grant to the Princess Royal on hermarriage? Do it handsomely, I say, the Athenian is better than mightbe expected, and will become prosperity better than adversity. "

"Being capable of taking others in besides Janet, " said theopposition in the person of Bobus. "He seemed so well satisfied withthe Gracious Lady house-mother that I am afraid she has been makinghim too many promises. "

"That was impossible. It was not about Janet that I sent for you, boys. It was to think what we are to do ourselves. You know Ialways thought there must be another will. Look there!"

She laid it on the table, and the young men stood gazing as if itwere a venomous reptile which each hesitated to touch. 

"Is it legal, Bobus?" she presently asked. 

"It looks-—rather so-—" he said in an odd, stunned voice. 

"Elvira, by all that's lucky!" exclaimed Jock. "Well done, Allen, you are still the Lady Clare!"

"Not till she is of age, " said Allen, rather gloomily. 

"Pity you didn't marry her at Algiers, " said Jock. 

"Where did this come from?" said Bobus, who had been examining itintently. 

"Out of the old bureau. "

"Mother!" cried out Barbara, in a tone of horror, which perhaps was arevelation to Bobus, for he exclaimed—-

"You don't mean that Janet had had it, and brought it out to threatenyou?"

"Oh, no, no! it was not so dreadful. She found it long ago, but didnot think it valid, and only kept it out of sight because she thoughtit would make me unhappy. "

"It is a pity she did not go a step further, " observed Bobus. "Whydid she produce it now?"

"I found it. Boys, you must know the whole truth, and consider howbest to screen your sister. Remember she was very young, and fancieda thing on a common sheet of paper, and shut up in an unfastenedtable drawer could not be of force, and that she was doing no harm. "Then she told of her loss and recovery of what she called somemedical memoranda of their father, which she knew Janet wanted, concluding—-"It will surely be enough to say I found it in his oldbureau. "

"That will hardly go down with Wakefield, " said Bobus; "but as I seehe stands here as trustee for that wretched child, as well as beingyours, there is no fear but that he will be conformable. Shall Itake it up and show it to him at once, so that if by any happy chancethis should turn out waste paper, no one may get on the scent?"

"Your uncle! I was so amazed and stupefied yesterday that I don'tknow whether I told him, and if I did, I don't think he believed me. "

"Here he comes, " said Barbara, as the wheels of his dog-cart wereheard below the window. 

"Ask him to come up. It will be a terrible blow to him. This placehas been as much to him as to any of us, if not more. "

"Mother, how brave you are!" cried Jock. 

"I have known it longer than you have, my dear. Besides, the mereloss is nothing compared with that which led to it. The worst of itis the overthrow of all your prospects, my dear fellow. "

"Oh, " said Jock, brightly, "it only means that we have something andsomebody to work for now;" and he threw his arms round her waist andkissed her. 

"Oh! my dear, dear boy, don't! Don't upset me, or your uncle willthink it is about this. "

"And don't, for Heaven's sake, talk as if it were all up with us, "cried Bobus. 

By this time the Colonel's ponderous tread was near, and Caroline methim with an apology for giving him the trouble of the ascent, butsaid that she had wanted to see him in private. 

"Is this in private?" asked the Colonel, looking at the five youngpeople. 

"Yes. They have a right to know all. Here it is, Robert. "

He sat down, deliberately put on his spectacles, took the will, readit once, and groaned, read it twice, and groaned more deeply, andthen said—-

"My poor dear sister! This is a bad business! a severe reverse! avery severe reverse!"

"He has hit on his catch-word, " thought Caroline, and Jock's armstill round her gave a little pressure, as if the thought hadoccurred to him. The moment of amusement gave a cheerfulness to hervoice as she said—-

"We have been doing sad injustice all this time; that is the worst ofit. For the rest, we shall be no worse off than we were before. "

"It will be in Allen's power to make up to you a good deal. That isa fortunate arrangement, but I am afraid it cannot take place tillthe girl is of age. "

"You are all in such haste, " said Bobus. "It would take a good dealto make me accept such an informal scrap as this. No doubt one coulddrive a coach and horses through it. "

"That would not lessen the injustice, " said his mother. 

"Could there not be a compromise?" said Allen. 

"That is nonsense, " said his uncle. "Either _this_ will stand, or_that_, and I am afraid this is the later. April 18th. Was that thetime of that absurd practical joke of yours?"

"Too true, " said Allen. "You recollect the old brute said I shouldremember it. "

"Witnesses—-? There's Gomez, the servant who was drowned on his wayout after his dismissal—-Elizabeth Brook-—is it-—servant. -—Who is tofind her out?"

"Richards may know. "

"It is not our business to hunt up the witnesses. That's the look-out of the other party, " said Bobus impatiently. 

"You don't suppose I mean to contest it?" said his mother. "It isbad enough to go on as we have been doing these eight years. I onlywant to know what is right and truth, and if this be a real will. "

"Where did it come from?" asked the Colonel, coming to the criticalquestion. "Did you say you found it yourself, Caroline?"

"Yes. "

"Where?"

"In the old bureau. "

"What! the one that stood in his study? You don't say so! I sawWakefield turn the whole thing out, and look for any secret drawerbefore I would take any steps; I could have sworn that not thethickness of that sheet of paper escaped us. I should like, if onlyout of curiosity, to see where it was. "

"Just as I said, mother, " said Bobus; "there's no use in trying toblink it to any one who knows the circumstances. "

"You do not insinuate that there was any foul play!" said his unclehotly. 

"I don't know what else it can be called, " said Caroline, faintly;"but please, Robert, and all the rest, don't expose her. Poor Janetfound the thing in the back of the bedside table-drawer, fancied it amere rough draft, and childlike, put it out of sight in the bureau, where I lighted on it in looking for something else. Surely there isno need to mention her?"

"Not if you do not contest the will, " replied the Colonel, who lookedthunderstruck; "but if you did, it must all come out to exonerate us, the executors, from shameful carelessness. Well, we shall see whatWakefield says! A severe reverse! a very severe reverse!"

When he found that Bobus meant to go in search of the lawyer thatafternoon, he decided on accompanying him. And with a truly amazingburst of intuition, he even suggested carrying off Elvira to spendthe day with Essie and Ellie, and even that an invitation might ariseto stay all night, or as long as the first suspense lasted. Thenmuttering to himself, "A severe reverse—-a most severe reverse!" hetook his leave. Caroline went down stairs with him, as thinking shecould the most naturally administer the invitation to Elvira, and thetwo eldest sons proceeded to make arrangements for the time ofmeeting and the journey. 

"A severe reverse!" said Jock, finding himself alone with the youngerones. "When one has a bitter draught, it is at least a consolationto have labelled it right. "

"Shall we be very poor, Jock?" asked Barbara. 

"I don't know what we were called before, " he said; "but from what Iremember, I fancy we had about what I have been using for my privatedelectation. Just enough for my mother and you to be jolly upon. "

"That's all you think of!" said Armine. 

"All that a man need think of, " said Jock; "as long as mother andBabie are comfortable, we can do for ourselves very well. "

"Ourselves!" said Armine, bitterly. "And how about this wretchedplace that we have neglected shamefully all these years!"

"Armine!" cried Jock, indignantly. "Why, you are talking of mother!"

"Mother says so herself. "

"You went on raging about it; and, just like her, she did not defendherself. I am sure she has given away loads of money. "

"But see what is wanting! The curate, and the school chapel, and thecottages; and if the school is not enlarged, they will have a schoolboard. And what am I to say to Miss Parsons? I promised to bringmother's answer about the curate this afternoon at latest. "

"If she has the sense of a wren, she must know that a cataclysm likeJanet's may account for a few trifling omissions. "

"That's true, " said Babie! "She can't expect it. Do you know, I amrather sorry we are not poorer? I hoped we should have to live in avery small way, and that I should have to work like you—-for mother. "

"Not like us, for pity's sake, Infanta!" cried Jock. "We have hadenough of that. The great use of you is to look after mother; andkeep her from galloping the life out of herself, and this chap fromworrying it out of her. "

"Jock!" cried Armine, indignantly. 

"Yes, you will, if you go on moaning about these fads, and making herblame herself for them. I don't say we have all done the right thingwith this money, I'm sure I have not, and most likely it serves usright to lose it, but to have mother teased about what, after all, was chiefly owing to her absence, is more than I will stand. The oneduty in hand is to make the best of it for her. I shall run downagain as soon as I hear how this is likely to turn out—-for Sunday, perhaps. Keep up a good heart, Babie Bunting, and whatever you do, don't let him worry mother. Good-bye, Armie! What's the use ofbeing good, if you can't hold up against a thing like this?"

"Jock doesn't know, " said Armine, as the door closed. "Fads indeed!"

"Jock didn't mean that, " pleaded Babie. "You know he did not; dear, good Jock, he could not!"

"Jock is a good fellow, but he lives a frivolous, self-indulgentlife, and has got infected with the spirit and the language, " saidArmine, "or he would understand that myself or my own loss is thevery last thing I am troubled about. No, indeed, I should neverthink of that! It is the ruin of these poor people and all I meantto have done for them. It is very strange that we should only beallowed to waken to a sense of our opportunities to have them takenaway from us!"

No one would have expected Armine, always regarded as the mostreligious of the family, to be the most dismayed, and neither he norBarbara could detect how much of the spoilt child lay at the bottomof his regrets; but his little sister's sympathy enabled him to keepfrom troubling his mother with his lamentations. 

Indeed Allen was usually in presence, and nobody ever ventured onwhat might bore Allen. He was in good spirits, believing that thediscovery would put an end to all trifling on Elvira's part, and thathe and she would thus together be able to act the beneficent genii ofthe whole family. Even their mother had a sense of relief. She wasvery quiet, and moved about softly, like one severely shaken andbruised; but there was a calm in knowing the worst, instead of livingin continual vague suspicion. 

The Colonel returned with tidings that Mr. Wakefield had no doubt ofthe validity of the will, though it might be possible to contest itif Elizabeth Brook, the witness, could not be found; but that wouldinvolve an investigation as to the manner of the loss, and thediscovery. It was, in truth, only a matter of time; and on MondayMr. Wakefield would come down and begin to take steps. That was theday on which the family were to have gone to London, but Caroline'sheart failed her, and she was much relieved when a kind letterarrived from Mrs. Evelyn, who was sure she could not wish to go intosociety immediately after Janet's affair, and offered to receiveElvira for as long as might be convenient, and herself—-as indeed hadbeen already arranged-—to present her at court with Sydney. It was agreat comfort to place her in such hands during the present crisis, all the more that Ellen was not at all delighted with her company forEssie and Ellie. She rushed home on Saturday evening to secureDelrio, and superintend her packing up, with her head a great dealtoo full of court dresses and ball dresses, fancy costumes, andParisian hats, to detect any of the tokens of a coming revolution, even in her own favour. 

Jock too came home that same evening, as gay and merry apparently asever, and after dinner, claimed his mother for a turn in the garden. 

"Has Drake written to you, mother?" he asked. "I met him the otherday at Mrs. Lucas's, and it seems his soul is expanding. He wants togive up the old house—-you know the lease is nearly out—-and to hangout in a more fashionable quarter. "

"Dear old house!"

"Now, mother, here's my notion. Why should not we hide ourdiminished heads there? You could keep house while the Monk and I gothrough the lectures and hospitals, and King's College might not betoo far off for Armine. "

"You, Jock, my dear. "

"You see, it is a raving impossibility for me to stay where I am. "

"I am afraid so; but you might exchange into the line. "

"There would be no great good in that. I should have stuck to theGuards because there I am, and I have no opinion of fellows changingabout for nothing-—and because of Evelyn and some capital fellowsbesides. But I found out long ago that it had been a stupid thing togo in for. When one has mastered the routine, it is awfullymonotonous; and one has nothing to do with one's time or one'sbrains. I have felt many a time that I could keep straight better ifI had something tougher to do. "

"Tell me, just to satisfy my mind, my dear, you have no debts. "

"I don't owe forty pounds in the world, mother; and I shall not owethat, when I can get my tailor to send in his bill. You have givenme as jolly an allowance as any man in the corps, and I've alwayspaid my way. I've got no end of things about my rooms, and my horsesand cab, but they will turn into money. You see, having done thething first figure, I should hate to begin in the cheap and nastystyle, and I had much rather come home to you, Mother Carey. I'm nottoo old, you know-—not one-and-twenty till August. I shall not comeprimed like the Monk, but I'll try to grind up to him, if you'll letme, mother. "

"Oh, Jock, dear Jock!" she cried, "you little know the strength andlife it gives me to have you taking it so like a young hero. "

"I tell you I'm sick of drill and parade, " said Jock, "and heartilyglad of an excuse to turn to something where one can stretch one'swits without being thought a disgrace to humanity. Now, don't youthink we might be very jolly together?"

"Oh, to think of being there again! And we can have the dear oldfurniture and make it like home. It is the first definite notion anyone has had. My dear, you have given me something to look forwardto. You can't guess what good you have done me! It is just as ifyou had shown me light at the end of the thicket; ay, and madeyourself the good stout staff to lead me through!"

"Mother, that's the best thing that ever was said to me yet; worthever so much more than all old Barnes's money-bags. "

"If the others will approve! But any way it is a nest egg for my ownselfish pleasure to carry me through. Why, Jock, to have your nameon the old door would be bringing back the golden age!"

Nobody but Jock knew what made this such a cheerful Sunday with hismother. She was even heard making fun, and declaring that no oneknew what a relief it would be not to have to take drives when allthe roads were beset with traction engines. She had so far helpedArmine out of the difficulties his lavish assurances had brought himinto, that she had written a note to the Vicar, Mr. Parsons, tellinghim that she should be better able to reply in a little while; butArmine, knowing that he must not speak, and afraid of betraying thecause of his unhappiness and of the delay, was afraid to stir out ofreach of the others lest Miss Parsons should begin an inquiry. 

The Vicar of Woodside was, in fact, as some people mischievouslycalled her, the Reverend Petronella Parsons. Whether she wrote herbrother's sermons was a disputed question. She certainly did otherthings in his name which she had better have let alone. He was threeor four years her junior, and had always so entirely followed herlead, that he seemed to have no personal identity; but to be only hermale complement. That Armine should have set up a lady of thiscalibre for the first goddess of his fancy was one of the comicalchances of life, but she was a fine, handsome, fresh-looking woman offive-and-thirty, with a strong vein of sentiment-—ecclesiastical andpoetic-—just ignorant enough to gush freely, and too genuine to be_always_ offensive. She had been infinitely struck with Armine, hadhung a perfect romance of renovation on him, sympathised with hisevery word, and lavished on him what perhaps was not quite flattery, because she was entirely in earnest, but which was therefore all theworse for him. 

Barbara had a natural repulsion from her, and could not understandArmine's being attracted, and for the first time in their lives thiswas creating a little difference between the brother and sister. Babie had said, in rather an uncalled-for way, that Miss Parsonswould draw back when she knew the truth, and Armine had been deeplyoffended at such an ungenerous hint, and had reduced her to a tearfuldeclaration that she was very sorry she had said anything so uncalledfor. 

Petronella herself had been much vexed at Armine's three days'defection, which was ascribed to the worldly and anti-ecclesiasticalinfluences of the rest of the family. She wanted her brother topreach a sermon about Lot's wife; but Jemmie, as she called him, hadon certain occasions a passive force of his own, and she could notprevail. She regretted it the less when Armine and Babie duly didthe work they had undertaken in the Sunday-school, though they wouldnot come in for any intermediate meals. 

"What did Mrs. Brownlow tell you in her note?" she asked of herbrother while giving him his tea before the last service. 

"That in a few days she shall be able to answer me. "

"Ah, well! Do you know there is a belief in the parish thatsomething has happened-—that a claim is to be set up to the wholeproperty, and that the whole family will be reduced to beggary?"

"I never heard of an estate to which there was not some claimant inobscurity. "

"But this comes from undoubted authority. " Mr. Parsons smiled alittle. "One can't help it if servants _will_ hear things. Well!any way it will be overruled for good to that dear boy—-though itwould be a cruel stroke on the parish. "

It was the twilight of a late spring evening when the congregationstreamed out of Church, and Elvira, who had managed hitherto to avoidall intercourse with the River Hollow party, found herself grappledby Lisette without hope of rescue. "My dear, this is a pleasure atlast; I have so much to say to you. Can't you give us a day?"

"I am going to town to-morrow, " said Elvira, never gracious to anyGould. 

"To-morrow! I heard the family had put off their migration. "

"I go with Lucas. I am to stay with Mrs, Evelyn, Lord Fordham'smother, you know, who is to present me at the Drawing-room, " saidElvira, magnificently. 

"Oh! if I could only see you in your court dress it would bememorable, " cried Mrs. Gould. "A little longer, my dear, our pathslie together. "

"I must get home. My packing-—"

"And may I ask what you wear, my dear? Is your dress ordered?"

"O yes, I had it made at Paris. It is white satin, with lilies-—akind of lily one gets in Algiers. " And she expatiated on the fashiontill Mrs. Gould said—-

"Well, my love, I hope you will enjoy yourself at the Honourable Mrs. Evelyn's. What is the address, in case I should have occasion towrite?"

"I shall have no time for doing commissions. "

"That was not my meaning, " was the gentle answer; "only if there beanything you ought to be informed of-—"

"They would write to me from home. Why, what do you mean?" asked thegirl, her attention gained at last. 

"Did it never strike you why you are sent up alone?"

"Only that Mrs. Brownlow is so cut up about Janet. "

"Ah! youth is so sweetly unconscious. It is well that there arethose who are bound to watch for your interests, my dear. "

"I can't think what you mean. "

"I will not disturb your happy innocence, my love. It is enough foryour uncle and me to be awake, to counteract any machinations. Ah! Isee your astonishment! You are so simple, my dear child, and youhave been studiously kept in the dark. "

"I can't think what you are driving at, " said Elvira, impatiently. "Mrs. Brownlow would never let any harm happen to me, nor Alleneither. Do let me go. "

"One moment, my darling. I must love you through all, and you willknow your true friends one day. Are you-—let me ask the question outof my deep, almost maternal, solicitude-—are you engaged to Mr. Brownlow?"

"Of course I am!"

"Of course, as you say. Most ingenuous! Ah? well, may it not be toolate!"

"Don't be so horrid, Lisette! Allen is not half a bad fellow, andfrightfully in love with me. "

"Exactly, my dear unsuspicious dove. There! I see you are impatient. You will know the truth soon enough. One kiss, for your mother'ssake. "

But Elvira broke from her, and rejoined Allen. 

"I have sounded the child, " said Lisette to her husband that evening, "and she is quite in the dark, though the very servants in the houseare better informed. "

"Better informed than the fact, may be, " said Mr. Gould (for a manalways scouts a woman's gossip). 

"No, indeed. Poor dear child, she is blinded purposely. She neverguessed why she was sent to Kencroft while the old Colonel was calledin, and they all agreed that the will should be kept back till thewedding with Mr. Allen should be over, and he could make up the rest. So now the child is to be sent to town, and surrounded with Mrs. Brownlow's creatures to prey upon her innocence. But you have nocare for your own niece-—none!"

CHAPTER XXIX. FRIENDS AND UNFRIENDS. 

 Ay, and, I think, One business doth command us all; for mineIs money. Timon of Athens. 

Before the door of one of the supremely respectable and aristocraticbut somewhat gloomy-looking houses in Cavendish Square, whose mauveplate-glass windows and link-extinguishers are like fossils of a pastera of civilisation, three riding horses were being walked up anddown, two with side-saddles and one for a gentleman. They were takenaside as a four-wheel drove up, while a female voice exclaimed—-

"Ah! we are just it time!"

Cards and a note were sent in with a request to see Miss Menella. 

Word came back that Miss Menella was just going out riding; but onthe return of a message that the visitors came from Mrs. Brownlow onimportant business, they were taken up-stairs to an ante-room. 

They were three-—Mr. Wakefield and Mr. Gould, and, to the greatdiscontentment of the former, Mrs. Gould likewise. Fain would hehave shaken her off; but as she truly said, who could deprive her ofher rights as kinswoman, and wife to the young lady's guardian?

After they had waited a few moments in the somewhat dingysurroundings of a house seldom used by its proper owners, Elviraentered in plumed hat and habit, a slender and exquisite littlefigure, but with a haughty twitch in her slim waist, superbindifference in the air of her little head, and a grasp of her coral-handled whip as if it were a defensive weapon, when Lisette flew upto offer an embrace with—-

"Joy, joy, my dear child! Remember, I was the first to give you ahint. "

"Good morning, " said Elvira, with a little bend of her head, presenting to each the shapely tip of a gauntleted hand, but ignoringher uncle and aunt as far as was possible. "Is there anything thatneed detain me, Mr. Wakefield? I am just going out with Miss Evelynand Lord Fordham, and I cannot keep them waiting. "

"Ah! it is you that will have to be waited for now, my sweet one, "began Mrs. Gould. 

"Here is a note from Mrs. Brownlow, " said Mr. Wakefield, holding itto Elvira, who looked like anything but a sweet one. "I imagine itis to prepare you for the important disclosure I have to make. "

A hot colour mounted in the fair cheek. Elvira tore open the letterand read—-

"MY DEAR CHILD, -—I can only ask your pardon for the unconscious wrongwhich I have so long been doing to you, and which shall be repairedas soon as the processes of the law render it possible for us tochange places. 

 "Your ever loving, "MOTHER CAREY. "

"What does it all mean?" cried the bewildered girl. 

"It means, " said the lawyer, "that Mrs. Brownlow has discovered awill of the late Mr. Barnes more recent than that under which sheinherited, naming you, Miss Elvira Menella, as the sole inheritrix. "

"My dear child, let me be the first to congratulate you on yourrecovery of your rights, " said Mrs. Gould, again proffering anembrace, but again the whip was interposed, while Elvira, with hereyes fixed on Mr. Wakefield, asked "What?" so that he had to repeatthe explanation. 

"Then does it all belong to me?" she asked. 

"Eventually it will, Miss Menella. You are sole heiress to yourgreat uncle, though you cannot enter into possession till certainneedful forms of law are gone through. Mrs. Brownlow offers noobstruction, but they cannot be rapid. "

"All mine!" repeated Elvira, with childish exultation. "What fun! Imust go and tell Sydney Evelyn. "

"A few minutes more, Miss Menella, " said Mr. Wakefield. "You oughtto hear the terms of the will. "

And he read it to her. 

"I thought you told me it was to be mine. This is all you and uncleGeorge. "

"As your trustees. "

"Oh, to manage as the Colonel does. You will give me all the money Iask you for. I want some pearls, and I must have that duck of alittle Arab. Uncle George, how soon can I have it?"

"We must go through the Probate Court, " he began, but his wifeinterrupted—-

"Ways and means will be forthcoming, my dear, though for my part Ithink it would be much better taste in Mrs. Brownlow to put you inpossession at once. "

"Mr. Wakefield explained, my dear, " said her husband, "that, much asMrs. Brownlow wishes to do so, she cannot; she has no power. It isher trustees. "

"Oh yes, I know every excuse will be found for retaining the propertyas long as possible, " said the lady. 

"Then I shall have to wait ever so long, " said the young lady. "AndI do so want the Arab. It is a real love, and Allen would say so. "

"I have another letter for you, " said Mr. Wakefield, on hearing thatname. "We will leave it with you. If you wish for furtherinformation, I would call immediately on receiving a line at myoffice. "

Just then a message was brought from Mrs. Evelyn inviting MissMenella's friends to stay to luncheon. It incited Elvira, who knewneither awe nor manners, to run across the great drawing-room, leaving the doors open behind her, to the little morning-room, wheresat Mrs. Evelyn, with Sydney, in her habit standing by themantelpiece. 

"Oh, Mrs. Evelyn, " Elvira began, "it is Mr. Wakefield and my uncleand his wife. They have come to say it is all mine; Uncle Barnesleft it all to me. "

"So I hear from Mrs. Brownlow, " said Mrs. Evelyn gravely. 

"Oh, Elfie, I am so sorry for you. Don't you hate it?" cried Sydney. 

"Oh, but it is such fun! I can do everything I please, " said theheiress. 

"Yes, that's the best part, " said Sydney. "I do envy you the daywhen you give it all back to Allen. "

That reminded Elvira to open the note, and as she read it her greateyes grew round. 

"SWEETEST AND DEAREST, -—How I have always loved, and always shalllove you, you know full well. But these altered circumstances bringabout what you have so often playfully wished. Say the word and youare free, no longer bound to me by anything that has passed betweenus, though the very fibres of my heart and life are as much as everentwined about you. Honour bids my dissolution of our engagement, and I await your answer, though nothing can ever make me other than

 "Your wholly devoted, "ALLEN. "

Mrs. Evelyn had been prepared by a letter from her friend for whatwas now taking place; Mr. Wakefield had likewise known the mainpurport of Allen's note, and had allowed that Mr. Brownlow could notas a gentleman do otherwise than release the young lady; though hefully believed that it would be only as a matter of form, and thatElvira would not hear of breaking off. He had in fact spent mucheloquence in persuading Mrs. Brownlow to continue to take the chargeof the heiress during the three years before her majority. Begun ingenerous affection by Allen long ago, the engagement seemed to thelawyer, as well as to others, an almost providential means of atleast partial restitution. 

He had meant Elvira to read her letter alone, but she had opened itbefore the two ladies, and her first exclamation was a startled, incredulous—-

"Ha! What's this? He says our engagement is dissolved. "

"He is of course bound to set you free, my dear, " said Mrs. Evelyn, "but it only depends on yourself. "

"Oh! and I shall tease him well first, " cried Elvira, her facelighting up with fun and mischief. " He was so tiresome and didbother so! Now I shall have my swing! Oh, what fun! I won't lethim worry me again just yet, I can tell him!"

"You don't seem to consider, " began Sydney, -—but Mrs. Gould took thismoment for advancing. 

>From the whole length of the large drawing-room the trio had beenspectators, not quite auditors, though perhaps enough to perceivewhat line the Evelyns were taking. 

So Mrs. Gould advanced into the drawing-room; Mrs. Evelyn cameforward to assume the duties of hostess; and Sydney turned and ranaway so precipitately that she shut the door on the trailing skirt ofher habit and had to open it again to release herself. 

Mr. Wakefield hoped the young ladies would pardon him for havingspoilt their ride, and Elvira was going off to change her dress, when, to his dismay, Mrs. Evelyn desired her to take her aunt to herroom to prepare for luncheon. He had seen enough of Mrs. Gould toknow that this was a most unlucky measure of courtesy on good simpleMrs. Evelyn's part, but of course he could do nothing to prevent it, and had to remain with Mr. Gould, both speaking in the strongestmanner of Mrs. Brownlow's uprightness and bravery in meeting thissudden change. Mr. Wakefield said he hoped to prevail on her toretain the charge of the young lady for the present, and Mr. Gouldassented that she could not be in better hands. Then Mrs. Evelyn (byway of doing anything for her friend) undertook to make Elvirawelcome as long as it might be convenient, and was warmly thanked. She further ascertained that the missing witness had been traced; andthat the most probable course of action would be that there would bean amicable suit in the Probate Court and then another of ejectment. Until these were over, things would remain in their present state forhow many weeks or months would depend upon the Law Courts, since Mrs. Brownlow's trustees would be legally holders of the property untilthe decision was given against them, and Miss Menella would be asentirely dependent on her bounty as she had been all these years. Meanwhile, as Mrs. Brownlow had no inclination to come to London andexhibit herself as a disinherited heroine, Mr. Wakefield and theColonel strongly advised her remaining on at Belforest. 

All this, Mrs. Evelyn had been anxious to understand, and thus wasmore glad of the delay of Elvira and her aunt up-stairs than shewould have been, if she could ever have guessed what work adesigning, flattering tongue could make with a vain, frivolous, selfish brain, with the same essential strain of vulgarity andworldliness. 

Still, Elvira was chiefly shallow and selfish, and all her affectionand confidence naturally belonged to her home of the last eightyears. She was bewildered, perhaps a little intoxicated at the senseof riches, but was really quite ready to lean as much as ever uponher natural friends and protectors. 

However, Lisette's congratulations and exultation rang pleasantlyupon her ear, and she listened and talked freely, asking questionsand rejoicing. 

Now Mrs. Gould, to do her justice, measured others by herself, andreally and truly believed that only accident had disconcerted a planfor concealing the will till Elvira should have been safely marriedto Allen Brownlow, and that thus it was the fixed purpose of thefamily to keep her and her fortune in their hands, a purpose whichevery instinct bade Mrs. Lisette Gould to traverse and overthrow, ifonly because she hated such artfulness and meanness. Unfortunately, too, as she had been a governess, and her father had been a Uniondoctor, she could put herself forward as something above a farmer'swife, indeed "quite as good as Mrs. Brownlow. "

All Mrs. Evelyn's civility had not redeemed her from the imputationof being "high, " and Elvira was quite ready to call hers a very dullhouse. In truth, there was only moderate gaiety, and no fastness. The ruling interests were religious and political questions, asbefitted Fordham's maiden session, the society was quietly high-bred, and intelligent, and there was much attention to health; for, strongas Sydney was, her mother would have dreaded the full whirl of theseason as much for her body as for her mind. 

At all this the frivolous, idle little soul chafed and fretted, awarethat the circle was not a fashionable one, eager for far morediversion and less restraint, and longing to join the party in HydeCorner, where she could always make Allen do what she pleased. 

With the obtuseness of an unobservant, self-occupied mind, she wastaken by surprise when Mrs. Gould said that Mrs. Brownlow was notcoming to town, adding, "It would be very unbecoming in her, thoughof course she will hold on at Belforest as long as there is anyquibble of the law. "

"Oh, I don't want to lose the season; she promised me!"

Then Mrs. Gould made a great stroke. 

"My dear, you could not return to her. Not when the young man hasjust broken with you. You would have more proper pride. "

"Poor Allen!" said Elvira. "If he would only let me alone, to havemy fun like other girls. "

"You see he could not afford to let you gratify your youthfulspirits. Too much was at stake, and it is most providential thatthings had gone no further, and that your own good sense haspreserved you to adorn a much higher sphere. "

"Allen could be made something, " said Elvira, "I know, for he told mehe could get himself made a baronet. He always does as I tell him. Will they be very poor, Lisette?"

"Oh no, my dear, generous child, Mrs. Brownlow was quite as wellprovided for as she had any right to expect. You need have noanxieties on that score. "

To Elvira, the change from River Hollow to the Pagoda had been fromrustic to gentle life, and thus this reply sounded plausible enoughto silence a not much awakened compassion, but she still said, "Whycan't I go home? I've nowhere else to go. I could not stay at theFarm, " she added in her usual uncomplimentary style. 

"No, my dear, I should not think of it. An establishment must beformed, but in the meantime, it would be quite beneath you to returnto Mrs. Brownlow, again to become the prey of undergroundmachinations. Besides, how awkward it would be while the lawsuitsare going on. Impossible! No my dear, you must only return toBelforest in a triumphal procession. Surely there must be acompetition for my lovely child among more congenial friends. "

"Well, " said Elvira, "there were the Folliots. We met them at Nice, and Lady Flora did ask me the other day, but Mrs. Brownlow does notlike them, and Allen says they are not good form. "

"Ah! I knew you could not want for friends. You are not bound bythose who want to keep you to themselves for reasons of their own. "

Thus before Elvira brought her aunt down stairs, enough had been doneto make her eager to be with one who would discuss her futuresplendour rather than deplore the change to her benefactor, and thusshe readily accepted a proposal she would naturally have scouted, togo out driving with Mrs. Gould. She came back in a mood of exultingfolly, and being far too shallow and loquacious to conceal anything, she related in full all Mrs. Gould's insinuations, which, to do herjustice, the poor child did not really understand. But Sydney did, and was furious at the ingratitude which could seem almost flattered. Mrs. Evelyn found the two girls in a state of hot reproach andrecrimination, and cut the matter short by treating them as if theywere little children, and ordering them both off to their rooms todress for dinner. 

Elvira went away sobbing, and saying that nobody cared for her;everybody was wrapped up in the Brownlows, who had been enjoying whatwas hers ever so long. 

And Sydney presently burst into her mother's room to pour out herdisgust and indignation against the heartless, ungrateful, intolerable—-

"Only foolish, my dear, and left all day in the hands of aflattering, designing woman. "

"To let such things be said. Mamma, did you hear—-?"

"I had rather not hear, Sydney; and I desire you will not repeat themto any one. Be careful, if you talk to Jock to-night. To repeatwords spoken in her present mood might do exceeding mischief. "

"She speaks as if she meant to cast them all off—-Allen and all. "

"Very possibly she may see things differently when she wakes to-morrow. But Sydney, while she is here, the whole subject must beavoided. It would not be acting fairly to use any influence infavour of our friends. "

"Don't you mean to speak to her, mamma?"

"If she consults me, of course I shall tell her what I think of thematter, but I shall not force my advice on her, or give these Gouldsoccasion to say that I am playing into Mrs. Brownlow's hands. "

They were going to an evening party, and Lucas and Cecil came todinner to go with them. Cecil looked grave and gloomy, but Jockrattled away so merrily that Sydney began to wonder whether all thiswere a dream, or whether he were still unaware of the impendingmisfortune. 

But Jock only waited for the friendly cover of a grand piece ofinstrumental music to ask Mrs. Evelyn if she had heard from hismother, and she was very glad to go into details with him, while hewas infinitely relieved that the silence was over, and he coulddiscuss the matter with his friends. 

"Tell me truly, Jock, will she be comfortably off?"

"Very fairly. Yes, indeed. My father's savings were absolutely leftto her, and have been accumulating all this time, and they will be avery fair maintenance for her and Babie. "

"There is no danger of her having to pay the mesne profits?"

"No, certainly not, as it stands. Mr. Wakefield says that cannothappen. Then the old house in Bloomsbury, where we were all born, isour own, and she likes the notion of returning thither. Mrs. Evelyn, after all you and Sir James have done for me, what should you thinkof my giving it up, and taking to the pestle and mortar?"

"My dear Lucas!" Then after a moment's reflection, "I suppose itwould be folly to think of going on as you are?"

"Raving insanity, " said Jock, "and this notion really does seem toplease my mother. "

"Is it not just intolerable to hear him?" said Cecil, who had madehis way to them. 

"'What is bred in the bone-—'" said Jock. "What's that? Chopin?Sydney, will you condescend to the apothecary's boy?"

As he led her to the dancing-room, she asked, "You can't really meanthis, Jock. Cecil is breaking his heart about it. "

"There are worse trades. "

"But it is such a cruel pity!"

"What? The execution I shall make, " he said lightly. 

"For shame, Jock!"

But he went on teasing her, because their hearts were so very full. "'Tis just the choice between various means of slaughter. "

"Don't!" she exclaimed. "Something can be done to prevent yourthrowing yourself away. Why can't you exchange?"

"It is too late to get into any corps where I should not be anexpense to my mother, " said Jock, regretting his decision a good dealmore when he found how she regarded it. 

"Well, sacrifice is something!" sighed Sydney. 

Jock defied strange feelings by a laugh and the reply, "Equal to thefinest thing in the 'Traveller's Joy, ' and that was the knight wholet the hyena eat up his hand that his lady might finish her rosaryundisturbed. "

"It is as bad-—or as good-—to let the hyena eat up your sword hand asto cut yourself off from all that is great and noble-—all we used tothink you would do. "

So spoke Sydney Evelyn in her girlish prejudice, and the prospectsthat had recently seemed to Lucas so fair and kindly, suddenlyclouded over and became dull, gloomy, and despicable. She felt as ifshe were saving him from becoming a deserter as she went on—-

"I am sure Babie must be shocked!"

"I don't know whether Babie has heard. She has serious thoughts ofcoming out as a lady-help, editing the 'Traveller's Joy' as a popularmagazine, giving lessons in Greek, or painting the crack picture inthe Royal Academy. In fact, she would rather prefer to have thewhole family on her hands. "

"It is all the spirit of self-sacrifice, " said Sydney; "but oh, Lucas, let it be any sacrifice but that of your sword! Think how weshould all feel if there was a great glorious war, and you only apoor creature of a civilian, instead of getting-—as I know you would—-lots of medals and Victoria Crosses, and knighthood-—realknighthood! Oh, Jock, think of that! When your mother thinks ofthat, she can't want you to make any such mistaken sacrifice to her. Live on a crust if you like, but don't-—don't give up your sword. "

"This is coming it strong, " muttered Jock. "I did not think anyonecared so much. "

"Of course I care. "

The words were swept off as they whirled together into the dance, where the clasping hands and flying feet had in them a strangeimpulse, half tenderness, half exultation, as each felt an importanceto the other unknown before. Childishness was not exactly leftbehind in it, but a different stage was reached. Sydney felt herselfto have done a noble work, and gloried in watching till her heroshould have achieved greatness on a crust a day, and Jock was equallytouched and elated at the intimation that his doings were so much toher. 

Friendship sang the same note. Cecil, honest lad, had never morethan the average amount either of brains or industry, and despisedmedicines to the full as much as did his sister. Abhorring equallythe toil and the degradation, he deemed it a duty to prevent such afall, and put his hope in his uncle. Nay, if his mother had notassured him that it was too late, he would have gone off at once toseek Sir James at his club. 

Lord Fordham had been in bed long before the others returned, but inthe morning a twisted note was handed to his mother, briefly sayinghe was running down to see how it was with them at Belforest. 

When a station fly was seen drawing to the door, Allen, who wasdrearily leaning over the stone wall of the terrace, muchdisorganised by having received no answer to his letter, instantlyjumped to the conclusion that Elvira had come home, sprang to thedoor, and when he only saw the tall figure emerge, he concluded thatsomething dreadful had happened, grasped Fordham's hand, and demandedwhat it was. 

It fell flat that she had last been seen full-dressed going off to aparty. 

"Then, if there's nothing, what brought you here? I mean, " said poorAllen, catching up his courtesy, "I'm afraid there's nothing you orany one else can do. "

"Can I see your mother?"

Allen turned him into the library and went off to find his mother, and instruct her to discover from "that stupid fellow" how Elvira wasfeeling it. When, after putting away the papers she was trying toarrange, Caroline went downstairs, she had no sooner opened the doorthan Barbara flew up to her, crying out—-

"Oh, mother, tell him not!"

"Tell him what, my dear?" as the girl hung on her, and dragged herinto the ante-room. "What is the matter?"

"If it is nonsense, he ought not to have made it so like earnest, "said Babie, all crimson, but quite gravely. 

"You don't mean-—"

"Yes, mother. "

"How could he?" cried Caroline, in her first annoyance at such thingsbeginning with her Babie. 

"You'll tell him, mother. You'll not let him do it again?"

"Let me go, my child. I must speak to him and find out what it allmeans. "

Within the library she was met by Fordham. 

"Have I done very wrong, Mrs. Brownlow? I could not help it. "

"I wish you had not. "

"I always meant to wait till she was older, and I grew stronger, butwhen all this came, I thought if we all belonged to one another itmight be a help-—"

"Very, very kind, but—-"

"I know I was sudden and frightened her, " he continued; "but if shecould-—"

"You forget how young she is. "

"No, I don't. I would not take her from you. We could all go ontogether. "

"All one family? Oh, you unpractised boy!"

"Have we not done so many winters? But I would wait, I meant to havewaited, only I am afraid of dying without being able to provide forher. If she would have me, she would be left better off than mymother, and then it would be all right for you and Armie. What areyou smiling at?"

"At your notions of rightness, my dear, kind Duke. I see how youmean it, but it will not do. Even if she had grown to care for you, it would not be right for me to give her to you for years to come. "

"May not I hope till then?"

She could not tell how sorry she should be to see in her littledaughter any dawnings of an affection which would be a virtualcondemnation to such a life as his mother's had been. 

"You don't guess how I love her! She has been the bright light of mylife ever since the Engelberg, —-the one hope I have lived for!"

"My poor Duke!"

"Then do you quite mean to deny me all hope?"

"Hope must be according to your own impressions, my dear Fordham. Of course, if you are well, and still wishing it four or five yearshence, it would be free to you to try again. More, I cannot say. No, don't thank me, for I trust to your honour to make nodemonstrations in the meantime, and not to consider yourself asbound. "

It was a relief that Armine here came in, attracted by a report ofhis friend's arrival, and Mrs. Brownlow went in search of herdaughter, to whom she was guided by a sonata played with veryunnecessary violence. 

"You need not murder Haydn any more, you little barbarian, " she said, with a hand on the child's shoulder, and looking anxiously into thegloomy face. "I have settled him. "

Babie drew a long breath, and said—-

"I'm glad! It was so horrid! You'll not let him do it any more?"

"Then you decidedly would not like it?" returned her mother. 

"Like it? Poor Duke! Mother! As if I could ever! A man that can'tsit in a draught, or get wet in his feet!" cried Babie, with theutmost scorn; and reading reproof as well as amused pity in hermother's eyes, she added, "Of course, I am very sorry for him; butfancy being very _sorry_ for one's love!"

"I thought you liked wounded knights?"

"Wounded! Yes, but they've done something, and had glorious wounds. Now Duke-—he is very good, and it is not his fault but hismisfortune; but he is such a-—such a muff!"

"That's enough, my dear; I am quite content that my Infanta shouldwait for her hero. Though, " she added, almost to herself, "she istoo childish to know the true worth of what she condemns. "

She felt this the more when Babie, who had coaxed the housekeeperinto letting her begin a private school of cookery, started up, crying—-

"I must go and see my orange biscuits taken out of the oven! Ishould like to send a taste to Sydney!"

Yes, Barbara was childish for nearly sixteen, and, as it struck hermother at the moment, rather wonderfully so considering hercleverness and romance. It was better for her that the softeningshould not come yet, but, mother as she was, Caroline's sympathiescould not but be at the moment with the warm-hearted, impulsive, generous young man, moved out of all his habitual valetudinarianhabits by his affection, rather than with the light-hearted child, who spurned the love she did not comprehend, and despised his ill-health. Had the young generation no hearts? Oh no-—no-—it could notbe so with her loving Barbara, and she ought to be thankful for thesaving of pain and perplexity. 

Poor Armine was not getting much comfort out of his friend, who wastoo much preoccupied to attend to what he was saying, and onlymechanically assented at intervals to the proposition that it was aninscrutable dispensation that the will and the power should so seldomgo together. He heard all Armine's fallen castles about chapels, schools, curates, and sisters, as in a dream, really not knowingwhether they were or were not to be. And with all his desire to beuseful, he never perceived the one offer that would have been reallyvaluable, namely, to carry off the boy out of sight of the scene ofhis disappointment. 

Fordham was compelled to stay for an uncomfortable luncheon, whenthere were spasmodic jerks of talk about subjects of the day to keepup appearances before the servants, who flitted about in such anexasperating way that their mistress secretly rejoiced to think howsoon she should be rid of the fine courier butler. 

Just as the pony-carriage came round for Armine to drive his friendback to the station, the Colonel came in, and was an astonishedspectator of the farewells. 

"So that's your young lord, " he said. "Poor lad! if our nobility ismade of no tougher stuff, I would not give much for it. What broughthim here?"

'Kindness—-sympathy-—" said Caroline, a little awkwardly. 

"Much of that he showed, " said Allen, "just knowing nothing at allabout anybody! No! If it were not so utterly ridiculous I shouldthink he had come to make an offer to Babie:" and as his sister flewout of the room, "You don't mean that he has, mother?"

"Pray, don't speak of it to any one!" said Caroline. "I would nothave it known for the world. It was a generous impulse, poor dearfellow; and Babie has no feeling for him at all. "

"Very lucky, " said the uncle. "He looks as if his life was not wortha year's purchase. So you refused him? Quite right too. You are asensible woman, Caroline, in the midst of this severe reverse!"

CHAPTER XXX. AS WEEL OFF AS AYE WAGGING

'Lesbia hath a beaming eye, But no one knows for whom it beameth, Right and left its arrows fly, But what they aim at, no one dreameth. '

By the advice, or rather by the express desire, of her trustees, Mrs. Brownlow remained at Belforest, while they accepted an offer ofrenting the London house for the season. Mr. Wakefield declared thatthere was no reason that she should contract her expenditure; but shefelt as if everything she spent beyond her original income, except ofcourse the needful outlay on keeping up the house and gardens, wererobbery of Elvira, and she therefore did not fill up the establish-ment of servants, nor of horses, using only for herself the littlepair of ponies which had been turned out in the park. 

No one had perhaps realised the amount of worry that this arrangemententailed. As Barbara said, if they could have gone away at once andworked for their living like sensible people in a book, it would havebeen all very well—-but this half-and-half state was dreadful. Personally it did not affect Babie much, but she was growing up tothe part of general sympathiser, and for the first time in theirlives there was a pull in contrary directions by her mother, andArmine. 

Every expenditure was weighed before it was granted. Did it belongrightly to Belforest estate or to Caroline Brownlow? And the claimsof the church and parish at Woodside were doubtful. Armine, underthe influence of Miss Parsons, took a wide view of the dues of theparish, thought there was a long arrear to be paid off, and thatwhatever could be given was so much out of the wolf's mouth. 

His mother, with 'Be just before you are generous' ringing in herears, referred all to the Colonel, and he had long had a fixed scaleof the duties of the property as a property, and was only renderedthe more resolute in it by that vehemence of Armine's which enhancedhis dislike and distrust of the family at the vicarage. 

"Bent on getting all they could while they could, " he said, quiteunjustly as to the vicar, and hardly fairly by the sister, whosedemands were far exceeded by those of her champion. 

The claims of the cottages for repair, and of the school forsufficient enlargement and maintenance to obviate a School Board, were acknowledged; but for the rest, the Colonel said, "his sisterwas perfectly at liberty. No one could blame her if she threw herbalance at the bank into the sea. She would never be called toaccount; but since she asked him whether the estate was bound toassist in pulling the church to pieces, and setting up a fresh curateto bring in more absurdities, he could only say what he thought, "etc. 

These thoughts of his were of course most offensive to Armine, whoset all down to sordid Puritan prejudice, could not think how hismother could listen, and, when Babie stood up for her mother, wentoff to blend his lamentations with those of Miss Parsons, whoseresignation struck him as heroic. "Never mind, Armine, it will allcome in time. Perhaps we are not fit for it yet. We cannot expectthe world's justice to understand the outpouring of the saints'liberality. "

Armine repeated this interesting aphorism to Barbara, and was muchdisappointed that the shrewd little woman did not understand it, oronly so far as to say, "But I did not know that it was saintly to beliberal with other people's money. "

He said Babie had a prejudice against Miss Parsons; and he was so farright that the Infanta did not like her, thought her a humbug, andsorely felt that for the first time something had come betweenherself and Armine. 

Allen was another trouble. He did not agree to the retrenchments, inwhich he saw no sense, and retained his horse and groom. Luckily hehad retained only one when going abroad, and at this early season heneeded no more. But his grievous anxiety and restlessness aboutElvira did not make him by any means insensible to the effects of areduced establishment in a large house, and especially to thehandiwork of the good woman who had been left in charge, whencompared with that of the 80L cooks who had been the plague of hismother's life. 

No one, however, could wonder at his wretchedness, as day after daypassed without hearing from Elvira, and all that was known was thatshe had left Mrs. Evelyn and gone to stay with Lady Flora Folliott, aflighty young matron, who had been enraptured with her beauty at atable d'hote a year ago, and had made advances not much relished bythe rest of the party. 

No more was to be learnt till Lucas found a Saturday to come down. Before he could say three words, he was cross-examined. Had he seenElvira?

"Several times. "

"Spoken to her?"

"Yes. "

"What had she said?"

"Asked him to look at a horse. "

"Did she know he was coming home?"

"Yes. "

"Had she sent any message?"

"Well-—yes. To desire that her Algerine costume should be sent up. Whew!" as Allen flung himself out of the room. "How have I put myfoot in it, mother?"

"You don't mean that that was all?"

"Every jot! What, has she not written? The abominable little elf!I'm coming. " And he shrugged his shoulders as Allen, who had comeround to the open window, beckoned to him. 

"He was absolutely grappled by a trembling hand, and a husky voicedemanded, "What message did she really send? I can't stand foolery. "

"Just that, Allen-—to Emma. Really just that. You can't shake moreout of me. You might as well expect anything from that Chineselantern. Hold hard. 'Tis not I—-"

"Don't speak! You don't know her! I was a fool to think she wouldconfide to a mere buffoon, " cried poor Allen, in his misery. "Yet ifthey were intercepting her letters—-"

Wherewith he buried himself in the depths of the shrubbery, whileJock, with a long whistle, came back through the library window tohis mother, observing—-

"Intercepted! Poor fellow! Hardly necessary, if possible, thoughLady Flora might wish to catch her for Clanmacnalty. Has themiserable imp really vouchsafed no notice of any of you?"

"Not the slightest; and it is breaking Allen's heart. "

"As if a painted little marmoset were worth a man's heart! But Allenhas always been infatuated about her, and there's a good deal atstake, though, if he could only see it in the right fight, he is wellquit of such a bubble of a creature. I wouldn't be saddled with itfor all Belforest. "

"Don't call her any more names, my dear! I only wish any one wouldrepresent to her the predicament she keeps Allen in. He can't pressfor an answer, of course; but it is cruel to keep him in thissuspense. I wonder Mrs. Evelyn did not make her write. 

"I don't suppose it entered her mind that the little wretch (beg yourpardon) had not done it of her own accord, and with those Folliottsthere's no chance. They live in a perpetual whirl, enough todistract an Archbishop. Twenty-four parties a week at a moderatecomputation. "

"Unlucky child!"

"Wakefield is heartily vexed at her having run into such hands, " saidJock; "but there is no hindering it, no one has any power, and evenif he had, George Gould is a mere tool in his wife's hands. "

"Still, Mr. Wakefield might insist on her answering Allen one way orthe other. Poor fellow! I don't think it would cost her much, forshe was too childish ever to be touched by that devotion of his. Ialways thought it a most dangerous experiment, and all I wish for nowis that she would send him a proper dismissal, so that his mind mightbe settled. It would be bad enough, but better than going on in thisway. "

"I'll see him, " said Jock, "or may be I can do the business myself, for, strange to say, the creature doesn't avoid me, but rather runsafter me. "

"You meet her in society?"

"Yes, I've not come to the end of my white kids yet, you see. Andmother, I came to tell you of something that has turned up. You knowthe Evelyns are all dead against my selling out. I dined with SirJames on Tuesday, and found next day it was for the sake of walkingme out before Sir Philip Cameron, the Cutteejung man, you know. Heis sure to be sent out again in the autumn, and he has promised SirJames that if I can get exchanged into some corps out there, he willput me on his staff at once. Mother!"

He stopped short, astounded at the change of countenance, that for amoment she could neither control nor conceal, as she exclaimed"India!" but rallying at once she went on "Sir Philip Cameron! Mydear boy, that's a great compliment. How delighted your uncle willbe!"

"But you, mother!"

"Oh yes, my dear, I shall, I will, like it. Of course I am glad andproud for my Jock! How very kind of Sir James!"

"Isn't it? He talked it over with me as if I had been Cecil, andsaid I was quite right not to stay in the Guards; and that in India, if a man has any brains at all and reasonable luck, he can't helpgetting on. So I shall be quite and clean off your hands, and in theway of working forward, and perhaps of doing something worth hearingof. Mother, you will be pleased then?"

"Shall I not, my dear, dear Jockey! I don't think you could have abetter chief. I have always heard that Sir Philip was such a goodman. "

"So Mrs. Evelyn said. She was sure you would be satisfied. Youcan't think how kind they were, making the affair quite their own, "said Jock, with a little colour in his face. "They absolutely thinkit would be wrong to give up the service. "

"Yes; Mrs. Evelyn wrote to me that you ought not to be thrown away. It was very kind and dear, but with a little of the aristocraticnotion that the army is the only profession in the world. I can'thelp it; I can't think your father's profession unworthy of his son. "

"She didn't say so!"

"No, but I understood it. Perhaps I am touchy; I don't think I amungrateful. They have always made you like one of themselves. "

"Yes, so much that I don't like to run counter to their wishes whenthey have taken such pains. Besides, there are things that can bethought of, even by a poor man, as a soldier, which can't in theother line. "

This speech, made with bent head, rising colour, and hand playingwith his mother's fan, gave her, all unwittingly on his part, a keensense that her Jock was indeed passing from her, but she said nothingto damp his spirits, and threw herself heartily into his plans, announcing them to his uncle with genuine exultation. To this theColonel fully responded, telling Jock that he would have given theworld thirty years ago for such a chance, and commending him for thusgetting off his mother's hands. 

"I only wish the rest of you were doing the same, " he said, "but eachone seems to think himself the first person to be thought of, and herthe last. "

"The Colonel's wish seemed in course of fulfilment, for when Lucaswent a few days later to his brother Robert's rooms, he found himcollecting testimonials for his fitness to act as Vice-principal to aEuropean college at Yokohama for the higher education of theJapanese. 

"Mother has not heard of it, " said Jock. 

"She need not till it is settled, " answered Bobus. "It will save hertrouble with her clerical friends if she only knows too late for aprotest. "

Jock understood when he saw the stipulations against religiousteaching, and recognised in the Principal's name an essayist whosenegations of faith had made some stir. However, he only said, "Itwill be rather a blow. "

"There are limits to all things, " replied Bobus. "The truestkindness to her is to get afloat away from the family raft asspeedily as possible. She has quite enough to drag her down. "

"I should hope to act the other way, " said Jock. 

"Get your own head above water first, " said Bobus. "Here's some goodadvice gratis, though I've no expectation of your taking it. Don'tgo in for study in the old quarters! Go to Edinburgh or Paris oranywhere you please, but cut the connection, or you'll never be ridof loafers for life. Wherever mother is, all the rest willgravitate. Mark me, Allen is spoilt for anything but a walkinggentleman, Armine will never be good for work, and how many years doyou give Janet's Athenian to come to grief in? Then will they returnto the domestic hearth with a band of small Grecians, while Dr. LucasBrownlow is reduced to a rotifer or wheel animal, circulating in atrap collecting supplies, with 'sic vos non vobis' for his motto. "

Jock looked startled. How if there be no such rotifer?" he said. "You don't really think there will be nothing to depend when we areboth gone?"

"When?"

"Yes, I've a chance of getting on Cameron's staff in India. "

"Oh, that's all right, old fellow! Why, you'll be my nextneighbour. "

"But about mother? You don't seriously think Ali and Armie will benothing but dead weights on her?"

"Only as long as there's anybody to hold them up", said Bobus, perceiving that his picture had taken an effect the reverse of whathe intended. "They have no lack of brains, and are quite able toshift for themselves and mother too, if only they have to do it, evenif she were a pauper, which she isn't. "

But it was with a less lightsome heart that Jock went to his quartersto prepare for a fancy ball, where he expected to meet Elvira, thoughwhether he should approach her or not would depend on her owncaprice. 

It was a very splendid affair. A whole back garden, had beentransformed into a vast pavilion, containing an Armida's garden, whose masses of ferns and piles of gorgeous flowers made delightfulnooks for strangers who left the glare of the dancing-room, and thequaint dresses harmonised with the magic of the gaslight and thestrange forms of the exotics. 

The simple scarlet of the young Guardsman was undistinguished amongthe brilliant character-groups which represented old fairy tales andnursery rhymes. There were 'The White Cat and her Prince, ' 'Puss-in-Boots and the Princess, ' 'Little Snowflake and her Bear, ' and, behold, here was the loveliest Fatima ever seen, in the well-knownAlgerine dress, mated with a richly robed and turbaned hero, whosebeard was blue, though in ordinary life red, inasmuch as he was LadyFlora's impecunious and not very reputable Scottish peer of abrother. That lady herself, in a pronounced bloomer, represented thelittle old woman of doubtful identity, and her husband the pedlar, whose 'name it was Stout'; while not far off the Spanish lady, ingarments gay, as rich as may be, wooed her big Englishman in a dressthat rivalled Sir Nicolas Blount's. 

There was a pretty character quadrille, and then a general melee, inwhich Jock danced successively with Cinderella and the fairequestrian of Banbury Cross, and lost sight of Fatima, till, just ashe was considering of offering himself to little Bo-peep, he saw herlooking a good deal bored by the Spanish lady's Englishman. 

Tossing her head till the coins danced on her forehead, sheexclaimed, "Oh, there's my cousin; I must speak to him!" and sprangto her old companion as if for protection. "Take me to a coolcorner, Jock, " she said, "I am suffocating. "

"No wonder, after waltzing with a mountain. "

"He can no more waltz than fly! And he thinks himself irresistible!He says his dress is from a portrait of his ancestor, Sir Somebody;and Flora declares his only ancestor must have been the Fat Boy! Andhe thought I was a Turkish Sultana! Wasn't it ridiculous! You knowhe never says anything but 'Exactly. '"

"Did he intone it so as to convey all this?"

"He is a little inspired by his ruff and diamonds. Flora says hewants to dazzle me, and will have them changed into paste before hemakes them over to his young woman. He has just tin enough to wantmore, and she says I must be on my guard. "

"You want no guard, I should think, but your engagement. "

"What are you bringing that up for? I suppose you know how Allenwrote to me?" she pouted. 

"I know that he thought it due to you to release you from yourpromise, and that he is waiting anxiously for your reply. Have youwritten?"

"Don't bore so, Jock, " said Elvira pettishly. "It was no doing ofmine, and I don't see why I should be teased. "

"Then you wish me to tell him that he is to take your silence as arelease from you. "

"I authorise nothing, " she said. "I hate it all. "

"Look here, Elvira, " said Jock, "do you know your own mind? Nobodywants you to take Allen. In fact, I think he is much better quit ofyou; but it is due to him, and still more to yourself, to cancel theold affair before beginning a new one. "

"Who told you I was beginning a new one?" asked she pertly. 

"No one can blame you, provided you let him loose first. It isconsidered respectable, you know, to be off with the old love beforeyou are on with the new. Nay, it may be only a superstition. "

"Superstition!" she repeated in an awed voice that gave him his cue, and he went on—-"Oh yes, a lady has been even known to come and shakehands with the other party after he had been hanged to give back hertroth, lest he should haunt her. "

"Allen isn't hanged, " said Elvira, half frightened, half cross. "Whydoesn't he come himself?"

"Shall he? " said Jock. 

"My dear child, I've been running madly up and down for you!" criedLady Flora, suddenly descending on them, and carrying off her chargewith a cursory nod to the Guardsman, marking the difference between adetrimental and even the third son of a millionaire. 

He saw Elvira no more that night, and the next post carried a note toBelforest. 

 31st May. 

DEAR ALLEN-—I don't know whether you will thank me, but I tried toget a something definite out of your tricksy Elf, and the chiefresult, so far as I can understand the elfish tongue, is, that shesought no change, and the final sentence was, 'Why doesn't he comehimself?' I believe it is her honest wish to go on, when she is leftto her proper senses; but that is seldom. You must take this forwhat it is worth from the buffoon, J. L. B. 

Allen came full of hope, and called the next morning. Miss Menellawas out riding. He got a card for a party where she was sure to bepresent, and watched the door, only to see her going away on the armof Lord Clanmacnalty to some other entertainment. He went to Mr. Folliott's door, armed with a note, and heard that Lady Flora andMiss Menella were gone out of town for a few days. So it went on, and he turned upon Jock with indignation at having been summoned tobe thus deluded. The undignified position added venom to the smartof the disregarded affection and the suspense as to the future, andJock had much to endure after every disappointment, though Allenclung to him rather than to any one else because of his impressionthat Elvira's real preference was unchanged (such as it was), andthat these failures were rather due to her friend than to herself. 

This became more clear through Mrs. Evelyn. Her family hadconnections in common with the Dowager Lady Clanmacnalty, and the twoladies met at the house of their relation. Listening in the way ofduty to the old Scottish Countess's profuse communications, she heardwhat explained a good deal. 

Did she know the Spanish girl who was with Flora-—a handsome creatureand a great heiress? Oh yes; she had presented her. Strange affair!Flora understood that there was a deep plot for appropriating theyoung lady and her fortune. 

"She had been engaged to Mr. Brownlow long before claims were known, "began Mrs. Evelyn. 

"Oh yes! It was very ingeniously arranged, only the discovery wasmade too soon. I have it on the best authority. When the girl cameto stay with Flora, her aunt asked for an interview—-such a nicesensible woman—-so completely understanding her position. She saidit was such a distress to her not to be qualified to take her nieceinto society, yet she could not take her home, living so near, to beharassed by this young man's pursuit. "

"I saw Mrs. Gould myself, " said Mrs. Evelyn. "I cannot say I wasfavourably impressed. "

"Oh, we all know she is not a lady; never professes it poor thing. She is quite aware that her niece must move in a different sphere, and all she wants is to have her guarded from that young Brownlow. He follows them everywhere. It is quite the business of Flora's lifeto avoid him. "

"Perhaps you don't know that Mrs. Brownlow took that girl out of afarmhouse, and treated her like a daughter, merely because they weresecond or third cousins. The engagement to Allen Brownlow was madewhen the fortune was entirely on his side. "

"Precaution or conscience, eh?" said the old lady, laughing. "By theby, you were intimate with Mrs. Brownlow abroad. How fortunate foryou that nothing took place while they had such expectations! Of nofamily, I hear, of quite low extraction. A parish doctor he was, wasn't he?"

"A distinguished surgeon. "

"And _she_ came out of some asylum or foundling hospital?"

"Only the home for officers' daughters, " said Mrs. Evelyn, not ableto help laughing. "Her father, Captain Allen, was in the sameregiment with Colonel Brownlow, her husband's brother. I assure youthe Menellas and Goulds have no reason to boast. "

"A noble Spanish family, " said the dowager. "One can see it everygesture of the child. "

It was plain that the old lady intended Mr. Barnes's hoards to repairthe ravages of dissipation on the never very productive estates ofClanmacnalty, and that while Elvira continued in Lady Flora'scustody, there was little chance of a meeting between her and Allen. The girl seemed to be submitting passively, and no doubt her newfriends could employ tact and flattery enough to avoid exciting herperverseness. No doubt she had been harassed by Allen's exaction ofresponse to his ardent affection, and wearied of his monopoly of her. Maiden coyness and love of liberty might make her as willing to eludehis approach as her friends could wish. 

Once only, at a garden party, did he touch the tips of her fingers, but no more. She never met his eye, but threw herself into eagerflirtation with the men he most disliked, while the lovely carnationwas mounting in her cheek, and betraying unusual excitement. Itbecame known that she was going early in July into the country withsome gay people who were going to give a series of fetes on somepublic occasion, and then that she was to go with Lady Clanmacnaltyand her unmarried daughter to Scotland, to help them entertain thegrouse-shoot-party. 

Allen's stay in London was clearly of no further use, as Jockperceived with a sensation of relief, for all his pity could nothinder him from being bored with Allen's continual dejection, and hissighs over each unsuccessful pursuit. He was heartily tired of thepart of confidant, which was the more severe, because, whenever Allenhad a fit of shame at his own undignified position, he vented it inreproaches to Jock for having called him up to London; and yet aslong as there was a chance of seeing Elvira, he could not tearhimself away, was wild to get invitations to meet her, and lived athis club in the old style and expense. 

Bobus was brief with Allen, and ironical on Jock's folly in havinggiven the summons. For his own part he was much engrossed with hisappointment, going backwards and forwards between Oxford and London, with little time for the concerns of any one else; but the eveningafter this unfortunate garden party, when Jock had accompanied hiseldest brother back to his rooms, and was endeavouring, by the helpof a pipe, to endure the reiteration of mournful vituperations ofdestiny in the shape of Lady Flora and Mrs. Gould, the door suddenlyopened and Bobus stood before them with his peculiarly brisk, self-satisfied air, in itself an aggravation to any one out of spirits. 

"All right, " he said, "I didn't expect to find you in, but I thoughtI would leave a note for the chance. I've heard of the veryidentical thing to suit you, Ali, my boy. "

"Indeed, " said Allen, not prepared with gratitude for his youngerbrother's patronage. 

"I met Bulstrode at Balliol last night, and he asked if I knew of anyone (a perfect gentleman he must be, that matters more thanscholarship) who would take a tutorship in a Hungarian count'sfamily. Two little boys, who live like princes, tutor the same, salary anything you like to ask. It is somewhere in the mountains, afeudal castle, with capital sport. "

"Wolves and bears, " cried Jock, starting up with his old boyishanimation. "If I wasn't going pig-sticking in India, what wouldn't Igive for such a chance. The tutor will teach the young ideas how toshoot, of course. "

"Of course, " said Bobus. "The Count is a diplomate, and there's nota bad chance of making oneself useful, and getting on in that line. I should have jumped at it, if I hadn't got the Japs on my hands. "

"Yes, you, " said Allen languidly. 

"Well, you can do quite as well for a thing like this, " said Bobus, "or better, as far as looking the gentleman goes. In fact, I suspectas much classics as Mother Carey taught us at home would serve theircountships' turn. Here's the address. You had better write by thefirst post to-morrow, for one or two others are rising at it; butBulstrode said he would wait to hear from you. Here's the letterwith all the details. "

"Thank you. You seem to take a good deal for granted, " said Allen, not moving a finger towards the letter. 

"You won't have it?"

"I have neither spirits nor inclination for turning bear-leader, andit is not a position I wish to undertake. "

"What position would you like?" cried Jock. "You could take thatrifle you got for Algeria, and make the Magyars open their eyes. Seriously, Allen, it is the right thing at the right time. You knowMiss Ogilvie always said the position was quite different for anEnglish person among these foreigners. "

"Who, like natives, are all the same nation, " quietly observed Allen. 

"For that matter, " said Jock, "wasn't it in Hungarie that the beggarof low degree married the king's daughter? There's precedent foryou, Ali!"

Allen had taken up the letter, and after glancing it slightly over, said—-

"Thanks, Vice-principal, but I won't stand in the light of your otheraspirants. "

"What can you want better than this?" cried Jock. "By the time thelaw business is over, one may look in vain for such a chance. It isa new country too, and you always said you wanted to know how thosefellows with long-tailed names lived in private life. "

Both brothers talked for an hour, till they hoped they had persuadedhim that even for the most miserable and disappointed being on earththe Hungarian castle might prove an interesting variety, and theyleft him at last with the letter before him, undertaking to write andmake further inquiries. 

The next day, however, just as Jock was about to set forth, intending, as far as might be, to keep him up to the point, Bobusmade his appearance, and scornfully held out an envelope. There wasthe letter, and therewith these words:—-

"On consideration, I recur to my first conclusion, that thissituation is out of the question. To say nothing of the injury to myhealth and nerves from agitation and suspense, rendering me totallyunfit for drudgery and annoyance, I cannot feel it right to placemyself in a situation equivalent to the abandonment of all hope. Itis absurd to act as if we were reduced to abject poverty, and I willnever place myself in the condition of a dependent. This season hasso entirely knocked me up that I must at once have sea air, and bythe time you receive this I shall be on my way to Ryde for a cruisein the Petrel. "

"_His_ health!" cried Bobus, his tone implying three notes, scarcelyof admiration. 

"Well, poor old Turk, he is rather seedy, " said Jock. "Can't sleep, and has headaches! But 'tis a regular case of having put him toflight!"

"Well, I've done with him, " said Bobus, "since there's a popularprejudice against flogging, especially one's elder brother. This isa delicate form of intimation that he intends doing the dolce atmother's expense. "

"The poor old chap has been an ornamental appendage so long that hecan't make up his mind to anything else, " said Jock. 

"He is no worse off than the rest of us, " said Bobus. 

"In age, if in nothing else. "

"The more reason against throwing away a chance. The yacht, too! Ithought there was a Quixotic notion of not dipping into that Elf'smoney. I'm sure poor mother is pinching herself enough. "

"I don't think Ali knows when he spends money more than when hespends air, " returned Jock. "The Petrel can hardly cost as much in amonth as I have seen him get through in a week, protesting all thewhile that he was living on absolutely nothing. "

"I know. You may be proud to get him down Oxford Street under thirtyshillings, and he never goes out in the evening much under halfthat. "

"Yes, he told me selling my horses was shocking bad economy. "

"Well, it was your own doing, having him up here, " said Bobus. 

"I wonder how he will go on when the money is really not there. "

"Precisely the same, " said Bobus; "there's no cure for that sort ofcomplaint. The only satisfaction is that we shall be out of sight ofit. "

"And a very poor one, " sighed Jock, "when mother is left to bear thebrunt. "

"Mother can manage him much better than we can, " said Bobus;"besides, she is still a youngish woman, neither helpless nordestitute; and as I always tell you, the greatest kindness we can doher is to look out for ourselves. "

Bobus himself had done so effectually, for he was secure of ahandsome salary, and his travelling expenses were to be paid, when, early in the next year, he was to go out with his Principal to conferon the Japanese the highest possible culture in science andliterature without any bias in favour of Christianity, Buddhism, orany other sublime religion. 

Meantime he was going home to make his preparations, and pack suchportions of his museum as he thought would be unexampled in Japan. He had fulfilled his intention of only informing his mother after hisapplication had been accepted; and as it had been done by letter, hehad avoided the sight of the pain it gave her and the hearing of herremonstrances, all of which he had referred to her maternal dislikeof his absence, rather than to his association with the Principal, awriter whose articles she kept out of reach of Armine and Barbara. 

The matter had become irrevocable and beyond discussion, as heintended, before his return to Belforest, which he only notified bythe post of the morning before he walked into luncheon. By that timeit was a fait accompli, and there was nothing to be done but to enteron a lively discussion on the polite manners and customs of the two-sworded nation and the wonderful volcanoes he hoped to explore. 

Perhaps one reason that his notice was so short was that there mightbe the less time for Kencroft to be put on its guard. Thus, when, byaccident of course, he strolled towards the lodge, he found hiscousin Esther in the wood, with no guardians but the three youngestchildren, who had coaxed her, in spite of the heat, to bring them tothe slopes of wood strawberries on their weekly half-holiday. 

He had seen nothing, but had only been guided by the sound of voicesto the top of the sloping wooded bank, where, under the shade of theoak-trees, looking over the tall spreading brackens, he beheld Essiein her pretty gipsy hat and holland dress, with all her bird-likedaintiness, kneeling on the moss far below him, threading the scarletbeads on bents of grass, with the little ones round her. 

"I heard a chattering, " he said, as, descending through the fern, hemet her dark eyes looking up like those of a startled fawn; "so Icame to see whether the rabbits had found tongues. How many more arethere? No, thank you, " as Edmund and Lina answered his greeting withan offer of very moist-looking fruit, and an ungrammatical "Only us. "

"Then _us_ run away. They grow thick up that bank, and I've got aprize here for whoever keeps away longest. No, you shan't see whatit is. Any one who comes asking questions will lose it. Run away, Lina, you'll miss your chance. No, no, Essie, you are not acompetitor. "

"I must, Robert; indeed I must. "

"Can't you spare me a moment when I am come down for my last farewellvisit?"

"But you are not going for a good while yet. "

"So you call it, but it will seem short enough. Did you ever hear ofminutes seeming like diamond drops meted out, Essie?"

"But, you know, it is your own doing, " said Essie. 

"Yes, and why, Essie? Because misfortune has made such an exile asthis the readiest mode of ceasing to be a burden to my mother. "

"Papa said he was glad of it, " said Esther, "and that you were quiteright. But it is a terrible way off!"

"True! but there is one consideration that will make up to me foreverything. "

"That it is for Aunt Caroline!"

"Partly, but do you not know the hope which makes all work sweet tome?" And the look of his eyes, and his hand seeking hers, made hersay, "Oh don't, Robert, I mustn't. "

"Nay, my queen, you were too duteous to hearken to me when I was richand prosperous. I would not torment you then, I meant to be patient;but now I am poor and going into banishment, you will be generous andcompassionate, and let me hear the one word that will make my exilesweet. "

"I don't think I ought, " said the poor child under her breath. "0, Robert, don't you know I ought not. "

"Would you if that ugly cypher of an ought did not stand in the way?"

"Oh don't ask me, Robert; I don't know. "

"But I do know, my queen, " said he. "I know my little Essie betterthan she knows herself. I know her true heart is mine, only shedares not avow it to herself; and when hearts have so met, Esther, they owe one another a higher duty than the filial tie can impose. "

"I never heard that before, " she said, puzzled, but not angered. 

"No, it is not a doctrine taught in schoolrooms, but it is true anduniversal for all that, and our fathers and mothers acted on it intheir day, and will give way to it now. "

Esther had never been told all her father's objections to her cousin. Simple prohibition had seemed to her parents sufficient for thegentle, dutiful child. Bobus had always been very kind to her, andher heart went out enough to him in his trouble to make coldnessimpossible to her. Tears welled into her eyes with perplexity at thenew theory, and she could only falter out—-

"That doesn't seem right for me. "

"Say one word and trust to me, and it shall be right. Yes, Esther, say the word, and in it I shall be strong to overcome everything, andwin the consent you desire. Say only that, with it, you would loveme. "

"If?" said Esther. 

It was an interrogative _if, _ and she did not mean it for "the oneword, " but Bobus caught at it as all he wanted. He meant it for thefulcrum on which to rest the strong lever of his will, and beforeEsther could add any qualification, he was overwhelming her withthanks and assurances so fervent that she could interpose no moredoubts, and yielded to the sweetness of being able to make any one sohappy, above all the cousin whom most people thought so formidablyclever. 

Edmund interrupted them by rushing up, thus losing the prize, whichwas won by the last comer, and proved to be a splendid bonbon; butthere was consolation for the others, since Bobus had laid in asupply as a means of securing peace. 

He would fain have waited to rivet his chains before manifestingthem, but he knew Essie too well to expect her to keep the interviewa secret; and he had no time to lose if, as he intended, though hehad not told her so, he was to take her to Japan with him. 

So he stormed the castle without delay, walked to Kencroft with thestrawberry gatherers, found the Colonel superintending the wateringof his garden, and, with effrontery of which Essie was unconscious, led her up, and announced their mutual love, as though secure of anardent welcome. 

He did, mayhap, expect to surprise something of the kind out of hisslowly-moving uncle, but the only answer was a strongly accentuated"Indeed! I thought I had told you both that I would have none ofthis foolery. Esther, I am ashamed of you. Go in directly. "

The girl repaired to her own room to weep floods of tears over herfather's anger, and the disobedience that made itself apparent assoon as she was beyond the spell of that specious tongue. There werea few fears too for his disappointment; but when her mother came upin great displeasure, the first words were—-

"O, mamma, I could not help it!"

"You could not prevent his accosting you, but you might haveprevented his giving all this trouble to papa. You know we shouldnever allow it. "

"Indeed I only said if!"

"You had no right to say anything. When a young lady knows a man isnot to be encouraged, she should say nothing to give him anadvantage. You could never expect us to let you go to a barbarousplace at the other end of the world with a man of as good as noreligion at all. "

"He goes to church, " said Essie, too simple to look beyond. 

"Only here, to please his mother. My dear, you must put this out ofyour head. Even if he were very different, we should never let youmarry a first cousin, and he knows it. It was very wrong in him tohave spoken to you. "

"Please don't let him do it again, " said Esther, faintly. 

"That's right, my dear, " with a kiss of forgiveness. "I am sure youare too good a girl really to care for him. "

"I wish he would not care for me, " sighed poor Essie, wearily. "Healways was so kind, and now they are in trouble I couldn't vex him. "

"Oh, my dear, young men get over things of this sort half a dozentimes in their lives. "

Essie was not delighted with this mode of consolation, and when hermother tenderly smoothed back her hair, and bade her bathe her faceand dress for dinner, she clung to her and said—-

"Don't let me see him again. "

It was a wholesome dread, which Mrs. Brownlow encouraged, for bothshe and her husband were annoyed and perplexed by Robert's coolreception of their refusal. He quietly declared that he could allowfor their prejudices, and that it was merely a matter of time, and hewas provokingly calm and secure, showing neither anger nordisappointment. He did not argue, but having once shown that hissalary warranted his offer, that the climate was excellent, and thatEuropean civilisation prevailed, he treated his uncle and aunt asunreasonably prejudiced mortals, who would in time yield to hispatient determination. 

His mother was as much annoyed as they were, all the more because hersister-in-law could hardly credit her perfect innocence of Robert'sintentions, and was vexed at her wish to ascertain Esther's feelings. This was not easy! the poor child was so unhappy and shamefaced, soshocked at her involuntary disobedience, and so grieved at the painshe had given. If Robert had been set before her with full consentof friends, she would have let her whole heart go out to him, lovedhim, and trusted him for ever, treating whatever opinions were unlikehers as manly idiosyncrasies beyond her power to fathom. But she wasno Lydia Languish to need opposition as a stimulus. It rather gaveher tender and dutiful spirit a sense of shame, terror, anddisobedience; and she thankfully accepted the mandate that sent heron a visit to her married sister for as long as Bobus should remainat Belforest. 

He did not show himself downcast, but was quietly assured that heshould win her at last, only smiling at the useless precaution, anddeclaring himself willing to wait, and make a home for her. 

But this matter had not tended to make his mother more at ease in herenforced stay at Belforest, which was becoming a kind of gildedprison. 

CHAPTER XXXI. SLACK TIDE. 

If. . . Thou hide thine eyes and make thy peevish moanOver some broken reed of earth beneath, Some darling of blind fancy dead and gone. Keble. 

There is such a thing as slack tide in the affairs of men, when acrisis seems as if it would never come, and all things stagnate. The Law Courts had as yet not concerned themselves about the will, vacation time had come and all was at a standstill, nor could anysteps be taken for Lucas's exchange till it was certain into whatpart of India Sir Philip Cameron was going. In the meantime hisregiment had gone into camp, and he could not get away until themiddle of September, and then only for a few days. Arriving verylate on a Friday night, he saw nobody but his mother over his supper, and thought her looking very tired. When he met her in the morning, there was the same weary, harassed countenance, there were worn marksround the dark wistful eyes, and the hair, whitened at Schwarenbach, did not look as incongruous with the face as hitherto. 

No one else except Barbara had come down to prayers, so Jock's firstinquiry was for Armine. 

"He is pretty well, " said his mother; "but he is apt to be late. Hegets overtired between his beloved parish work and his reading withBobus. "

"He is lucky to get such a coach, " said Jock. "Bob taught me moremathematics in a week than I had learnt in seven years before. "

"He is terribly accurate, " said Babie. 

"Which Armie does not appreciate?" said Jock. 

"I'm afraid not, " said his mother. "They do worry each other a gooddeal, and this Infanta most of all, I'm afraid. "

"O no, mother, " said Babie. "Only it is hard for poor Armie to havetwo taskmasters. "

"What! the Reverend Petronella continues in the ascendant?"

Bobus here entered, with a face that lightened, as did everyone's, atsight of Lucas. 

"Good morning. Ah! Jock! I didn't sit up, for I had had a long dayout on the moors; we kept the birds nearer home for you. There areplenty, but Grimes says he has heard shots towards River Hollow, andthinks some one must have been trespassing there. "

"Have you heard anything of Elvira? apropos to River Hollow, " saidhis mother. 

"Yes, " said Jock. "One of our fellows has been on a moor not farfrom where she was astonishing the natives, conjointly with Lady AnneMacnalty. There were bets which of three men she may be engaged to. "

"Pending which, " said his mother, "I suppose poor Allen will continueto hover on the wings of the Petrel?"

"And send home mournful madrigals by the ream, " said Bobus. "Neverwas petrel so tuneful a bird!"

"For shame, Bobus; I never meant you to see them!"

"'Twas quite involuntary! I have trouble enough with my own pupil'seffusions. I leave him a bit of Latin composition, and what do Ifind but an endless doggerel ballad on What's his name?-—who hidunder his father's staircase as a beggar, eating the dogs' meat, while his afflicted family were searching for him in vain;-—hisfavourite example. "

"St. Alexis, " said Babie; "he was asked to versify it. "

"As a wholesome incentive to filial duty and industry, " said Bobus. "Does the Parsoness mean to have it sung in the school?"

"It might be less dangerous than 'the fox went out one moonshinynight, '" said their mother, anxious to turn the conversation. "Mr. Parsons brought Mr. Todd of Wrexham in to see the school just as thechildren were singing the final catastrophe when the old farmer 'shotthe old fox right through the head. ' He was so horrified that hedeclared the schools should never have a penny of his while theytaught such murder and heresy. "

"Served them right, " said Jock, "for spoiling that picture ofdomestic felicity when 'the little ones picked the bones, oh!'How many guns shall we be, Bobus?"

"Only three. My uncle has a touch of gout, the Monk has got atutorship, Joe has gone back to his ship, but the mighty Bob has aweek's leave, and does not mean a bird to survive the change ofowners. "

"Doesn't Armine come?"

"Not he!" said Bobus. "Says he doesn't want to acquire the taste, and he would knock up with half a day. "

"But you'll all come and bring us luncheon?" entreated Jock. "Youwill, mother! Now, won't you? We'll eat it on a bank like old timeswhen we lived at the Folly, and all were jolly. I beg your pardon, Bob; I didn't mean to turn into another poetical brother on yourhands, but enthusiasm was too strong for me! Come, Mother Carey, _do_!"

"Where is it to be?" she asked, smiling. 

"Out by the Long Hanger would be a good place, " said Bobus, "where wefound the Epipactis grandiflora. "

"Or the heathery knoll where poor little mother got into a scrape forsinging profane songs by moonlight, " laughed Jock. 

"Ah! that was when hearts were light, " she said; "but at any ratewe'll make a holiday of it, for Jock's sake. "

"Ha! what do I see?" exclaimed Jock, who was opposite the openwindow. "Is that Armine, or a Jack-in-the-Green?"

"Oh!" half sighed Barbara. "It's that harvest decoration!" AndArmine, casting down armfuls of great ferns, and beautiful trailingplants, made his entrance through the open window, exchanginggreetings, and making a semi-apology for his late appearance as hesaid—-

"Mother, please desire Macrae to cut me the great white orchids. Hewon't do it unless you tell him, and I promised them for the Altarvases. "

"You know, Armie, he said cutting them would be the ruin of theplant, and I don't feel justified in destroying it. "

"Macrae's fancy, " muttered Armine. "It is only that he hates thewhole thing. "

"Unhappy Macrae! I go and condole with him sometimes, " said Bobus. "I don't know which are most outraged-—his Freekirk or hishorticultural feelings!"

"Babie, " ordered Armine, who was devouring his breakfast at doublespeed, "if you'll put on your things, I've the garden donkey-cartready to take down the flowers. You won't expect us to luncheon, mother?"

Barbara, though obedient, looked blank, and her mother said—-

"My dear, if I went down and helped at the Church till half pasttwelve, could not we all be set free? Your brothers want us to bringtheir luncheon to them at the Hanger. "

"That's right, mother, " cried Jock; "I've half a mind to come andexpedite matters. "

"No, no, Skipjack!" cried Bobus; "I had that twenty stone of solidflesh whom I see walking up to the house to myself all yesterday, andI can't stand another day of it unmitigated!"

Entered the tall heavy figure of Rob. He reported his father as muchthe same and not yet up, delivered a note to his aunt, and made noobjection to devouring several slices of tongue and a cup of cocoa torecruit nature after his walk; while Bobus reclaimed the reluctantArmine from cutting scarlet geraniums in the ribbon beds to show himthe scene in the Greek play which he was to prepare, and Babie triedto store up all the directions, perceiving from the pupil's rovingeye that she should have to be his memory. 

Jock saw that the note had brought an additional line of care to hismother's brow, and therefore still more gaily and eagerly adjured hernot to fail in the Long Hanger, and as the shooting party started, heturned back to wave his cap, and shout, "Sharp two!"

Two o'clock found three hungry youths and numerous dead birds on thepleasant thymy bank beneath the edge of the beach wood, but gaze asthey might through the clear September air, neither mother, brother, nor sister was visible. Presently, however, the pony-carriageappeared, and in it a hamper, but driven only by the stable-boy. Hesaid a gentleman was at the house, and Mrs. Brownlow was very sorrythat she could not come, but had sent him with the luncheon. 

"I shall go and see after her, " said Jock; and in spite of allremonstrance, and assurance that it was only a form of Parsonictyranny, he took a draught of ale and a handful of sandwiches, spranginto the carriage, and drove off, hardly knowing why, but with ayearning towards his mother, and a sense that all that was unexpectedboded evil. Leaving the pony at the stables, and walking up to thehouse, he heard sounds that caused him to look in at the open librarywindow. 

On one side of the table stood his mother, on the other Dr. DemetriusHermann, with insinuating face, but arm upraised as if inthreatening. 

"Scoundrel!" burst forth Jock. Both turned, and his mother's look ofrelief and joy met him as he sprang to her side, exclaiming, "Whatdoes this mean? How dare you?"

"No, no!" she cried breathlessly, clinging to his arm. "He did notmean-—it was only a gesture!"

"I'll have no such gestures to my mother. "

"Sir, the honoured lady only does me justice. I meant nothingviolent. Zat is for you English military, whose veapon is zie horse-vhip. "

"As you will soon feel, " said Jock, "if you attempt to bully mymother. What does it mean, mother dear?"

"He made a mistake, " she said, in a quick, tremulous tone, showinghow much she was shaken. "He thinks me a quack doctor's widow, whose secret is matter of bargain and sale. "

"Madame! I offered most honourable terms. "

"Terms, indeed! I told you the affair is no empirical secret to bebought. "

"Yet madame knows that I am in possession of a portion of ziediscovery, and that it is in my power to pursue it further, though, for family considerations, I offer her to take me into confidence, sothat all may profit in unison, " said the Greek, in his blandestmanner. 

"The very word profit shows your utter want of appreciation, " saidMrs. Brownlow, with dignity. "Such discoveries are the property ofthe entire faculty, to be used for the general benefit, not forprivate selfish profit. I do not know how much information may havebeen obtained, but if any attempt be made to use it in the charlatanfashion you propose, I shall at once expose the whole transaction, and send my husband's papers to the Lancet. "

Hermann shrugged his shoulders and looked at Lucas, as if consideringwhether more or less reason could be expected from a soldier thanfrom a woman. It was to him that he spoke. 

"Madame cannot see zie matter in zie light of business. I haveoffered freely to share all that I shall gain, if I may only obtainthe data needful to perfect zie discovery of zie learned andvenerated father. I am met wit anger I cannot comprehend. "

"Nor ever will, " said Caroline. 

"And, " pursued Dr. Hermann, "when, on zie oder hand, I explain thatmy wife has imparted to me sufficient to enable me to perfectionatethe discovery, and if the reserve be continued, it is just to demandcompensation, I am met with indignation even greater. I appeal tozie captain. Is this treatment such as my proposals merit?"

"Not quite, " said Jock. "That is to be kicked out of the house, asyou shortly will be, if you do not take yourself off. "

"Sir, your amiable affection for madame leads you to forget, as shedoes, zie claim of your sister. "

"No one has any claim on my mother, " said Jock. 

"Zie moral claim-—zie claim of affection, " began the Greek; butCaroline interrupted him—-

"Dr. Hermann is not the person fitly to remind me of these. Theyhave not been much thought of in Janet's case. I mean to act asjustly as I can by my daughter, but I have absolutely nothing to giveher at present. Till I know what my own means may prove to be I cando nothing. "

"But madame holds out zie hope of some endowment. I shall be in acondition to be independent of it, but it would be sweet to my wifeas a token of pardon. I could bear away a promise. "

"I promise nothing, " was the reply. "If I have anything to give-—even then, all would depend on your conduct and the line you maytake. And above all, remember, it is in my power to frustrate andexpose any attempt to misuse any hints that may have been stolen frommy husband's memoranda. In my power, and my duty. "

"Madame might have spared me this, " sighed the Athenian. "My poorJanette! She will not believe how her husband has been received. "

He was gone. Caroline dropped into a chair, but the next moment shealmost screamed—-

"Oh, we must not let him go thus! He may revenge it on her! Goafter him, get his address, tell him she shall have her share if hewill behave well to her. "

Jock fulfilled his mission according to his own judgment, and as hereturned his mother started up. 

"You have not brought him back!"

"I should rather think not!"

"Janet's husband! Oh, Jock, it is very dreadful! My poor child!"

She had been a little lioness in face of the enemy, but she wastrembling so hopelessly that Jock put her on a couch and knelt withhis arm round her while she laid her head on his strong youngshoulder. 

"Let me fetch you some wine, mother darling, " he said. 

"No, no-—to feel you is better than anything, " putting his armcloser—-

"What was it all about, mother?"

"Ah! you don't know, yet you went straight to the point, my dearchampion. "

"He was bullying you, that was enough. I thought for a moment thebrute was going to strike you. "

"That was only gesticulation. I'm glad you didn't knock him downwhen you made in to the rescue. "

She could laugh a little now. 

"I should like to have done it. What did he want? Money, ofcourse?"

"Not solely. I can't tell you all about it; but Janet saw somememoranda of your father's, and he wants to get hold of them. "

"To pervert them to some quackery?"

"If not, I do him great injustice. "

"Give them up to a rogue like that! I should guess not! It will besome little time before he tries again. Well done, little mother!"

"If he will not turn upon her. "

"What a speculation he must have thought her. "

"Don't talk of it, Jock; I can't bear to think of her in such hands. "

"Janet has a spirit of her own. I should think she could get her waywith her subtle Athenian. Where did he drop from?"

"He overtook me on my way back from the Church, for indeed I did notmean to break my appointment. I don't think the servants knew whowas here. And Jock, if you mention it to the others, don't speak ofthis matter of the papers. Call it, as you may with truth, anattempt to extort money. "

"Very well, " he gravely said. 

"It is true, " she continued, "that I have valuable memoranda of yourfather's in my charge; but you must trust me when I say that I am notat liberty to tell you more. "

"Of course I do. So the mother was really coming, like a good littleRed-riding-hood, to bring her son's dinner into the forest, when shemet with the wolf! Pray, has he eaten up the two kids at amouthful?"

"No, Miss Parsons had done that already. They are making the Churchso beautiful, and it did not seem possible to spare them, though Ihope Armine may get home in time to get his work done for Bobus. "

"Is not he worked rather hard between the two? He does not seem tothrive on it. "

"Jock, I can say it to you. I don't know what to do. The poor boy'sheart is in these Church matters, and he is so bitterly grieved atthe failure of all his plans that I cannot bear to check him in doingall he can. It is just what I ought to have been doing all theseyears; I only saw my duties as they were being taken away from me, and so I deserve the way Miss Parsons treats me. "

"What way?"

"You need not bristle up. She is very civil; but when I hint thatArmine has study and health to consider, I see that in her eyes I amthe worldly obstructive mother who serves as a trial to the hero. "

"If she makes Armine think so-—"

"Armie is too loyal for that. Yet it may be only too true, and onlymy worldliness that wishes for a little discretion. Still, I don'tthink a sensible woman, if she were ever so good and devoted, wouldencourage his fretting over the disappointment, or lead him to wastehis time when so much depends on his diligence. I am sure the focusof her mind must be distorted, and she is twisting his the same way. "

"And her brother follows suit?"

"I think they go in parallel grooves, and he lets her alone. It isvery unlucky, for they are a constant irritation to Bobus, and hefancies them average specimens of good people. He sneers, and Ican't say but that much of what he says is true, but there is theenvenomed drop in it which makes his good sense shocking to Armine, and I fear Babie relishes it more than is good for her. So they makeone another worse, and so they will as long as we are here. It was agreat mistake to stay on, and your uncle must feel it so. "

"Could you not go to Dieppe, or some cheap place?"

"I don't feel justified in any more expense. Here the house costsnothing, and our personal expenditure does not go beyond our propermeans; but to pay for lodging elsewhere would soon bring me in excessof it, at least as long as Allen keeps up the yacht. Then poor Janetmust have something, and I don't know what bills may be in store forme, and there's your outfit, and Bobus's. "

"Never mind mine. "

"My dear, that's fine talking, but you can't go like Sir CharlesNapier, with one shirt and a bit of soap. "

"No, but I shall get something for the exchange. Besides, my kit wascostly even for the Guards, and will amply cover all that. "

"And you have sold your horses?"

"And have been living on them ever since! Come, won't that encourageyou to make a little jaunt, just to break the spell?"

"I wish it could, my dear, but it does not seem possible while thosebills are such a dreadful uncertainty. I never know what Allen mayhave been ordering. "

"Surely the Evelyns would be glad to have you. "

"No, Jock, that can't be. Promise me that you will do nothing tolead to an invitation. You are to meet some of them, are you not?"

"Yes, on Thursday week, at Roland Hampton's wedding. Cecil and I anda whole lot of us go down in the morning to it, and Sydney is to be abridesmaid. What are you going to do now, mother?"

"I don't quite know. I feel regularly foolish. I shall have aheadache if I don't keep quiet, but I can't persuade myself to stayin the house lest that man should come back. "

"What! not with me for garrison?"

"O nonsense, my dear. You must go and catch up the sportsmen. "

"Not when I can get my Mother Carey all to myself. You go and liedown in the dressing-room, and I'll come as soon as I have taken offmy boots and ordered some coffee for you. "

He returned with the step of one treading on eggs, expecting to findher half asleep; but her eyes were glittering, and there were redspots on her cheeks, for her nerves were excited, and when he came inshe began to talk. She told him, not of present troubles, but of theletters between his father and grandmother, which, in her busy, restless life, she had never before looked at, but which had comebefore her in her preparations for vacating Belforest. Perhaps itwas only now that she had grown into appreciation of the relationsbetween that mother and son, as she read the letters, preserved oneach side, and revealing the full beauty and greatness of herhusband's nature, his perfect confidence in his mother, and a guidinginfluence from her, which she herself had never thought of exerting. Does not many an old correspondence thus put the present generationto shame?

Jock was the first person with whom she had shared these letters, andit was good to watch his face as he read the words of the father whomhe remembered chiefly as the best of playfellows. He was of an ageand in a mood to enter into them with all his heart, though heuttered little more than an occasional question, or some murmuredremark when anything struck him. Both he and his mother were sooccupied that they never observed that the sky clouded over and rainbegan to fall, nor did they think of any other object till Bobusopened the door in search of them. 

"Halloo, you deserter!"

"Hush! Mother has a headache. "

"Not now, you have cured it. "

"Well, you've missed an encounter with the most impudent rascal Iever came across. "

"You didn't meet Hermann?"

"Well, perhaps I have found his match; but you shall hear. Grimessaid he heard guns, and we came upon the scoundrel in Lewis Acre, twobrace on his shoulder. "

"The vultures are gathering to the prey, " said his mother. 

"I'm not arrived at lying still to be devoured!" said Bobus. "I gavehim the benefit of a doubt, and sent Grimes to warn him off; but thefellow sent his card-—_his_ card forsooth, 'Mr. Gilbert Gould, R. N. , '-—and information that he had Miss Menella's permission. "

"Not credible, " said Jock. 

"Mrs. Lisette's more likely, " said his mother. "I think he is herbrother. "

"I sent Grimes back to tell him that Miss Menella had as much powerto give leave as my old pointer, and if he did not retire at once, weshould gently remove his gun and send out a summons. "

"Why did you not do so at once?" cried Jock. 

"Because I have brains enough not to complicate matters by a personalrow with the Goulds, " said Bobus, "though I could wish not to havebeen there, when the keepers would infallibly have done so. Shall Iwrite to George Gould, or will you, mother?"

"Oh dear, " sighed Caroline, "I think Mr. Wakefield is the fittestperson, if it signifies enough to have it done at all. "

"Signifies!" cried Jock. "To have that rascal loafing about! Iwouldn't be trampled upon while the life is in me!"

"I don't like worrying Mr. Gould. It is not his fault, except forhaving married such a wife, poor man. "

"Having been married by her, you mean, " said Bobus. "Mark me, shemeans to get that fellow married to that poor child, as sure asfate. "

"Impossible, Bobus! His age!"

"He is a good deal younger than his sister, and a prodigious swell. "

"Besides, he is her uncle, " said Jock. 

"No, no, only her uncle's wife's brother. "

"That's just the same. "

"I wish it were!" But Jock would not be satisfied without getting aPrayer-book, to look at the table of degrees. 

"He is really her third cousin, I believe, " said his mother, "and I'mafraid that is not prohibited. "

"Is he a ship's steward?" said Jock, looking at the card withinfinite disgust. 

"A paymaster's assistant, I believe. "

"That would be too much. Besides, there's the Scot!"

"I don't think much of that, " said Jock. "The mother and sister arekeen for it, but Clanmacnalty is in no haste to marry, and by allaccounts the Elf carries on promiscuously with three or four atonce. "

"And she has no fine instinct for a gentleman, " added Bobus. "It iswho will spread the butter thickest!"

"A bad look out for Belforest, " said Jock. 

"It can't be much worse than it has been with me, " said his mother. 

"That's what that little ass, Armine, has been presuming to din intoyour ears, " said Bobus; "as if the old women didn't prefer beef andblankets to your coming poking piety at the poor old parties. "

"By the bye, " cried Caroline, starting, "those children have nevercome home, and see how it rains!"

Jock volunteered to take the pony carriage and fetch them, but he hadnot long emerged from the park in the gathering twilight before heovertook two figures under one umbrella, and would have passed themhad he not been hailed. 

"You demented children! Jump in this instant. "

"Don't turn!" called Armine. "We must take this, " showing a parcelwhich he had been sheltering more carefully than himself or hissister. "It is cord and tassels for the banner. They sent wrongones, " said Barbara, "and we had to go and match it. They would notlet me go alone. "

"Get in, I say, " cried Jock, who was making demonstrations with the"national weapon" much as if he would have liked to lay it abouttheir shoulders. 

"Then we must drive onto the Parsonage, " stipulated Armine. 

"Not a bit of it, you drenched and foolish morsel of humanity. Youare going straight home to bed. Hand us the parcel. What will yougive me not to tie this cord round the Reverend Petronella's neck?"

"Thank you, Jock, I'm so glad, " said Babie, referring probably to theearlier part of his speech. "We would have come home for the ponycarriage, but we thought it would be out. "

"Take care of the drip, " was Armine's parting cry, as Babie turnedthe pony's head, and Jock strode down the lane. He meant merely tohave given in the parcel at the door, but Miss Parsons darted out, and not distinguishing him in the dark began, "Thank you, dearArmine; I'm so sorry, but it is in the good cause and you won'tregret it. Where's your sister? Gone home? But you'll come andhave a cup of tea and stay to evensong?"

"My brother and sister are gone home, thank you, " said Jock, withimpressive formality, and a manly voice that made her start. 

"Oh, indeed. Thank you, Mr. Brownlow. I was so sorry to let them go;but it had not begun to rain, and it is such a joy to dear Armine tobe employed in the service. "

"Yes, he is mad enough to run any risk, " said Jock. 

"Oh, Mr. Brownlow, if I could only persuade you to enter into the joyof self-devotion, you would see that I could not forbid him! Won'tyou come in and have a cup of tea?"

"Thank you, no. Good night. " And Miss Parsons was left rejoicing athaving said a few words of reproof to that cynical Mr. RobertBrownlow, while Jock tramped away, grinning a sardonic smile at thelady's notions of the joys of self-sacrifice. 

He came home only just in time for dinner, and found Armine enduring, with a touching resignation learnt in Miss Parsons's school, thesarcasm of Bobus for having omitted to prepare his studies. The boycould neither eat nor entirely conceal the chills that were runningover him; and though he tried to silence his brother's objurgationsby bringing out his books afterwards, his cheeks burnt, he emittedlittle grunting coughs, and at last his head went down on thelexicon, and his breath came quick and short. 

The Harvest Festival day was perforce kept by him in bed, blisteredand watched from hour to hour to arrest the autumn cold, which wasthe one thing dreaded as imperilling him in the English winter whichhe must face for the first time for four years. 

And Miss Parsons, when impressively told, evidently thought it wasthe family fashion to make a great fuss about him. 

Alas! why are people so one-sided and absorbed in their own concernsas never to guess what stumbling-blocks they raise in other people'spaths, nor how they make their good be evil spoken of?

Babie confided her feelings to Jock when he escorted her to Church inthe evening, and had detected a melancholy sound in her voice whichmade him ask if she thought Armine's attack of the worst sort. 

"Not particularly, except that he talks so beautifully. "

Jock gave a small sympathetic whistle at this dreadful symptom, andwondered to hear that he had been able to talk. 

"I didn't mean only to-day, but this is only what he had made up hismind to. He never expects to leave Belforest, and he thinks—-oh, Jock!-—he thinks it is meant to do Bobus good. "

"He doesn't go the way to edify Bobus. "

"No, but don't you see? That is what is so dreadful. He only justreads with Bobus because mother ordered him; and he hates it becausehe thinks it is of no use, for he will never be well enough to go tocollege. Why, he had this cold coming yesterday, and I believe he isglad, for it would be like a book for him to be very bad indeed, badenough to be able to speak out to Bobus without being laughed at. "

"Does he always go on in this way?"

"Not to mother; but to hear him and Miss Parsons is enough to driveone wild. They went on such a dreadful way yesterday that I wasfurious, and so glad to get away to Kenminster; only after I had setoff, he came running after me, and I knew what that would be. "

"What does she do? Does she blarney him?"

"Yes, I suppose so. She means it, I believe; but she does natter himso that it would make me sick, if it didn't make me so wretched! Yousee he likes it, because he fancies her goodness itself; and so Isuppose she is, only there is such a lot of clerical shop"-—then, asJock made a sound as if he did not like the slang in her mouth-—"Ay, it sounds like Bobus; but if this goes on much longer, I shall turnto Bobus's way. He has all the sense on his side!"

"No, Babie, " said Jock very gravely. "That's a much worse sort offolly!"

"And he will be gone before long, " said Barbara, much struck by atone entirely unwonted from her brother. "O Jock, I thought reverseswould be rather nice and help one to be heroic, and perhaps theywould, if they would only come faster, and Armine could be out ofMiss Parsons's way; but I don't believe he will ever be better whilehe is here. I think!—-I think!" and she began to sob, "that MissParsons will really be the death of him if she is not hindered!"

"Can't he go on board the Petrel with Allen?"

"Mother did think of that, " said Babie, "but Allen said he wasn't inspirits for the charge, and that cabin No. 2 wasn't comfortableenough. "

Jock was not the least surprised at this selfishness, but he said—-

"We _will_ get him away somehow, Infanta, never fear! And when youhave left this place, you'll be all right. You'll have the Friar, and he is a host in himself. "

"Yes, " said Babie, ruefully, "but he is not a brother after all. Oh, Jock! mother says it is very wrong in me, but I can't help it. "

"What is wrong, little one?"

"To feel it so dreadful that you and Bobus are going! I know it ishonour and glory, and promotion, and chivalry, and Victoria crosses, and all that Sydney and I used to care for; but, oh! we never thoughtof those that stayed at home. "

"You were a famous Spartan till the time came, " said Jock, in an oddhusky voice. 

"I wouldn't mind so much but for mother, " said poor Barbara, in anapologetic tone; "nor if there were any stuff in Allen; nor if dearArmie were well and like himself; but, oh dear! I feel as if all themanhood and comfort of the family would be gone to the other end ofthe world. "

"What did you say about mother?"

"I beg your pardon, Jock, I didn't mean to worry you. I know it is agrand thing for you. But mother was so merry and happy when wethought we should all be snug with you in the old house, and she madesuch nice plans. But now she is so fagged and worn, and she can'tsleep. She began to read as soon as it was light all those longsummer mornings to keep from thinking; and she is teasing herselfover her accounts. There were shoals of great horrid bills of thingsAllen ordered coming in at Midsummer, just as she thought she saw herway! Do you know, she thinks she may have to let our own house andgo into lodgings. "

"Is that you, Barbara?" said a voice at the Parsonage wicket. "Howis our dear patient?"

"Rather better to-night, we think. "

"Tell him I hope to come and see him to-morrow. And say the vasesare come. I thought your mother would wish us to have the largeones, so I put them in the Church. They are £3. "

Babie thought Jock's face was dazed when he came among the lights inChurch, and that he moved and responded like an automaton, and shecould hardly get a word out of him all the way home. There, theywere sent for to Armine, who was sufficiently better to want to hearall about the services, the procession, the wheat-sheaf, the hymns, and the sermons. Jock stood the examination well till it came toevensong, when, as his sister had conjectured, he knew nothing, except one sentence, which he said had come over and over again inthe sermon, and he wanted to know whence it came. It was, "Seekestthou great things for thyself. "

Even Armine only knew that it was in a note in the "Christian Year, "and Babie looked out the reference, and found that it was Jeremiah'srebuke to Baruch for self-seeking amid the general ruin. 

"I liked Baruch, " she said. "I am sorry he was selfish. "

"Noble selfishness, perhaps, " said Armine. "He may have aimed atsaving his country and coming out a glorious hero, like Gideon orJephthah. "

"And would that have been self-seeking too, as well as the commonerthing?" said Babie. 

"It is like a bit of New Testament in the midst of the Old, " saidArmine. "They that are great are called Benefactors-—a good sort ofgreatness, but still not the true Christian greatness. "

"And that?" said Babie. 

"To be content to be faithful servant as well as faithful soldier, "said Armine, thoughtfully. "But what had it to do with the harvest?"

He got no satisfaction, Babie could remember nothing but Jock's face, and Jock had taken the Bible, and was looking at the passagesreferred to He sat for a long time resting his head on his hand, andwhen at last he was roused to bid Armine goodnight, he bent over him, kissed him, and said, "In spite of all, you're the wise one of us, Armie boy. Thank you. "

CHAPTER XXXII. THE COST. 

O well for him who breaks his dream With the blow that ends the strife, And waking knows the peace that flows Around the noise of life. G. MacDonald. 

"Jock! say this is not true!"

The wedding had been celebrated with all the splendour befitting amarriage in high life. Bridesmaids and bridesmen were wanderingabout the gardens waiting for the summons to the breakfast, when oneof the former thus addressed one of the latter, who was standing, gazing without much speculation in his eyes, at the gold fishdisporting themselves round a fountain. 

"Sydney!" he exclaimed, "are not your mother and Fordham here? Ican't find them. "

"Did you not hear, Duke has one of his bad colds, and mamma could notleave him? But, Jock, while we have time, set my mind at rest. "

"What is affecting your mind?" said Jock, knowing only too well. 

"What Cecil says, that you mean to disappoint all our best hopes. "

"There's no help for it, Sydney, " said Jock, too heavy-hearted forfencing. 

"No help. I don't understand. Why, there's going to be war, realwar, out there. "

"Frontier tribes!"

"What of that? It would lead to something. Besides, no one leaves acorps on active service. "

"Is mine?"

"It is all the same. You were going to get into one that is. "

"Curious reasoning, Sydney. I am afraid my duty lies the other way. "

"Duty to one's country comes first. I can't believe Mrs. Brownlowwants to hold you back; she-—a soldier's daughter!"

"It is no doing of hers, " said Jock; "but I see that I must not putmyself out of reach of her. "

"When she has all the others! That is a mere excuse! If you were anonly son, it would be bad enough. "

"Come this way, and I'll tell you what convinced me. "

"I can't see how any argument can prevail on you to swerve from thepath of honour, the only career any one can care about, " criedSydney, the romance of her nature on fire. 

"Hush, Sydney, " he said, partly from the exquisite pain sheinflicted, partly because her vehemence was attracting attention. 

"No wonder you say Hush, " said the maiden, with what she meant fornoble severity, "No wonder you don't want to be reminded of all wetalked of and planned. Does not it break Babie's heart?"

"She does not know. "

"Then it is not too late. "

But at that moment the bride's aunt, who felt herself in charge ofMiss Evelyn, swooped down on them, and paired her off with an equallyhonourable best man, so that she found herself seated between twocomparative strangers; while it seemed to her that Lucas Brownlow waskeeping up an insane whirl of merriment with his neighbours. 

Poor child, her hero was fallen, her influence had failed, andnothing was left her but the miserable shame of having trusted in thepower of an attraction which she now felt to have been a delusion. Meanwhile the aunt, by way of being on the safe side, effectuallyprevented Jock from speaking to her again before the party broke up;and he could only see that she was hotly angered, and not that shewas keenly hurt. 

She arrived at home the next day with white cheeks and red eyes, andmost indistinct accounts of the wedding. A few monosyllables wereextracted with difficulty, among them a "Yes" when Fordham askedwhether she had seen Lucas Brownlow. 

"Did he talk of his plans?"

"Not much. "

"One cannot but be sorry, " said her mother; "but, as your uncle says, his motives are to be much respected. "

"Mamma, " cried Sydney, horrified, "you wouldn't encourage him inturning back from the defence of his country in time of war?"

"His country!" ejaculated Fordham. "Up among the hill tribes!"

"You palliating it too, Duke! Is there no sense of honour or gloryleft? What are you laughing at? I don't think it a laughing matter, nor Cecil either, that he should have been led to turn his back uponall that is great and glorious!"

"That's very fine, " said Fordham, who was in a teasing mood. "Hadyou not better put it into the 'Traveller's Joy?'"

"I shall never touch the 'Traveller's Joy' again!" and Sydney's highhorse suddenly breaking down, she flew away in a flood of tears. 

Her mother and brother looked at one another rather aghast, andFordham said—-

"Had you any suspicion of this?"

"Not definitely. Pray don't say a word that can develop it now. "

"He is all the worthier. "

"Most true; but we do not know that there is any feeling on his side, and if there were, Sydney is much too young for it to be safe tointerfere with conventionalities. An expressed attachment would bevery bad for both of them at present. "

"Should you have objected if he had still been going to India?"

"I would have prevented an engagement, and should have regretted herknowing anything about it. The wear of such waiting might be toogreat a strain on her. "

"Possibly, " said Fordham. "And should you consider this otherprofession an insuperable objection?"

"Certainly not, if he goes on as I think he will; but such successcannot come to him for many years, and a good deal may happen in thattime. "

Poor Lucas! He would have been much cheered could he have heard theabove conversation instead of Cecil's wrath, which, like hissister's, worked a good deal like madness on the brain. 

Mr. Evelyn chose to resent the slight to his family, and theingratitude to his uncle, in thus running counter to their wishes, and plunging into what the young aristocrat termed low life. He didnot spare the warning that it would be impossible to keep up anintimacy with one who chose to "grub his nose in hospitals anddissecting rooms. "

Naturally Lucas took these as the sentiments of the whole family, andfound that he was sacrificing both love and friendship. Sir JamesEvelyn indeed allowed that he was acting rightly according to hislights. Sir Philip Cameron told him that his duty to a widowedmother ought to come first, and his own Colonel, a good and wise man, commended his decision, and said he hoped not to lose sight of him. The opinions of these veterans, though intrinsically worth more thanthose of the two young Evelyns, were by no means an equivalent topoor Lucas. The "great things" he had resolved not to seek, involvedwhat was far dearer. It was more than he had reckoned on when hemade his resolution, but he had committed himself, and there was nodrawing back. He was just of age, and had acted for himself, knowingthat his mother would withhold her consent if she were asked for it;but he was considering how to convey the tidings to her, when hefound that a card had been left for him by the Reverend DavidOgilvie, with a pencilled invitation to dine with him that evening atan hotel. 

Mr. Ogilvie, after several years of good service as curate at adistrict Church at a fashionable south coast watering place, sometimes known as the English Sorrento, had been presented to theparent Church. He had been taking his summer holiday, and on his wayback had undertaken to relieve a London friend of his Sundayservices. His sister's letters had made him very anxious for tidingsof Mrs. Brownlow, and he had accordingly gone in quest of her son. 

He ordered dinner with a half humorous respect for the supposedepicurism of a young Guardsman, backed by the desire to be doublycorrect because of the fallen fortunes of the family, and he awaitedwith some curiosity the pupil, best known to him as a pickle. 

"Mr. Brownlow. "

There stood, a young man, a soldier from head to foot, slight, active, neatly limbed, and of middle height, with a clear browncheek, dark hair and moustache, and the well-remembered frank hazeleyes, though their frolic and mischief were dimmed, and they hadgrown grave and steadfast, and together with the firm-set lip gavethe impression of a mind resolutely bent on going through some greatordeal without flinching or murmuring. With a warm grasp of the handMr. Ogilvie said—-

"Why, Brownlow, I should not have known you. "

"I should have known you, sir, anywhere, " said Jock, amazed to findthe Ogre of old times no venerable seignior, but a man scarce yetmiddle-aged. 

They talked of Mr. Ogilvie's late tour, in scenes well known to Jock, and thence they came to the whereabouts of all the family, Armine'shealth and Robert's appointment, till they felt intimate; and theunobtrusive sympathy of the old friend opened the youth's heart, andhe made much plain that had been only half understood from Mrs. Morgan's letters. Of his eldest brother and sister, Jock saidlittle; but there was no need to explain why his mother wasstraitening herself, and remaining at Belforest when it had become soirksome to her. 

"And you are going out to India?" said Mr. Ogilvie. 

"That's not coming off, sir. "

"Indeed, I thought you were to have a staff appointment. "

"It would not pay, sir; and that is a consideration. "

"Then have you anything else in view?"

"The hospitals, " said Jock, with a poor effort to seem diverted; "theother form of slaughter. " Then as his friend looked at him withconcerned and startled eyes, he added, "Unless there were someextraordinary chance of loot. You see the pagoda tree is shakenbare, and I could do no more than keep myself and have nothing for mymother, and I am afraid she will need it. It is a chance whetherAllen, at his age, or Armine, with his health, can do much, and someone must stay and get remunerative work. "

"Is not the training costly?"

"Her Majesty owes me something. Luckily I got my commission bypurchase just in time, and I shall receive compensation enough tocarry me through my studies. We shall be all together with FriarBrownlow, who takes the same line in the old house in Bloomsbury, where we were all born. That she really does look forward to. "

"I should think so, with you to look after her, " said Mr. Ogilvieheartily. 

"Only she can't get into it till Lady Day. And I wanted to ask you, Mr. Ogilvie, do you know anything about expenses down at your place?What would tolerable lodgings be likely to come to, rent of rooms, Imean, for my mother and the two young ones. Armie has not winteredin England since that Swiss adventure of ours, and I suppose St. Cradocke's would be as good a place for him as any. "

"I had a proposition to make, Brownlow. My sister and I invested ina house at St. Cradocke's when I was curate there, and she meant toretire to me when she had finished Barbara. My married curate isleaving it next week, when I go home. The single ones live in therectory with me, and I think of making it a convalescent home; butthis can't be begun for some months, as the lady who is to be at thehead will not be at liberty. Do you think your mother would do methe favour to occupy it? It is furnished, and my housekeeper wouldsee it made comfortable for her. Do you think you could make thenotion acceptable to her?" he said, colouring like a lad, andstuttering in his eagerness. 

"It would be a huge relief, " exclaimed Jock. "Thank you, Mr. Ogilvie. Belforest has come to be like a prison to her, and it willbe everything to have Armine in a warm place among reasonablepeople. "

"Is Kenminster more unreasonable than formerly?"

"Not Kenminster, but Woodside. I say, Mr. Ogilvie, you haven't anyone at St. Cradocke's who will send Armine and Babie to walk threemiles and back in the rain for a bit of crimson cord and tassels?"

"I trust not, " said Mr. Ogilvie, smiling. "That is the way in whichgood people manage to do so much harm. "

"I'm glad you say so, " cried Jock. "That woman is worse for him thansix months of east wind. I declare I had a hard matter to get myselfto go to Church there the next day. "

"Who is _she_?"

"The sister of the Vicar of Woodside, who is making him the edifyingmartyr of a goody book. Ah, you know her, I see, " as Mr. Ogilvielooked amused. 

"A gushing lady of a certain age? Oh yes, she has been at St. Cradocke's. "

"She is not coming again, I hope!" in horror. 

"Not likely. They were there for a few months before her brother hadthe living, and I could quite fancy her influence bringing on amorbid state of mind. There is something exaggerated about her. "

"You've hit her off exactly!" cried Jock, "and you'll unbewitch ourpoor boy before she has quite done for him! Can't you come down withme on Saturday, and propose the plan?"

"Thank you, I am pledged to Sunday. "

"I forgot. But come on Monday then?"

"I had better go and prepare. I had rather you spoke for me. Somehow, " and a strange dew came in David Ogilvie's eyes, "I couldnot bear to see _her_ there, where we saw her installed in triumph, now that all is so changed. "

"You would see her the brightest and bravest of all. Neither she norBabie would mind the loss of fortune a bit if it were not, as Babiesays, for 'other things. ' But those other things are wearing her toa mere shadow. No, not a shadow-—that is dark—-but a mere sparkle!But to escape from Belforest will cure a great deal. "

So Jock went away with the load on his heart somewhat lightened. Hecould not get home on Saturday till very late, when dinner had longbeen over. Coming softly in, through the dimly lighted drawing-rooms, over the deeply piled carpets, he heard Babie's voice readingaloud in the innermost library, and paused for a moment, lookingthrough the heavy velvet curtains over the doorway before withdrawingone and entering. His mother's face was in full light, as she sathelping Armine to illuminate texts. She did indeed look worn andthin, and there were absolute lines on it, but they were curves suchas follow smiles, rather than furrows of care; feet rather of larksthan of crows, and her whole air was far more cheerful and animatedthan that of her youngest son. He was thin and wan, his whitecheeks contrasting with his dark hair and brown eyes, which lookedenormous in their weary pensiveness, as he lent back languidly, holding a brush across his lips in a long pause, while she was doinghis work. Barbara's bright keen little features were something quitedifferent as, wholly wrapped up in her book, she read—-

 "Oh! then Ladurlad started, As one who, in his grave, Has heard an angel's call, Yea, Mariately, thou must deign to save, Yea, goddess, it is she, Kailyal—-"

"Are you learning Japanese?" asked Jock, advancing, so that Arminestarted like Ladurlad himself. 

"Dear old Skipjack! Skipped here again!" and they were all abouthim. "Have you had any dinner?"

"A mouthful at the station. If there is any coffee and a bit ofsomething cold, I'd rather eat it promiscuously here. No dining-roomspread, pray. It is too jolly here, " said Jock, dropping into anarmchair. "Where's Bob?"

"Dining at the school-house. "

"And what's that Mariolatry?"

"Mariately, " said Babie. "An Indian goddess. It is the 'Curse ofKehama, ' and wonderfully noble. "

"Moore or Browning?"

"For shame, Jock!" cried the girl. "I thought you did know more thanexamination cram. "

"It is the advantage of having no Mudie boxes, " said his mother. "Weare taking up our Southey. "

"And, Armie, how are you?"

"My cough is better, thank you, " was the languid answer. "Only theywon't let me go beyond the terrace. "

"For don't I know, " said his mother, "that if once I let you out, Ishould find you croaking at a choir practice at Woodside?"

Then, after ordering a refection for the traveller, came the questionwhat he had been doing. 

"Dining with Mr. Ogilvie. It is quite a new sensation to findoneself on a level with the Ogre of one's youth, and prove him ahuman mortal after all. "

"That's a sentiment worthy of Joe, " said Babie. "You used to knowhim in private life. "

"Always with a smack of the dominie. Moreover, he is so young. Ithought him as ancient as Dr. Lucas, and, behold, he is a briskyouth, without a grey hair. "

"He always was young-looking, " said his mother. "I am glad you sawhim. I wish he were not so far off. "

"Well then, mother, here's an invitation from Mahomet to themountain, which Mahomet is too shy to make in person. That housewhich he and his sister bought at his English Sorrento has just beenvacated by his married curate, and he wants you to come and keep itwarm till he begins a convalescent home there next spring. "

"How very kind!"

"Oh! mother, you couldn't, " burst out Armine in consternation. 

"Would it be an expense or loss to him, Jock?" said his mother, considering. 

"I should say not, unless he be an extremely accomplished dissembler. If it eased your mind, no doubt he would consent to your paying therates and taxes. "

"But, mother, " again implored Armine, "you said you would not forceme to go to Madeira, with the Evelyns!"

"Are they going to Madeira?" exclaimed Jock, thunderstruck. 

"Did you not hear it from Cecil?"

"He has been away on leave for the last week. This is a suddenresolution. "

"Yes, Fordham goes on coughing, and Sydney has a bad cold, caught atthe wedding. Did you see her?"

"Oh yes, I saw her, " he mechanically answered, while his mothercontinued—-

"Mrs. Evelyn has been pressing me most kindly to let Armine go withthem; but as Dr. Leslie assures me it is not essential, and he seemsso much averse to it himself—-"

"You know, mother, how I wish to hold my poor neglected Woodside tothe last, " cried Armine. "Why is my health always to be made theexcuse for deserting it?"

"You are not the only reason, " said his mother. "It is hard to keepEsther in banishment all this time, and I am in constant fear of arow about the shooting with that Gilbert Gould. "

"Has he been at it again!" exclaimed Jock, fiercely. 

"You are as bad as Rob, " she said. "I fully expect a disturbancebetween them, and I had rather be no party to it. Oh, I shall bevery thankful to get away, I feel like a prisoner on parole. "

"And I feel, " said Armine, "as if all we could do here was too littleto expiate past carelessness. "

"Mind, you are talking of mother!" said Jock, firing up. 

"I thought she felt with me, " said Armine, meekly. 

"So I do, my dear; I ought to have done much better for the place, but our staying on now does no good, and only leads to perplexity anddistress. "

"And when can you come, mother?" said Jock. "The house is at yourservice instanter. "

"I should like to go to-night, without telling any one or wishing anyone good-bye. No, you need not be afraid, Armie. The time mustdepend on your brother's plans. St. Cradocke's is too far off formuch running backwards and forwards. Have you any notion when youmay have to leave us, Jock? You don't go with Sir Philip?"

"No, certainly not, " said Jock. Then, with a little hesitation, "Infact, that's all up. "

"He has not thrown you over?" said his mother; "or is there anydifficulty about your exchange?"

Here Babie broke in, "Oh, that's it! That's what Sydney meant! Oh, Jock! you don't mean that you let it prey upon you-—the nonsense Italked? Oh, I will never, never say anything again!"

"What did she say?" demanded Jock. 

"Sydney? Oh, that it would break her heart and Cecil's if youpersisted, and that she could not prevent you, and it was my duty. Mother, that was the letter I didn't show you. I could notunderstand it, and I thought you had enough to worry you. "

"But what does it all mean?" asked their mother. "What have you beendoing to the Evelyns?"

"Mother, I have gone back to our old programme, " said Jock. "I havesent in my papers; I said nothing to you, for I thought you wouldonly vex yourself. "

"Oh, Jock!" she said, overpowered; "I should never have let you!"

"No, mother, dear, I knew that, so I didn't ask you. "

"You undutiful person!" but she held out her arm, and as he came toher, she leant her head against him, sobbing a little sob of infiniterelief, as though fortitude found it much pleasanter to have a livingcolumn. 

"You've done it?" said Armine. 

"You will see it gazetted in a day or two. "

"Then it is all over, " cried Babie, again in tears; "all our dreamsof honour, and knighthood, and wounds, and glorious things!"

"You can always have the satisfaction of believing I should have gotthem, " said Jock, but there was a quiver in his voice, and a thrillthrough his whole frame that showed his mother that it was very sorewith him, and she hastened to let him subside into a chair while sheasked if it was far to the end of the canto, and as Babie was pastreading, she took the book and finished it herself. Nobody had muchnotion of the sense, but the cadence was soothing, and all werecomposed by the time the prayer-bell rang. 

"Come to my dressing-room presently, " she said to Lucas, as helighted her candle for her. 

Just as she had gone up stairs, the front door opened to admit Bobus. 

"Oh, you are here!" was his salutation. "So you have done foryourself?"

"How do you know?"

"Your colonel wrote to my uncle. He was at the dinner, and made mecome back with him to ask if I knew about it. "

"How does he take it?"

"He will probably fall on you, as he did on me to-night, calling itall my fault. "

"As how?"

"For looking out for myself. For my part, I had thought itpraiseworthy, but he says none of the rest of us care a rush for mymother, and so the only one of us good for anything has to be thevictim. But don't plume yourself. You'll be the scum of the earthwhen he has you before him. Poor old boy, it is a sore business tohim, and it doesn't improve his temper. I believe this place is agreater loss to him than to my mother. What are your plans?"

"Rotifer, as before. "

"Chacun a son gout, " said Bobus, shrugging his shoulders. 

"I should have thought you would respect curing more than killing. "

"If there were not a whole bag of stones about your neck. "

"Magnets, " said Jock. 

"That's just it. All the heavier. "

The brothers went upstairs together, and Jock was kept waiting alittle while in the dressing-room, till his mother came out, shuttingthe door on Barbara. 

"The poor Infanta!" she said. "She is breaking her foolish littleheart over something she said to you. 'As bad as the woman in the"Black Brunswicker, "' she says, only she didn't mean it. Was it so, Jock?"

"I had pretty well made up my mind before. Mother, are you vexedthat I did not tell you?"

"You spared me much. Your uncle would never have consented. But oh, Jock! I'm not a Spartan mother. My heart _will_ bound. "

"My colonel said it was right, " said Jock; "so did Cameron, and evenSir James, though he did not like it. "

"With such an array of old soldiers on our side we may let the youngladies rage, " said his mother, but she checked her mirth on seeinghow far from a joke their indignation was to her son. 

He turned and looked into the fire as he said—-

"When did Sydney write that letter, mother?"

"Before meeting you at the wedding. She has not written since. "

"I thought not, " muttered Jock, his brow against the mantel-piece. 

"No, but Mrs. Evelyn has written such a nice letter, just likeherself, though I did not understand it then. I think she wasdoubtful how much I knew, for she only said how thankworthy it mustbe to have such a self-sacrificing spirit among my sons, moralcourage, in fact, of the highest kind, and how those who were lavishof strong words in their first disappointment would be wiser by-and-by. I was puzzled then. But oh, my dear, this must have been verygrievous to you!"

"I couldn't go back, but I did not know how it would be, " said Jock, in a choked voice, collapsing at last, and hiding his face on hismother's lap. 

"My Jock, I am so sorry! I wish it were not too late. I could nothave let you give up so much, " and she fondled his head. "I did notthink I had been so weak as to let you see. "

"No, mother. It was not that you were so weak, but that you were sobrave. Besides, I ought to take the brunt of it. I ruined you allby being the prime mover with that assification, and I was the causeof Armie's illness too. I ought to take my share. If ever I can beany good to any one again, " he added, in a dejected tone. 

"Good!-—unspeakably good! This is my first bright spot of lightthrough the wood. If it were but bright to you! I am afraid theyhave been very unkind. "

"Not unkind. _She_ couldn't be that, but I've shocked anddisappointed her, " and his head dropped again. 

"What, in not being a hero? My dear, you are a true hero in the eyesof us old mothers; but I am afraid that is poor comfort. My Jock, does it go so deep as that? Giving up _all_ that for me! O my boy!"

"It is nonsense to talk of giving up, " said Jock, rousing himself toa common-sense view. "What chance had I of her if I had gone toIndia ten times over?" but the wave of grief broke over him again. "She would have believed in me, and, may be, have waited. "

"She will believe in you again. "

"No, I'm below her. "

"My poor boy, I didn't know it had come to this. Do you mean thatanything had ever passed between you?"

"No, but it was all the same. Even Evelyn implied it, when he saidthey must give me up, if we took such different lines. "

"Cecil too! Foolish fellow! Jock, don't care about such absurdity. They are not worth it. "

"They've been the best of my life, " said poor Jock, but he stood up, shook himself, and said, "A nice way this of helping you! I didn'tthink I was such a fool. But it is over now. I'll buckle to, and domy best. "

"My brave boy!" and as the thought of the Magnum Bonum darted intoher mind, she said, "You may have greater achievements than aremarked by Victoria Crosses, and Sydney herself may own it. "

And Jock went to bed, cheered in spite of himself by his mother'spleasure, and by Mrs. Evelyn's letter, which she allowed him to takeaway with him. 

Colonel Brownlow was not so much distressed by Lucas's retirement ashad been apprehended. He knew the life of a soldier with small meanstoo well to recommend it. The staff appointment, he said, might meananything or nothing, and could only last a short time unless Lucashad extraordinary opportunities. It might be as well, he was verylike his grandfather, poor John Allen, and might have had his historyover again. 

The likeness was a new idea to Caroline and a great pleasure to her. Indeed, she seemed to Armine unfeelingly joyous, as she accepted Mr. Ogilvie's invitation, and hurried her preparations. There was a barepossibility of a return in the spring, which prevented finalfarewells, and softened partings a little. The person who showedmost grief of all was Mrs. Robert Brownlow, who, glad as she musthave been to be free of Bobus and able to recall her daughter, weptover her sister-in-law as if she had been going into the workhouse, with tears partly penitent for the involuntary ingratitude with whichpast kindness had been received. She was, as Babie said, much moresorry for Mother Carey than Mother Carey for herself. 

Yet the relief was all the greater that it was plain that Esther wasnot happy in her banishment; and that General Hood thought her visithad lasted long enough, while the matter was complicated at home byher sister Eleanor's undisguised sympathy with her cousin Bobus, forwhom she would have sent messages if her mother had not, with somedifficulty exacted a promise never to allude to him in her letters. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. BITTER FAREWELLS. 

But he who lets his feelings run In soft luxurious flowShrinks when hard service must be done And faints at every woe. J. H. Newman. 

Welcome shone in Mr. Ogilvie's face in the gaslight on the platformas the train drew up, and the Popinjay in her cage was handed out, uttering, "Hic, haec, hoc. We're all Mother Carey's chicks. "

Therewith the mother and the two youngest of her chicks were handedto their fly, and driven, through raindrops and splashes flashing inthe gas, to a door where the faithful Emma awaited them, and conveyedthem to a room so bright and comfortable that Babie piteouslyexclaimed—-

"Oh, Emma, you have left me nothing to do!"

Presently came Mr. Ogilvie to make sure that the party needednothing. He was like a child hovering near, and constantly lookingto assure himself of the reality of some precious acquisition. 

Later in the evening, on his way from the night-school, he was at thedoor again to leave a parish magazine with a list of services thatought to have rejoiced Armine's heart, if he had felt capable ofenjoying anything at St. Cradocke's, and at which Babie looked withsome dismay, as if fearing that they would all be inflicted on her. He was in a placid, martyr-like state. He had made up his mind thatthe air was of the relaxing sort that disagreed with him, and nodoubt would be fatal, though as he coughed rather less than more, hecould hardly hope to edify Bobus by his death-bed, unless he couldexpedite matters by breaking a blood-vessel in saving someone's life. On the whole, however, it was pleasanter to pity himself for vaguepossibilities than to apprehend the crisis as immediate. It was truethat he was very forlorn. He missed the admiring petting by whichMiss Parsons had fostered his morbid state; he missed the occupationsshe had given him, and he missed the luxurious habits of wealth farmore than he knew. After his winters under genial skies, close toblue Mediterranean waves, English weather was trying; and, incontrast with southern scenery, people, and art, everything seemedugly, homely, and vulgar in his eyes. Gorgeous Cathedrals with theirHigh Masses and sweet Benedictions, their bannered processions andkneeling peasantry, rose in his memory as he beheld the half restoredChurch, the stiff, open seats, and the Philistine precision of theSt. Cradocke's Old Church congregation; and Anglicanism shared hisdistaste, in spite of the fascinations of the district Church. 

He was languid and inert, partly from being confined to the house ondays of doubtful character. He would not prepare any work for Bobus, who, with Jock, was to follow in ten days, he would not secondBabie's wish to get up a St. Cradocke's number of the 'Traveller'sJoy, ' to challenge a Madeira one; he did little but turn over a fewbooks, say there was nothing to read, and exchange long letters withMiss Parsons. 

"Armine, " said Mr. Ogilvie, "I never let my friends come into myparish without getting work out of them. I have a request to makeyou. "

"I'm afraid I am not equal to much, " said Armine, not graciously. 

"This is not much. We have a lame boy here for the winter, son to acabinet maker in London. His mind is set on being a pupil-teacher, and he is a clever, bright fellow, but his chance depends on hiskeeping up his work. I have been looking over his Latin and French, but I have not time to do so properly, and it would be a greatkindness if you would undertake it. "

"Can't he go to school?" said Armine, not graciously. 

"It is much too far off. Now he is only round the corner here. "

"My going out is so irregular, " said Armine, not by any means as hewould have accepted a behest of Petronella's. 

"He could often come here. Or perhaps the Infanta would fetch andcarry. He is with an uncle, a fisherman, and the wife keeps a littleshop. Stagg is the name. They are very respectable people, but of alower stamp than this lad, and he is rather lost for want ofcompanionship. The London doctors say his recovery depends on seaair for the winter, so here he is, and whatever you can do for himwill be a real good work. "

"What is the name?" asked Mrs. Brownlow. 

"Stagg. It is over a little grocery shop. You must ask for PercyStagg. "

Perhaps Armine suspected the motive to be his own good, for he took adislike to the idea at once. 

"Percy Stagg!" he began, as soon as Mr. Ogilvie was gone. "What adetestable conjunction, just showing what the fellow must be. And tohave him on my hands. "

"I thought you liked teaching?" said his mother. 

"As if this would be like a Woodside boy!"

"Yes, " said Babie; I don't suppose he will carry onions and lollipopsin his pockets, nor put cockchafers down on one's book. "

"Babie, that was only Ted Stokes!"

"And I should _think_ he might have rather cleaner hands, and notleave their traces on every book. "

"He'll do worse!" said Armine. "He will be vulgarly stuck up, andexcruciate me with every French word he attempts to pronounce. "

"But you'll do it, Armie?" said his mother. 

"Oh, yes, I will try if it be possible to make anything of him, whenI am up to it. "

Armine was not "up to it" the next day, nor the next. The third wasvery fine, and with great resignation, he sauntered down to Mrs. Stagg's. 

Percy turned out to be a quiet, gentle, pale lad of fourteen, withoutcockney vivacity, and so shy that Armine grew shyer, did little butmark the errors in his French exercise, hear a bit of reading, andretreat, bemoaning the hopeless stupidity of his pupil. 

A few days later Mr. Ogilvie asked the lame boy how he was gettingon. 

"Oh, sir, " brightening, "the lady is so kind. She does make it soplain in me. "

"The lady? Not the young gentleman?"

"The young gentleman has been here once, sir. "

"And his sister comes when he is not well?"

"No, sir, it is his mother, I think. A lady with white hair-—thenicest lady I ever saw. "

"And she teaches you?"

"Oh yes, sir! I am preparing a fable in the Latin Delectus for her, and she gave me this French book. She does tell me such interestingfacts about words, and about what she has seen abroad, sir! And shebrought me this cushion for my knee. "

"Percy thinks there never was such a lady, " chimed in his aunt. "Sheis very good to him, and he is ever so much better in his spirits andhis appetite since she has been coming to him. The young gentlemanwas haughty like, and couldn't make nothing of him; but the lady—-she's so affable! She is one of a thousand!"

"I did not mean to impose a task on you, " said Mr. Ogilvie, next timehe could speak to Mrs. Brownlow. 

"Oh! I am only acting stop-gap till Armine rallies and takes to it, "she said. "The boy is delightful. It is very amusing to teachFrench to a mind of that age so thoroughly drilled in grammar. "

"A capital thing for Percy, but I thought at least you would havedeputed the Infanta. "

"The Infanta was a little overdone with the style of thing atWoodside. She and Sydney Evelyn had a romance about good works, ofwhich Miss Parsons completely disenchanted her—-rather too much so, Ifear. "

"Let her alone; she will recover, " said Mr. Ogilvie, "if only byseeing you do what I never intended. "

"I like it, teacher as I am by trade. "

So each day Armine imagined himself bound to the infliction of PercyStagg, and compelled by headache, cough, or weather, to let hismother be his substitute. 

"She is keeping him going on days when I am not equal to it, " he saidto Mr. Ogilvie. 

"Having thus given you one of my tasks, " said that gentleman, "let meask whether I can help you in any of your studies?"

"I have been reading with Bobus, thank you. "

"And now?"

"I have not begun again, though, if my mother desires it, I shall. "

"So I should suppose; but I am sorry you do not take more interest inthe matter. "

"Even if I live, " said Armine, "the hopes with which I once studiedare over. "

"What hopes?"

The boy was drawn on by his sympathy to explain his plans for theperfection of church and charities at Woodside, where he would haveworked as curate, and lavished all that wealth could supply in allinstitutions for its good and that of Kenminster. It was thevanished castle over which he and Miss Parsons had spent so manymoans, and yet at the end of it all, Armine saw a sort of increduloussmile on his friend's face. 

"I don't think it was impossible or unreasonable, " he said. "I couldhave been ordained as curate there, and my mother would have gladlygiven land, and means, and all. "

"I was not thinking of that, my boy. What struck me was how peopleput their trust in riches without knowing it. "

"Indeed I should have given up all wealth and luxury. I am notregretting that!" exclaimed Armine, in unconscious blindness. 

"I did not say you were. "

"I beg your pardon, " said Armine, thinking he had not caught thewords. 

"I said people did not know how they put their trust in riches. "

"I never thought I did. "

"Only that you think nothing can be done without them. "

"I don't see how it can. "

"Don't you? Well, the longer I live the more cause I see to dreadand distrust what is done easily by force of wealth. Of course whenthe money is there, and is given along with one's self (as I know youintended), it is providential, but I verily believe it intensifiesdifficulties and temptations. Poverty is almost as beneficial asieve of motives and stimulus to energy as persecution itself. "

"There are so many things one can't do. "

"Perhaps the fit time is not come for their being done. Or you wantmore training for doing them. Remember that to bring one's gooddesires to good effect, there is a _how_ to be taken into account. I know of a place where the mere knowledge that there are unlimitedmeans to bestow seems to produce ingratitude and captiousness forwhatever is done. On the other hand, I have seen a far smaller gift, that has cost an effort, most warmly and touchingly received. Again, the power of at once acting leads to over-haste, want ofconsideration, domineering, expectation of adulation, impatience ofcounsel or criticism. "

"I suppose one does not know till one has tried, " said Armine, "butI should mind nothing from Mr. Or Miss Parsons. "

"I did not allude to any special case, I only wanted to show you thatriches do not by any means make doing good a simpler affair, butrather render it more difficult not to do an equal amount of harm. "

"Of course, " said Armine, "as this misfortune has happened, it isplain that we must submit, and I hope I am bowing to thedisappointment. "

"By endeavouring to do your best for God with what is left you?"

"I hope so, but with my health there seems nothing left for me butunmurmuring resignation. "

Mr. Ogilvie was amused at Armine's notion of unmurmuring resignation, but he added only, "Which would be much assisted by a littleexertion. "

"I did exert myself at home, but it is all aimless now. "

"I should have thought you still equally bound to learn and labour todo your duty in Him and for Him. Will you think about what I havesaid?"

"Yes, Mr. Ogilvie, thank you. I know you mean it kindly, and no onecan be expected to enter into my feeling of the uselessness ofwasting my time over classical studies when I know I shall never beable to be ordained. "

"Are you sure you are not wasting it now?"

It was not possible to continue the subject. Mr. Ogilvie had failedin both his attempts to rouse Armine, and had to tell his mother, whohad hoped much from this new influence. "I think, " he said, "thatArmine is partly feeling the change from invalidism to ordinaryhealth. He does not know it, poor fellow; but it is rather hard togive up being interesting. "

Caroline saw the truth of this when Armine showed himself absolutelynettled at his brothers, on their arrival, pronouncing that he lookedmuch better—-in fact quite jolly, an insult which he treated withChristian forgiveness. 

Bobus had visited Belforest. His mother had never intended this, andstill less that he should walk direct from the station to Kencroft, surprising the whole family at luncheon, and taking his seat amongthem quite naturally. Thereby he obtained all he had expected orhoped, for when the meal was over, he was able, though in thepresence of all the family, to take Esther by both hands, and say inhis resolute earnest voice, "Good-bye, my sweet and only love. Youwill wait for me, and by-and-by, when I have made you a home, andpeople see things differently, I shall come for you, " and therewithhe pressed on her burning, blushing, drooping brow four kisses thatfelt like fire. 

Her mother might fret and her father might fume, but they were aspowerless as the parents of young Lochinvar's bride, and the words oftheir protest were scarcely begun when he loosed the girl's hands, and, turning to her mother, said, "Good-bye, Aunt Ellen. When wemeet again, you will see things otherwise. I ask nothing till thattime comes. "

This was not the part of his visit of which he told his mother, heonly dwelt on a circumstance so opportune that he had almost beenforgiven even by the Colonel. He had encountered Dr. Hermann, whohad come down to make another attempt on the Gracious Lady, and hadthus found himself in the presence of a very different person. Anopening had offered itself in America, and he had come to try toobtain his wife's fortune to take them out. The opportunity ofmaking stringent terms had seemed to Bobus so excellent that hecivilly invited Demetrius to dine and sleep, and sent off a note tobeg his uncle to come and assist in a family compact. ColonelBrownlow, having happily resisted his impulse to burn the letterunread as an impertinent proposal for his daughter, found that itcontained so sensible a scheme that he immediately conceived a higheropinion of his namesake than he had ever had before. 

Thus Dr. Hermann found himself face to face with the very lastmembers of the family he desired to meet, and had to make the best ofthe situation. Of secrets of the late Joseph Brownlow he saidnothing, but based his application on the offer of a practice andlectureship he said he had received from New Orleans. He hadevidently never credited that Mrs. Brownlow meant to resign the wholeproperty without giving away among her children the accumulation ofready money in hand, and as he knew himself to be worth buying off, he reckoned upon Janet's full share. He had taken Mrs. Brownlow'sown statements as polite refusals, and a lady's romance until hefound the uncle and nephew viewing the resignation of the whole ascommon honesty, and that she was actually gone. They would not givehim her address, and prevented his coming in contact with thehousekeeper, so that no more molestation might be possible, andmeantime they offered him terms such as they thought she wouldratify. 

All that Joseph Brownlow had left was entirely in her power, and theamount was such that if she had died intestate, each of her sixchildren would have been entitled to about £l600, exclusive of thehouse in London. Janet had no right to claim anything now or at hermother's death, but the uncle and nephew knew that Mrs. Brownlowwould not endure to leave her destitute, and they thought thedeportation to America worth a considerable sacrifice. Thereforethey proposed that on the actual bona fide departure, £500 should bepaid down, the interest of the £1100 should be secured to her, andpaid half-yearly through Mr. Wakefield, who was to draw up theagreement; but the final disposal of the sum was not to be promised, but to depend on Mrs. Brownlow's will. 

Such a present boon as £500 had made Hermann willing to agree toanything. Bobus had seen the lawyer in London, and with himconcocted the agreement for signature, making the payments passthrough the Wakefield office, the receipts being signed by JanetHermann herself. 

"Why must all payments go through the office?" asked Caroline. 

"Because there's no trusting that slippery Greek, " said Bobus. 

"I should have liked my poor Janet to have been forced to communicatewith me every half-year, " she sighed. 

"What, when she has never chosen to write all this time?"

"Yes. It is very weak, but I can't help it. It would be somethingonly to see her name. I have never known where to write to her, orI would have done so. "

"O, very well, " said Bobus, "you had better invite them both to sharethe menage in Collingwood Street. "

"For shame, Bobus, " said Jock. "You have no right to say suchthings. "

"Only that all this might as well have been left undone if my motheris to rush on them to ask their pardon and beg them to receive herwith open arms. I mean, mother, " he added with a different manner, "if you give one inch to that Greek, he will make it a mile, and asto Janet, if she can't bring down her pride to write to you like adaughter, I wouldn't give a rap for her receipt, and it might lead tointolerable pestering. Now you know she can't starve on £50 a yearbesides her medical education. Wakefield will always know where sheis, and you may be quite easy about her. "

Caroline gave way to her son's reasoning, as he thought, but nosooner was she alone with Jock than she told him that he must takeher to London to see Janet in her lodgings before the departure forthe States. 

He was at her service, and as they did not mean to sleep in town, they started at a preposterously early hour, with a certain mirth andgaiety at thus eloping together, as the mother's spirits rose at thebare idea of seeing the first-born child for whom she had famished solong. Jock was such a perfect squire of dames, and so chivalrouslycharmed to be her escort, that her journey was delightful, nor didshe grow sad till it was over. Then, she could not eat the food hewould have had her take at the station, and he saw tears standing inher eyes as he sat beside her in the omnibus. When they were setdown they walked swiftly and without a word to the lodgings. 

Dr. And Mrs. Hermann had "left two days ago, " said the untidy girl, whose aspect, like that of the street and house, betokened that Janetwas drinking of her bitter brewst. 

"What shall we do, mother?" asked Jock. "You ought to rest. Willyou go to Mrs. Acton or Mrs. Lucas, while I run down to Wakefield'soffice and find out about them?"

"To Miss Ray's, I think, " she said faintly. "Nita may know theirplans. Here's the address, " taking a little book from her pocket, and ruffling over the leaves, "you must find it. I can't see. O, but I can walk!" as he hailed a cab, and helped her into it, findingthe address and jumping after her, while she sank back in the corner. 

Very small and shrunken did she look when he took her out at the doorleading to rooms over a stationer's shop. The sisters were somewhatbetter off than formerly, though good old Miss Ray was half ashamedof it, since it was chiefly owing to the liberal allowance from Mrs. Brownlow for the chaperonage in which she felt herself to have sosadly failed. 

Jock saw his mother safe in the hands of the kind old lady, heardthat the pair were really gone, and departed for his interview withMr. Wakefield. No sooner had the papers been signed, and the £500made over to them, than the Hermanns had hurried away a fortnightearlier than they had spoken of going. It was much like an escapefrom creditors, but the reason assigned was an invitation to lecturein New York. 

So there was nothing for it but to put up with Miss Ray's account ofJanet, and even that was second-hand, for the gentle spirit of thegood old lady had been so roused at the treachery of the stolenmarriage that she had refused to see the couple, and when Nita hadonce brought them in, she had retired to her bedroom. 

Nita was gone on a professional engagement into the country for aweek. According to what she had told her sister, Demetrius and Janetwere passionately attached, and his manner was only too endearing;but Miss Ray had disliked the subject so much that she had avoided itin a way she now regretted. 

"Everything I have done has turned out wrong, " she said with tearsrunning down her cheeks. "Even this! I would give anything to beable to tell you of poor Janet, and yet I thought my silence was forthe best, for Nita and I could not mention her without quarrelling aswe had never done before. O, Mrs. Brownlow, I can't think how youhave ever forgiven me. "

"I can forgive every one but myself, " said Caroline sadly. "If I hadunderstood how to be a better mother, this would never have been. "

"You! the most affectionate and devoted. "

"Ah! but I see now it was only human love without the true movingspring, and so my poor child grew up without it, and these are thefruits. "

"But my dear, my dear, one can't _give_ these things. Poor Janetalways was a headstrong girl, like my poor Nita. I know what youmean, and how one feels that if one had been better oneself, " saidpoor Miss Ray, ending in utter entanglement, but tender sympathy. 

"She might have been a child of many prayers, " said the poor mother. 

"Ah! but that she can still be, " said the old lady. "She will turnback again, my dear. Never fear. I don't think I could die easy ifI did not believe she would!"

Jock brought back word that the lawyer had been entirely unaware ofthe Hermanns' departure, and thought it looked bad. He had seen themboth, and his report was less brilliant than Nita's. Indeed Jockkept back the details, for Mr. Wakefield had described Mrs. Hermannas much altered, thin, haggard, shabby, and anxious, and though herhusband fawned upon her demonstratively before spectators, somethingin her eyes betokened a certain fear of him. He had also heard thatElvira was still making visits. There was a romance about her, which, in addition to her beauty and future wealth, made people thinkher a desirable guest. She was always more agreeable with strangersthan in her own family; and as to the needful funds, she had herample allowance; and no doubt her expectations secured her unlimitedcredit. Her conduct was another pang, but it was lost in the keenerpain Janet had given. 

As his mother could not bear to face any one else, Jock thought thesooner he could get her home the better, and all they did was to buysome of Armine's favourite biscuits, and likewise to stop atRivington's, where she chose the two smallest and neatest GreekTestaments she could find. 

They reached home three hours before they were expected, and she wentup at once to her room and her bed, leaving Jock to make theexplanations, and receive all Bobus's indignation at having allowedher to knock herself up by such a foolish expedition. 

Chill, fatigue, and, far more, grief after her long course of worryreally did bring on a feverish attack, so unprecedented in her thatit upset the whole family, and if Mr. Ogilvie had not been almostequally wretched himself, he would have been amused to see thesethree great sons wandering forlorn about the house like stray chickswho had lost their parent hen, and imagining her ten times worse thanshe really was. 

Babie was really useful as a nurse, and had very little time tocomfort them. And indeed they treated her as childish and triflingfor assuring them that neither patient, maid, nor doctor thought theailment at all serious. Bobus found some relief in laying the blameon Jock, but when Armine heard the illness ascribed to a long courseof anxiety and harass, he was conscience-stricken, as he thought howoften his perverse form of resignation had baffled her pleadings andadded to her vexations. Words, impatiently heard at the moment, returned upon him, and compunction took its outward effect incrossness. It was all that Jock could do by his good-humoured banterand repartee to keep the peace between the other two who, whenunchecked by regard to their mother and Babie, seemed bent ondiscussing everything on which they most disagreed. 

Babie was a welcome messenger to Jock at least, when she brought wordthat mother hoped Armine would attend to Percy Stagg, and would takehim the book she sent down for him. Her will was law in the presentstate of things, and Armine set forth in dutiful disgust; but hefound the lad so really anxious about the lady, and so muchbrightened and improved, that he began to take an interest in him andpromised a fresh lesson with alacrity. 

His next step in obedience was to take out his books; but Bobus hadno mind for them, and said it was too late. If Armine had reallyworked diligently all the autumn, he might have easily entered King'sCollege, London; but now he had thrown away his chance. 

Mr. Ogilvie found him with his books on the table, plunged in utterdespondency. "Your mother is not worse?" he asked in alarm. 

"Oh no; she is very comfortable, and the doctor says she may get upto-morrow. "

"Then is it the Greek?" said Mr. Ogilvie, much relieved. 

"Yes. Bobus says my rendering is perfectly ridiculous. "

"Are you preparing for him?"

"No. He is sick of me, and has no time to attend to me now. "

"Let me see-—"

"Oh! Mr. Ogilvie, " said Armine, looking up with his ingenuous eyes. "I don't deserve it. Besides, Bobus says it is of no use now. I'vewasted too much time ever to get into King's. "

"I should like to judge of that. Suppose I examined you-—not now, but to-morrow morning. Meantime, how do you construe this chorus?"It is a tough one. "

Armine winked out of his eyes the tears that had risen at the beliefthat he had really in his wilfulness lost the hope of fulfilling thehigher aims of his life, and with a trembling voice translated thepassage he had been hammering over. A word from Mr. Ogilvie gave himthe clue, and when that stumbling-block was past, he acquittedhimself well enough to warrant a little encouragement. 

"Well done, Armine. We shall make a fair scholar of you, after all. "

"I don't deserve you should be so kind. I see now what a fool I havebeen, " said Armine, his eyes filling again, with tears. 

"I have no time to talk of that now, " said Mr. Ogilvie. "I onlylooked in to hear how your mother was. Bring down whatever books youhave been getting up at twelve to-morrow; or if it is a wet day, Iwill come to you. "

Armine worked for this examination as eagerly as he had decorated forMiss Parsons, and in the face of the like sneers; for Bobus reallybelieved it was all waste of time, and did not scruple to tell himso, and to laugh when he consulted Jock, whose acquirements lay morein the way of military mathematics and modern languages than ofuniversity requirements. 

Perhaps the report that Armine was reading Livy with all his mightwas one of his mother's best restoratives, -—and still more that whenhe came to wish her good-night, he said, "Mother, I've been awretched, self-sufficient brute all this time; I'm very sorry, andI'll try to go on better. "

And when she came downstairs to be petted and made much of by all thefour, she found that the true and original Armine had come back, instead of Petronella's changeling. Indeed, the danger now was thathe would overwork himself in his fervour, for Bobus's continued ill-auguries only acted as a stimulus; nor were they silenced till shebegged as a personal favour that he would not torment the boy. 

Indeed her presence made life smooth and cheerful again to the youngpeople; there were no more rubs of temper, and Bobus, whose departurewas very near, showed himself softened. He was very fond of hismother, and greatly felt the leaving her. He assured her that it wasall for her sake, and that he trusted to be able to lighten some ofher burdens when his first expenses were over. 

"And mother, " he said, on his last evening, "you will let mesometimes hear of my Esther?"

"Oh, Bobus, if you could only forget her!"

"Would you rob me of my great incentive-—my sweet image of purity, who rouses and guards all that is best in me? My 'loyalty to myfuture wife' is your best hope for me, mother. "

"Oh, if she were but any one else! How can I encourage you indisobedience to your father and to hers?"

"You know what I think about that. When my Esther ventures to judgefor herself, these prejudices will give way. She shall not bedisobedient, but you will all perceive the uselessness of withholdingmy darling. Meanwhile, I only ask you to let me see her name fromtime to time. You won't deny me that?"

"No, my dear, I cannot refuse you that, but you must not assume morethan that I am sorry for you that your heart is set so hopelessly. Indeed, I see no sign of her caring for you. Do you?"

"Her heart is not opened yet, but it will. "

"Suppose it should do so to any one else?"

"She is a mere child; she has few opportunities; and if she had-—well, I think it would recall to her what she only half understood. I am content to be patient-—and, mother, you little know the good itdoes me to think of her and think of you. It is well for us men thatall women are not like Janet. "

"Yet if you took away our faith, what would there be to hinder usfrom being like my poor Janet?"

"Heaven forbid that I should take away any one's honest faith; aboveall, yours or Essie's. "

"Except by showing that you think it just good enough for us. "

"How can I help it, any more than I can help that Belforest was leftto Elvira? Wishes and belief are two different things. "

"Would you help it if you could?" she earnestly asked. "

He hesitated. "I might wish to satisfy you, mother, and other goodfolks, but not to put myself in bondage to what has led blindfold tohalf the dastardly and cruel acts on this earth, beautiful dreamthough it be. "

"Ah, my boy, it is my shame and grief that it is not a beautifulreality to you. "

"You were too wise to bore us. You have only fancied that since youfell in with the Evelyns. "

"Ah, if I had only bred you up in the same spirit as the Evelyns!"

"It would not have answered. We are of different stuff. And afterall, Janet and I are your only black sheep. Jock has his convictionsin a strong, practical working order, as real to him as ever hisdrill and order-book were. Good old fellow, he strikes me a gooddeal more than all Ogilvie's discussions. "

"Mr. Ogilvie has talked to you?"

"He has done his part both as cleric and your devoted servant, mother, and, I confess, made the best of his case, as an able manheartily convinced can do. Good night, mother. "

"One moment, Bobus, my dear; I want one promise from you, to your oldMother Carey. Call it a superstition and a charm if you will, butpromise. Take this Greek Testament, keep it with you, and read a fewverses every night. Promise me. "

"Dear mother, I am ready to promise. I have read those poems andletters several times in the original. "

"But you will do this for me, beginning again when you have finished?Promise. "

"I will, mother, since it comforts you, " said Bobus, in a tone thatshe knew might be trusted. 

The other little book, with the like request, in urgent and tenderentreaty, was made up into a parcel to be forwarded as soon as Mr. Wakefield should learn Janet Hermann's address. It was all that themother could do, except to pray that this living Sword of the Spiritmight yet pierce its way to those closed hearts. 

Nor was she quite happy about Barbara. Hitherto the girl had seemed, as it were, one with Armine, and had been led by his precocious pietyinto similar habits and aspirations, which had been fostered by herintercourse with Sydney and the sharing with her of many a blissfuland romantic dream. 

All this, however, was altered. Petronella had drawn Armine asideone way, and now that he was come back again, he did not find thesame perfectly sympathetic sister as before. Bobus had not beenwithout effect upon her, as the impersonation of common sense andantagonism to Miss Parsons. It had not shown at the time, for hisdomineering tone and his sneers always impelled her to stand up forher darling; but when he was "poor Bobus" gone into exile and bereftof his love, certain poisonous germs attached to his words began togrow. There was no absolute doubt-—far from it-—but there was animpatience of the weariness and solemnity of religion. 

To enjoy Church privileges to the full, and do good works underChurch direction, had in their wandering life been a dream of modernchivalry which she had shared with Sydney, much as they had talked ofgoing on a crusade. And now she found these privileges very tedious, the good works onerous, and she viewed them somewhat as she mighthave regarded Coeur de Lion's camp had she been set down in it. Armine would have gone on hearing nothing but "Remember the HolySepulchre, " but Barbara would soon have seen every folly and failurethat spoiled the glory of the army-—even though she might notquestion its destination-—and would have been unfeignedly weary ofits discipline. 

So she hung back from the frequent Church ordinances of St. Cradocke's, being allowed to do as she pleased about everythingextra; she made fun of the peculiarities of the varieties of thegenus Petronella who naturally hung about it, and adopted the populartone about the curates, till Jock told her "not to be socommonplace. " Indeed both he and Armine had made friends with them, as he did with every one; and Armine's enjoyment of the society of anew, young, bright deacon, who came at Christmas, perhaps accountedfor a little of her soreness, and made Armine himself less observantthat the two were growing apart. 

Her mother saw it though, and being seconded by Jock, found it easierthan of old to keep the tables free from sceptical and semi-scepticalliterature; but this involved the loss of much that was clever, andthere was no avoiding those envenomed shafts that people love tostrew about, and which, for their seeming wit and sense, Babie alwaysrelished. She did not think-—that was the chief charge; and she wasstill a joyous creature, even though chafing at the dulness of St. Cradocke's. 

"Gould and another versus Brownlow and another, to be heard on thel8th, " Mr. Wakefield writes. "So we must leave our peaceful harbourto face the world again!"

"Oh, I'm so glad!" cried Barbara. "I am fairly tingling to be in thethick of it again!"

"You ungrateful infant, " said Armine, "when this place has done everyone so much good!"

"So does bed; but I feel as if it were six in the morning and Icouldn't get the shutters open!"

"I wonder if Mr. Ogilvie will think me fit to go in for matriculationfor the next term?" said Armine. 

"And I ought to go up for lectures, " said Jock, who had been readinghard all this time under directions from Dr. Medlicott. "I might goon before, and see that the house is put in order before you comehome, mother. "

"Home! It sounds more like going home than ever going back toBelforest did!"

"And we'll make it the very moral of the old times. We've got allthe old things!"

"What do you know about the old times-—baby that you are and were?"said Jock. 

"The Drakes move to-morrow, " said his mother. "I must write to youraunt and Richards about sending the things from Belforest. We musthave it at its best before Ali comes home. "

"All right!" said Babie. "You know our own things have only to goback into their places, and the Drake carpets go on. It will be suchfun; as nice as the getting into the Folly!"

"Nice you call that?" said her mother. "All I remember is thedisgrace we got into and the fright I was in! I wonder what the oldhome will bring us?"

"Life and spirit and action, " cried Babie. "Oh, I'm wearying for thesound of the wheels and the flow of people!"

"Oh, you little Cockney!"

"Of course. I was born one, and I am thankful for it! There'snothing to do here. "

"Babie!" cried Armine, indignantly. 

"Well, you and Jock have read a great deal, and he has plunged intonight-schools. "

"And become a popular lecturer, " added Armine. 

"And you and mother have cultivated Percy Stagg, and gone to Churcha great deal-—pour passer le temps. "

"Ah, you discontented mortal!" said her mother, rising to write herletters. "You have yet to learn that what is stagnation to some isrest to others. "

"Oh yes, mother, I know it was very good for you, but I'm heartilyglad it is over. Sea and Ogre are all very well for once in a way, but they pall, especially in an east wind English fog!"

"My Babie, I hope you are not spoilt by all the excitements of ourlast few years, " said the mother. "You won't find life inCollingwood Street much like life in Hyde Corner. "

"No, but it will be _life_, and that's what I care for!"

No, Barbara, used to constant change, and eager for her schemes ofhelpfulness, could not be expected to enjoy the peacefulness of St. Cradocke's as the others had done. To Armine, indeed, it had beenthe beginning of a new life of hope and vigour, and a casting off ofthe slough of morbid self-contemplation, induced by his invalid life, and fostered at Woodside. He had left off the romance of being earlydoomed, since his health had stood the trial of the English winter, and under Mr. Ogilvie's bracing management, seconded by Jock'senergetic companionship, he had learnt to look to active service, andbe ready to strive for it. 

To Jock, the time had been a rest from the victory which had cost himso dear, and though the wounds still smarted, there had been nothingto call them into action; and he had fortified himself against theinevitable reminders he should meet with in London. He had beenstudying with all his might for the preliminary examination, andeagerness in so congenial a pursuit was rapidly growing on him, whileconversations with Mr. Ogilvie had been equally pleasant to both, forthe ex-schoolmaster thoroughly enjoyed hearing of the scientificworld, and the young man was heartily glad of the higher light he wasable to shed on his studies, and for being shown how to prevent thespiritual world from being obscured by the physical, and to deal withthe difficulties that his brother's materialism had raised for him. He had never lost, and trusted never to lose, hold of his anchor inthe Rock; but he had not always known how to answer when called on toprove its existence and trace the cable. Thus the winter at St. Cradocke's had been very valuable to him personally, and he had beenwilling to make return for the kindness for which he felt sograteful, by letting the Vicar employ him in the night-schools, lectures, and parish diversions-—all in short for which a genial andsensible young layman is invaluable, when he can be caught. 

And for their mother herself, she had been sheltered from agitation, and had gathered strength and calmness, though with her habitual wantof self-consciousness she hardly knew it, and what she thanked herold friend for was what he had done for her sons, especially Armine. "He and I shall be grateful to you all the rest of our lives, " shesaid, with her bright eyes glistening. 

David Ogilvie, in his deep, silent, life-long romance, felt thatprecious guerdons sometimes are won at an age which the young supposeto be past all feeling-—guerdons the more precious and pure becauseunconnected with personal hopes or schemes. He still knew Carolineto be as entirely Joseph Brownlow's own as when he had firstperceived it, ten years ago, but all that was regretful jealousy wasgone. His idealisation of her had raised and moulded his life, andnow that she had grown into the reality of that ideal, he was contentwith the sunshine she had brought, and the joy of having done her areal service, little as she guessed at the devoted homage thatprompted it. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. BLIGHTED BEINGS. 

Allen-a-Dale has no faggot for burning, Allen-a-Dale has no farrow for turning, Allen-a-Dale has no fleece for the spinning, Yet Allen-a-Dale has red gold for the winning. Scott. 

The little family raft put forth from the haven of shelter into thestormy waves. The first experience was, as Jock said, that largerooms and country clearness had been demoralising, or, as Babieaverred, the bad taste and griminess of the Drake remains wereinvincible, for when the old furniture and pictures were all restoredto the old places, the tout ensemble was so terribly dingy andconfined that the mother could hardly believe that it was the sameplace that had risen in her schoolgirl eyes as a vision of homebrightness. Armine was magnanimously silent, but what would be theeffect on Allen, who had been heard of at Gibraltar, and was sure toreturn before the case was heard in court?

"We must give up old associations, and try what a revolution willdo, " Mother Carey said. 

"Hurrah!" cried Babie; "I was feeling totally overpowered by thatawful round table, but I thought it was the very core of mother'sheart. "

"So did I, " said the mother herself, "when I remember how we used tosit round with the lamp in the middle, and spin the whole table whenwe wanted a drawer on the further side. But it won't bring back thosewho sat there! and now the light falls anywhere but where it iswanted, and our goods get into each other's way! Yes, Babie, you maydispose of it in the back drawing-room and bring in your wholegeneration of little tables. "

There was opportunity for choice, for the house was somewhat over-full of furniture, since besides the original plenishing of thePagoda, all that was individual property had been sent fromBelforest, and this included a great many choice and curiousarticles, small and great, all indeed that any one cared much about, except the more intrinsically valuable gems of art. It had been alldone between Messrs. Wakefield, Gould, and Richards, who had sent upfar more than Mrs. Brownlow had marked, assuring her that she neednot scruple to keep it. 

So by the time twilight came on the second evening, when the wholefamily were feeling exceedingly bruised, weary, and dusty, such atransformation had been effected that each of the four, on returningfrom the much needed toilet, stood at the door exclaiming-—"This issomething like;" and when John arrived, a little later, he lookedround with—-

"This is almost as nice as the Folly. How does Mother Carey manageto make things like herself and nobody else?"

Allen's comment a few days later was—-"What's the use of taking somuch trouble about a dingy hole which you can't make tolerable evenif you were to stay here. "

"I mean it to be my home till my M. D. Son takes a wife and turns meout. "

"Why, mother, you don't suppose that ridiculous will can hold water?"

"You know I don't contest it. "

"I know, but they will not look at it for a moment in the ProbateCourt. "

Some chance friend whom he had met abroad had suggested this toAllen, and he had gradually let his wish become hope, and his hopeexpectation, till he had come home almost secure of a triumph, whichwould reinstate his mother, and bring Elvira back to him, havinglearnt the difference between true friends and false. 

It was a proportionate blow when no difficulty was made about provingthe will. As the trustees acted, Mrs. Brownlow had not to appear, but Allen haunted the Law Courts with his uncle and saw the willaccepted as legal. Nothing remained but another amicable action toput Elvira de Menella in possession. 

He was in a state of nervous excitement at every postman's knock, making sure, poor fellow, that Elvira's first use of her victorywould be to return to him. But all that was heard of was a grandreception at Belforest, bands, banners, horsemen, triumphal arches, banquet, speeches, toasts, and ball, all, no doubt, in "Gould taste. "The penny-a-liner of the Kenminster paper outdid himself in thepolysyllables of his description, while Colonel Brownlow brieflywrote that "all was as insolent as might be expected, and he washappy to say that most of the county people and some of the tenantsshowed their good feeling by their absence. "

Over this Mrs. Brownlow would not rejoice. She did not like the poorgirl to be left to such society as her aunt would pick up, and shewrote on her behalf to various county neighbours; but the heiress hadalready come to the house in Hyde Corner, chaperoned by her aunt, who, fortified by the trust that she was "as good as Mrs. JosephBrownlow, " had come to fight the battle of fashion, with Lady FloraFolliott for an ally. 

The name of George Gould, Esquire, was used on occasion, but he wasusually left in peace at his farm with his daughter Mary, with whomher step-mother had decided that nothing could be done. Kate wasmade presentable by dress and lessons in deportment, and promoted tobe white slave, at least so Armine and Barbara inferred, from herconstrained and frightened manner when they met her in a shop, thoughshe was evidently trying to believe herself very happy. 

Allen was convinced at last that he was designedly given up, and sofar from trying to meet his faithless lady, dejectedly refused allsociety where he could fall in with her, and only wandered about theparks to feed his melancholy with distant glimpses of her onhorseback, while Armine and Barbara, who held Elvira very cheap, werewicked enough to laugh at him between themselves and term him theforsaken merman. 

Jock had likewise given up his old connections with fashionable life. Several times, if anything were going on, or if he met a formerbrother officer in the street, he would be warmly invited to come andtake his share, or to dine with the mess; he might have played incricket matches and would have been welcome as a frequent guest; buthe had made up his mind that this would only lead to waste of timeand money, and steadily declined, till the invitations ceased. Itwould have cost him more had any come from Cecil Evelyn, but all thathad been seen of him was a couple of visiting-cards. The rest of thefamily had not come to town for the season, and though the twomothers corresponded as warmly as ever, and Fordham and Armineexchanged letters, there was a sort of check and chill upon thefriendship between the two young girls, of which each understood onlyher own half. 

Jock said nothing, but he seemed to have grown mother-sick, spent allhis leisure moments in haunting his mother's steps, helping her inwhatever she was about, and telling her everything about his studiesand companions, as if she were the great solace of the life that hadbecome so much less bright to him. 

In general he showed himself as droll as ever, but there were dayswhen, as John said, "all the skip was gone out of the Jack. " Thegood Monk was puzzled by the change, which he did not think quiteworthy of his cousin, having-—though the son of a military man-—acontempt for the pomp and circumstance of war. He marvelled to seeJock affectionately hook up his sword over the photograph ofEngelberg above his mantelshelf; and he hesitated to join thevolunteers, as his aunt wished, by way of compelling variety andexercise. Jock, however, decided on so doing, that Sydney might ownat least that he was ready for a call to arms for his country. Hedid not like to think that she was reading a report of Sir PhilipCameron's campaign, in which the aide-de-camp happened to receivehonourable mention for a dashing and hazardous ride. 

"Why, old fellow, what makes you so down in the mouth?" said John, onthat very day as the two cousins were walking home from a lecture. They had had to get into a door-way to avoid the rush of rabbleescorting a regiment of household troops on their way to the station, and Lucas had afterwards walked the length of two streets without aword. "You don't mean that you are hankering after all this style ofthing-—row and all the rest of it. "

"There's a good deal more going to it than row, " said Jock, ratherheavily. 

"What, that donkey, Evelyn, having cut you? I should not troublemyself much on that score, though I did think better of him at Eton. "

"He hasn't cut me, " Jock made sharp return. 

"One pasteboard among all the family, " grunted the Friar. "I reserveto myself the satisfaction of cutting him dead the next opportunity, "he added magniloquently. 

Jock laughed, as he was of course intended to do, but there was sucha painful ring in the laugh that John paused and said—-

"That's not all, old fellow! Come, make a clean breast of it, myfair son. Thou dost weary of thy vocation. "

"No such thing, " exclaimed Jock, with an inaudible growl between histeeth. "Trust Kencroft for boring on!" and aloud, with someimpatience, "It is just what I would have chosen for its own sake. "

"Then, " said John, still keeping up the grand philosophical air anddemeanour, though with real kindness and desire to show sympathy, "thou art either entangled by worldly scruples, leading thee todisdain the wholesome art of healing, or thou art, like thy brother, the victim of the fickle sex. "

"Shut up!" said Jock, pushed beyond endurance; "can't you understandthat some things can't be talked of?"

"Whew!" John whistled, and surveyed him rather curiously from headto foot. "It is another case of deluded souls not knowing what anescape they've had. What! she thought you a catch in the old days. "

"That's all you know about it!" said Jock. "She is not that sort. The poverty is nothing, but there's a fitness in things. Women, thebest of them, think much of what I suppose you call the row. It fitsin with all their chivalry and romance. "

"Then she's a fool, " said John, shortly. 

"I can't stand any more of this, Monk, I tell you. You know justnothing at all about it, and I've no right to complain, nor any oneto bait me with questions. "

The Monk took the hint, and when they reached their own street Jocksaid—-

"You meant it all kindly, Reverend Friar, but there are things thatwon't stand probing, as you'll know some day. "

"Poor old chap, " said John, with his hand on his shoulder, "I'll notbother you any more. The veil shall be sacred. If this has beengoing on all the time, I wonder you have carried it off so well!"

"Ali is a caution, " said Jock, who had shaken himself into hisordinary manner. "What would become of Babie with two blightedbeings on her hands? Besides, he has some excuse, and I have not. "

After this at every carriage to which Lucas bowed, John frowned, andscanned the inmates in search of the fair deceiver, never making aguess in the right direction. 

John had enough of the Kencroft character not to be original. Sethim to work, and he had plenty of intelligence and energy, perhapsmore absolute force and power than his cousin Lucas; but he wouldnever devise things for himself, and was not discursive, pausing atnovelties, because his nature was so thorough that he could not takeup anything without spending his very utmost force upon it. 

His University training made him an excellent aid to Armine, who wentup for his examination at King's College and acquitted himself sowell as to be admitted to begin his terms after the long vacation. 

Indeed he and Barbara had drawn together again more. She had herhome tasks and her classes at King's College, and did not fret as atSt. Cradocke's for want of work; she enjoyed the full tide of life, and had plenty of sympathy for whatever did not come before her in a"goody" aspect, and, though there might be little depth of seriousreflection in her, she was a very charming member of the household. Then her enjoyment of society was gratified, for society of her ownkind had by no means forgotten one so agreeable as Mrs. Brownlow, andwhereas, in her prosperity, she had never dropped old friends, theywelcomed her back as one of themselves, resuming the homelyinexpensive gatherings where the brains were more consulted than thepalate, aesthetics more than fashion. She was glad of it for theyoung people's sake as well as her own, and returned to her old habitof keeping open house one evening in the week between eight and ten, with cups of coffee and varieties of cheap foreign drinks, and slightbut dainty cakes made by herself and Babie according to lessons takentogether at the school of cookery. 

As Allen declared these evenings a grievance, and often thoughthimself unable to bear family chatter, she had made the oldconsulting room as like his luxurious apartment at home as furnitureand fittings could do, and he was always free to retire thither. Indeed the toleration and tenderness with which his mother treatedhim were a continual wonder and annoyance to Barbara, the activelittle busy bee, who not unjustly considered him the drone of thefamily, and longed to sting him, not to death but to exertion. 

It was provoking that when all the other youths had long finishedbreakfast and gone forth, Mother Carey should wait lingering in thedining-room to cherish some delicate hot morceau and cup of coffee, till the tardy, soft-falling feet came down the stairs, and then sitpatiently as long as he chose to dally with his meal, telling howlittle he had slept. Babie had tried her tongue on both, but Allen, when she shouted at his door that breakfast was ready, came forth nosooner, and when he did so, told his mother that he could not havechildren screaming at his door at all hours of the morning. MotherCarey replied to her impatient champion that while waiting for Allenwas her time for writing letters and reading amusing books, and thatthe day was only too long for him already, poor fellow, withouturging him to make it longer. 

"More shame for him, " muttered pitiless sixteen. 

After breakfast Allen generally strolled out to see the papers or tobestow his time somewhere—-in the picture galleries or in the BritishMuseum, where he had a reading order; but it was always uncertainwhether he would disappear for the whole day, shut himself up in hisown room, or hang about the drawing-room, very much injured if hismother could not devote herself to him. Indeed she always did so, except when she was bound to take Barbara to some of her classes(including cookery), or when she had promised herself to Dr. And Mrs. Lucas, who were now both very infirm, and knew not how to be thankfulenough for the return of one who became like a daughter to them;while Jock, their godson, at once made himself like the best ofgrandsons, and never failed to give them a brightening, cheering hourevery Sunday. 

The science of cookery was by no means a needless task, for the cookwas very plain, and Allen's appetite was dainty, and comfort atdinner could only be hoped for by much thought and contrivance. Allen was never discourteous to his mother herself, but he would lookat her in piteous reproach, and affect to charge all failures on thecook, or on "children being allowed to meddle, " the most cuttingthing to Babie he could say. Then the two Johns always took up thecudgels, and praised the food with all their might. Indeed the Friarwas often sensible of a strong desire to flog the dawdling melancholyout of his cousin, and force him no longer to hang a dead weight onhis mother; and even Jock began to be annoyed at her unfailingpatience and pity, though he understood her compassion better thandid those who had never felt a wound. 

She did in truth blame herself for having given him no profession, and having acquiesced in the indolent dilettante habits which madeall harder to him now; and she was not certain how far it was onlyhis fancy that his health and nerves were perilously affected, thoughDr. Medlicott, whom she secretly consulted, assured her that the onlyremedies needed were good sense and something to do. 

At last, at Midsummer, the crisis came in a heavy discharge of bills, the consequence of Allen's incredulity as to their poverty andincapability of economising. He said "the rascals could wait, " and"his mother need not trouble herself. " She said they must be paid, and she found it could be done at the cost of giving up spendingAugust at St. Cradocke's, as well as of breaking into her smallreserve for emergencies. 

But she told Allen that she insisted on his making some exertion forhis own maintenance. 

"Yes, " said Allen in languid assent. 

"I know it is harder at your age to find occupation. "

"That is not the point. I can easily find something to do. There'sliterature. Or I could take up art. And last year there was aHungarian Count who would have given anything to get me for a tutor. "

"Then why didn't you go?"

"Mother, you ask me why!"

"I know you had not made up your mind to the worst, but it is a pityyou missed the opportunity. "

"There will be more, " said Allen loftily. "I never meant to be aburden, but ladies are so impatient, I suppose you do not wish toturn me out instantly to seek my fortune. No, mother, I do not meanto blame you. You have been sadly harassed, and no woman can everenter into what I have suffered. Put aside those bills. Long beforeChristmas, I shall be able to discharge them myself. "

So Allen wrote to Bobus's friend at Oxford, but he of course did notkeep a pocketful of Hungarian Counts. He answered one or twoadvertisements for a travelling tutor, and had one personalinterview, the result of which was that he could have nothing to dowith such insufferable snobs. He also concocted an advertisementbeginning with "M. A. , Oxford, accustomed to the best society andfamiliar with European languages, " but though the newspapers chargedhighly for it, he only received one answer, except those from agents, and that, he said with illimitable disgust, was from a Yankee. 

Meantime he turned over his poems, and made Barbara copy out a balladhe had written for the "Traveller's Joy" on some local tradition inthe Tyrol. He offered this to a magazine, whose editor, a lady, wasan occasional frequenter of Mrs. Brownlow's evenings. The next timeshe came, she showed herself so much interested in the legend thatAllen said he should like to show her another story, which he hadwritten for the same domestic periodical. 

"Would it serve for our Christmas number?"

"I will have it copied out and send it for you to look at, " saidAllen. 

"If it is at hand, I had better cast my eye over it, to judge whetherit be worth while to copy it. I shall set forth on my holidayjourney the day after to-morrow, and I should like to have my mind atrest about my Christmas number. "

So she carried off with her the Algerine number of the "Joy, " and ina couple of days returned it with a hasty note—-

"A capital little story, just young and sentimental enough to make ittaking, and not overdone. Please let me have it, with a few verbalcorrections, ready for the press when I come home at the end ofSeptember. It will bring you in about £15. "

Allen was modestly elated, and only wished he had gone to one of theperiodicals more widely circulated. It was plain that literature washis vocation, and he was going to write a novel to be published in aserial, the instalments paying his expenses for the trial. The onlydoubt was what it should be about, whether a sporting tale of modernlife, or a historical story in which his familiarity with Italian artand scenery would be available. Jock advised the former, Armineinclined to the latter, for each had tried his hand in his ownparticular line in the "Traveller's Joy, " and wanted to see his germdeveloped. 

To write in the heat and glare of London was, however, manifestlyimpossible in Allen's eyes, and he must recruit himself by a yachtingexpedition to which an old acquaintance had invited him halfcompassionately. Jock shrugged his shoulders on hearing of it, andobserved that a tuft always expected to be paid in service, if in noother way, and he doubted Allen's liking it, but that was his affair. Jock himself with his usual facility of making friends, had picked upa big north-country student, twice as large as himself, with whom hemeant to walk through the scenery of Derbyshire and Yorkshire, as faras the modest sum they allowed themselves would permit, after whichhe was to make a brief stay in his friend's paternal Cumberland farm. He had succeeded in gaining a scholarship at the Medical School ofhis father's former hospital, and this, with the remains of the priceof his commission, still made him the rich man of the family. Johnwas of course going home, and Mrs. Brownlow and the two younger oneshad a warm invitation from their friends at Fordham. 

"I should like Armie to go, " said the mother in conference withBabie, her cabinet councillor. 

"O yes, Armie must go, " said Babie, "but—-"

"Then it will not disappoint you to stay at home, my dear?"

"I had much rather not go, if Sydney will not mind very much. "

"Well, Babie, I had resolved to stay here this summer, and I thoughtyou would not wish to go without me. "

"O no, no, NO, NO, mother, " and her face and neck burnt with blushes. 

"Then my Infanta and I will be thoroughly cosy together, and get somesurprises ready for the others. "

"Hurrah! We'll do the painting of the doors. What fun it will be tosee London empty. "

The male population were horribly scandalised at the decision. Jockand Armine wanted to give up their journey, and John implored hisaunt to come to Kencroft; but she only promised to send Babie thereif she saw signs of flagging, and the Infanta laughed at the notion, and said she had had an overdose of country enough to last her foryears. Allen said ladies overdid everything, and that Mother Careycould not help being one of the sex, and then he asked her for £10, and said Babie would have plenty of time to copy out "The SingleEye. " She pouted "I thought you were going to put the finishingtouches. "

"I've marked them for you. Why, Barbara, I am surprised, " he addedin an elder brotherly tone; "you ought to be thankful to be able tobe useful. "

"Useful! I've lots of things to do! And you?"

"As if I could lug that great MS. Of yours about with me on boardApthorpe's yacht. "

"Never mind, Allen, " said his mother, who had not been intended tohear all this. "I will do it for you; but Miss Editor must not laughat my peaked governessy hand. "

"I did not mean that, mother, only Babie ought not to bedisobliging. "

"Babie has a good deal to do. She has an essay to write for herprofessor, you know, and her hands are pretty full. "

Babie too said, "Mother, I never meant you to undertake it. Pleaselet me have it now. Only Allen will never do anything for himselfthat he can get any one else to do. "

"He could not well do it on board the yacht, my dear. And I don'twant you to have so much writing on your hands. '

"And so you punish me, " sighed Barbara, more annoyed than penitent. 

However, nothing could be more snug and merry than the mother anddaughter when left together, for they were like two sisters andsuited one another perfectly. Babie was disappointed that Londonwould not look emptier even in the fashionable squares, which sheinsisted on exploring in search of solitude. They made little gayoutings in a joyous spirit of adventure, getting up early and goingby train to some little station, with an adjacent expanse of wood orheather, whence they came home with their luncheon basket full offlowers, wherewith to gladden Mrs. Lucas's eyes, and those of MotherCarey's district. They prepared their surprises too. Severalhopelessly dingy panels were painted black and adorned with statelylilies and irises, with proud reed-maces, and twining honeysuckle, and bryony, fluttered over by dragon-flies and butterflies, from thebrush of mother and daughter. The stores from Belforest furthersupplied hangings for brackets, and coverings for cushions, under thedainty fingers of the Infanta, who had far more of the householdfairy about her than had her mother, perhaps from having grown up ina home instead of a school, and besides, from being bent on havingthe old house a delightsome place. 

Indeed her mother was really happier than for many years, for thesense of failing in her husband's charge had left her since she hadseen Jock by his own free will on the road to the quest, and likelyalso to fulfil the moral, as well as the scientific, conditionsattached to it. She did feel as if her dream was being realised andthe golden statues becoming warmed into life, and though her heartached for Janet, she still hoped for her. So, with a mother'sunfailing faith, she believed in Allen's dawning future even whileanother sense within her marvelled, as she copied, at the acceptanceof "The Single Eye. " But then, was it not well-known that lovingeyes see the most faults, and was not an editor the best judge ofpopularity?

She had her scheme too. She had taken lessons some years ago at Romein her old art of modelling, and knew her eye and taste had improvedin the galleries. She had once or twice amused the household byfigures executed by her dexterous fingers in pastry or in butter; andin the empty house, in her old studio, amid remnants of Bobus'smuseum, she set to work on a design that had long been in her mindasking her to bring it into being. 

Thus the tete-a-tete was so successful that people's pity was highlydiverting, and the vacation was almost too brief, though when theyoung men began to return, it was a wonder how existence could havebeen so agreeable without them. 

Jock was first, having come home ten days sooner than his friendswere willing to part with him, determined if he found his ladieslooking pale to drag them out of town, if only to Ramsgate. 

They met him in a glow of animation, and Babie hardly gave him timeto lay down his basket of ferns from the dale, and flowers from thegarden, before she threw open the folding doors to the back drawing-room. 

"Why, mother, who sent you that group? Why do you laugh? DidGrinstead lend it to Babie to copy? Young Astyanax, isn't it? And, I say! Andromache is just like Jessie. I say! Mother Carey didn'tdo it. Well! She is an astonishing little mother and no mistake. The moulding of it! Our anatomical professor might lecture onHector's arm. "

"Ah! I, haven't been a surgeon's wife for nothing. Your father putme through a course of arms and legs. "

"And we borrowed a baby, " said Babie. "Mrs. Jones, our old groom'swife, who lives in the Mews, was only too happy to bring it, and whenit was shy, it clung beautifully. "

"Then the helmet. "

"That was out of the British Museum. "

"Has Grinstead seen it?"

"No, I kept it for my own public first. "

"What will you do with it? Put it into the Royal Academy?"

"No, it is not big enough. I thought of offering it to the Worksthat used to take my things in the old Folly days. They might do itin terra cotta, or Parian. "

"Too good for a toy material like that, " said Jock. "Get some goodopinion before you part with it, mother. I wish we could keep it. I'm proud of my Mother Carey. "

Allen, who came home next, only sighed at the cruel necessity ofselling such a work. He was in deplorable spirits, for Gilbert Gouldwas superintending the refitting of a beautiful steam yacht, in whichMiss Menella meant to sail to the West Indies, with her uncle andaunt. 

"I knew she would! I knew she would, " softly said Babie. 

That did not console Allen, and his silence and cynicism about hishosts gave the impression that he had outstayed his welcome, since hehad neither wealth, nor the social brilliance or subservience thatmight have supplied its place. He had scarcely energy to thank hismother for her faultless transcription of "The Single Eye, " and onlyjust exerted himself to direct the neat roll of MS. To the Editor. 

The next day a note came for him. 

"Mother what _have_ you done?" he exclaimed. "What _did_ you send tothe 'Weathercock'?"

"'The Single Eye. ' What? Not rejected?"

"See there!"

"DEAR MR. BROWNLOW, -—I am afraid there has been some mistake. Thestory I wished for is not this one, but another in the same MS. Magazine; a charming little history of a boy's capture by, and escapefrom, the Moorish corsairs. Can you let me have it by Tuesday? I amvery sorry to have given so much trouble, but 'The Single Eye' willnot suit my purpose at all. "

"What does she mean?" demanded Allen. 

"I see! It is a story of the children's! 'Marco's Felucca. ' I lookedat it while I was copying, and thought how pretty it was. And now Iremember there were some pencil-marks!"

"Well, it will please the children, " graciously said Allen. "I amnot sorry; I did not wish to make my debut in a second-rate seriallike that, and now I am quit of it. She is quite right. It is nother style of thing. "

But Allen did not remember that he had spent the £15 beforehand, soas to make it £25, and this made it fortunate that his mother's grouphad been purchased by the porcelain works, and another pair ordered. 

Thus she could freely leave their gains to Armine and Babie, for thelatter declared the sum was alike due to both, since if she had thereadiest wit, her brother had the most discrimination, and the bestchoice of language. The story was only signed A. B. , and theirmother made a point of the authorship being kept a secret; but littlenotices of the story in the papers highly gratified the youngauthors. 

Armine, who had returned from a round of visits to St. Cradocke's, Fordham, Kenminster, and Woodside, confirmed the report of Elvira'sintended voyage; but till the yacht was ready, the party had goneabroad, leaving the management of the farm, and agency of the estate, to a very worthy man named Whiteside, who had long been a suitor toMary Gould, and whom she was at last allowed to marry. He had atonce made the Kencroft party free of the park and gardens, and indeedJohn and Armine came laden with gifts in poultry, fruit, and flowersfrom the dependants on the estate to Mrs. Brownlow. 

Armine really looked quite healthy, nothing remaining of his formerethereal air, but a certain expansiveness of brow and dreaminess ofeye. 

He greatly scrupled at halving the £15 when it was paid, but Barbarainsisted that he must take his share, and he then said—-

"After all it does not signify, for we can do things together withit, as we have always done. "

"What things?"

"Well, I am afraid I do want a few books. "

"So do I, terribly. "

"And there are some Christmas gifts I want to send to Woodside. "

"Woodside! oh!"

"And wouldn't it be pleasant to put the choir at the iron Church intosurplices and cassocks for Christmas?"

"Oh, Armie, I do think we might have a little fun out of our ownmoney. "

"What fun do you mean?" said Armine. 

"I want to subscribe to Rolandi's, and to take in the 'Contemporary, 'and to have one real good Christmas party with tableaux vivants, andcharades. Mother says we can't make it a mere surprise party, forpeople must have real food, and I think it would be more pleasure toall of us than presents and knicknacks. "

"Of course you can do it, " said Armine, rather disappointed. "And ifwe had in Percy Stagg, and the pupil teachers, and the missionpeople—-"

"It would be awfully edifying and good-booky! Oh yes, to be sure, nearly as good as hiding your little sooty shoe-blacks in surplices!But, my dear Armie, I am so tired of edifying! Why should I neverhave any fun? Come, don't look so dismal. I'll spare five shillingsfor a gown for old Betty Grey, and if there's anything left out afterthe party, you shall have it for the surplices, and you'll be RolandGraeme in my tableau?"

The next day Mother Carey found Armine with an elbow on each side ofhis book and his hands in his hair, looking so dreamily mournful thatshe apprehended a fresh attack of Petronella, but made her approacheswarily. 

"What have you there?" she asked. 

"Dean Church's lectures, " he said. 

"Ah! I want to make time to read them! But why have they sent youinto doleful dumps?"

"Not they, " said Armine; "but I wanted to read Babie a passage justnow, and she said she had no notion of making Sundays of week days, and ran away. It is not only that, mother, but what is the matterwith Babie? She is quite different. "

"Have you only just seen it?"

"No, I have felt something indefinable between us, though I nevercould bear to speak of it, ever since Bobus went. Do you think hedid her any harm?"

"A little, but not much. Shall I tell you the truth, Armine; can youbear it?"

"What! did I disgust her when I was so selfish and discontented?"

"Not so much you, my boy, as the overdoing at Woodside! I canventure to speak of it now, for I fancy you have got over thetrance. "

"Well, mother, " said Armine, smiling back to her in spite of himself, "I have not liked to say so, it seemed a shame; but staying at theVicarage made me wonder at my being such an egregious ass last year!Do you know, I couldn't help it; but that good lady would seem to mequite mawkish in her flattery! And how she does domineer over thatpoor brother of hers! Then the fuss she makes about details, neverseeming to know which are accessories and which are principles. Idon't wonder that I was an absurdity in the eyes of all beholders. But it is very sad if it has really alienated my dear Infanta fromall deeper and higher things!"

"Not so bad as that, my dear; my Babie is a good little girl. "

"Oh yes, mother, I did not mean-—"

"But it did break that unity between you, and prevent your leadingher insensibly. I fancy your two characters would have grown apartanyhow, but this was the moving cause. Now I fancy, so far as I cansee, that she is more afraid of being wearied and restrained than ofanything else. It is just what I felt for many years of my life. "

"No, mother?"

"Yes, my boy; till the time of your illness, serious thought, religion and all the rest, seemed to me a tedious tax; and though Ialways, I believe, made it a rule to my conscience in practicalmatters, it has only very, very lately been anything like the realjoy I believe it has always been to you. Believe that, and bepatient with your little sister, for indeed she is an unselfish, true, faithful little being, and some day she will go deeper. "

Armine looked up to his mother, and his eyes were full of tears, asshe kissed him, and said—-

"You will do her much more good if you sympathise with her in herinnocent pleasures than if you insist on dragging her into what shefeels like privations. "

"Very well, mother, " he said. "It is due to her. "

And so, though the choir did have at least half Armine's share of theprice of "Marco's Felucca, " he threw himself most heartily into theChristmas party, was the poet of the versified charade, acted thestrong-minded woman who was the chief character in "Blue Bell;" andhe and Jock gained universal applause. 

Allen hardly appeared at the party. He had a fresh attack ofsleepless headache and palpitation, brought on by the departure ofMiss Menella for the Continent, and perhaps by the failure of "ASingle Eye" with some of the magazines. He dabbled a little with hismother's clay, and produced a nymph, who, as he persuaded her andhimself, was a much nobler performance than Andromache, butunfortunately she did not prove equally marketable. And he said itwas quite plain that he could not succeed in anything imaginativetill his health and spirits had recovered from the blow; but he wasready to do anything. 

So Dr. Medlicott brought in one day a medical lecture that he wantedto have translated from the German, and told Allen that it would bewell paid for. He began, but it made his head ache; it was not asubject that he could well turn over to Babie; and when Jock broughta message to say the translation must be ready the next day, only aquarter had been attempted. Jock sat up till three o'clock in themorning and finished it, but he could not pain his mother by lettingher know that her son had again failed, so Allen had the money, andreally believed, as he said, that all Jock had done was to put theextreme end to it, and correct the medical lingo of which he couldnot be expected to know anything. Allen was always so gentle, courteous, and melancholy, that every one was getting out of thehabit of expecting him to do anything but bring home news, discoveranything worth going to see, sit at the foot of the table, and givehis verdict on the cookery. Babie indeed was sometimes provoked intosnapping at him, but he bore it with the amiable magnanimity of onewho could forgive a petulant child, ignorant of what he suffered. 

Jock was borne up by a great pleasure that winter. One day atdinner, his mother watched his eyes dancing, and heard the old boyishring of mirth in his laugh, and as she went up stairs at night, hecame after and said—-

"Fancy, I met Evelyn on the ice to-day. He wants to know if he maycall. "

"What prevents him?"

"Well, I believe the poor old chap is heartily ashamed of his airs. Indeed he as good as said so. He has been longing to make a freshstart, only he didn't know how. "

"I think he used you very ill, Jock; but if you wish to be on the oldterms, I will do as you like. "

"Well, " said Jock, in an odd apologetic voice, "you see the oldbeggar had got into a pig-headed sort of pet last year. He said hewould cut me if I left the service, and so he felt bound to be asgood as his word; but he seems to have felt lost without us, and tohave been looking out for a chance of meeting. He was horriblyhumiliated by the Friar looking over his head last week. "

"Very well. If he chooses to call, here we are. "

"Yes, and don't put on your cold shell, mother mine. After all, Evelyn is Evelyn. There are wiser fellows, but I shall never warm toany one again like him. Why, he was the first fellow who came intomy room at Eton! I am to meet him to-morrow after the lecture. MayI bring him home?"

"If he likes. His mother's son must have a welcome. "

She could not feel cordial, and she so much expected that the younggentleman might be seized with a fresh fit of exclusive disdain, thatshe would not mention the possibility, and it was an amazement to allsave herself when Jock appeared with the familiar figure in his wake. Guardsman as he was, Cecil had the grace to look bashful, not to sayshamefaced, and more so at Mrs. Brownlow's kindly reception, than atBarbara's freezing dignity. The young lady was hotly resentful onJock's behalf, and showed it by a stiff courtesy, elevated eyebrows, and the merest tips of her fingers. 

Allen took it easily. He had been too much occupied with his owntroubles to have entered into all the complications with the Evelynfamily; and though he had never greatly cared for them, and hadviewed Cecil chiefly as an obnoxious boy, he was, in his mournfulway, gratified by any reminder of his former surroundings. Sowithout malice prepense he stung poor Cecil by observing that it waslong since they had met; but no one could be expected to find the wayto the other end of nowhere. Cecil blushed and stammered somethingabout Hounslow, but Allen, who prided himself on being theconversational man of the world, carried off the talk into safechannels. 

As Cecil was handing Mrs. Brownlow down to the dining-room, wickedBarbara whispered to her cousin John—-

"We've such a nice vulgar dinner. It couldn't have been better ifI'd known it!"

John, whose wrath had evaporated in his "cut, " shook his head at her, but partook of her diversion at her brother's resignation at sight ofa large dish of boiled beef, with a suet pudding opposite to it, Allen was too well bred to apologise, but he carved in the dainty anddelicate style befitting the single slice of meat interspersedbetween countless entrees. 

Barbara began to relent as soon as Cecil, after making four mouthfulsof Allen's help, sent his plate with a request for something moresubstantial. And before the meal was over, his evident sense ofbien-etre and happiness had won back her kindness; she rememberedthat he was Sydney's brother, and took no more trouble to show herindignation. 

Thenceforth, Cecil was as much as ever Jock's friend, and afrequenter of the family, finding that the loss of their wealth andplace in the great world made wonderfully little difference to them, and rather enhanced the pleasant freedom and life of their house. The rest of the family were seen once or twice, when passing throughLondon, but only in calls, which, as Babie said, were as good asnothing, except, as she forgot to add, that they broke through theconstraint on her correspondence with Sydney. 

CHAPTER XXXV. THE PHANTOM BLACKCOCK OF KILNAUGHT. 

And we alike must shun regard>From painter, player, sportsman, bard, Wasp, blue-bottle, or butterfly, Insects that swim in fashion's sky. Scott. 

"At home? Then take these. There's a lot more. I'll run up, " saidCecil Evelyn one October evening nearly two years later, as he thrustinto the arms of the parlour-maid a whole bouquet of game, while hisservant extracted a hamper from his cab, and he himself dashed upstairs with a great basket of hot-house flowers. 

But in the drawing-room he stood aghast, glancing round in thefirelit dusk to ascertain that he had not mistaken the number, forthough the maid at the door had a well-known face, and though tables, chairs, and pictures were familiar, the two occupants of the roomwere utter strangers, and at least as much startled as himself. 

A little pale child was hurriedly put down from the lap of a tallmaiden who rose from a low chair by the fire, and stood uncertain. 

"I beg your pardon, " he said; "I came to see Mrs. Brownlow. "

"My aunt. She will be here in a moment. Will you run and call her, Lina?"

"You may tell her Cecil Evelyn is here, " said he; "but there is nohurry, " he added, seeing that the child clung to her protector, tooshy even to move. "You are John Brownlow's little sister, eh?" headded, bending towards her; but as she crept round in terror, stillclinging, he addressed the elder one: "I am so glad; I thought I hadrushed into a strange house, and should have to beat a retreat. "

The young lady gave a little shy laugh which made her sweet ovalglowing face and soft brown eyes light up charmingly, and there was afresh graceful roundness of outline about her tall slender figure, asshe stood holding the shy child, which made her a wondrously pleasantsight. "Are you staying here?" he asked. 

"Yes; we came for advice for my little sister, who is not strong. "

"I'm so glad. I mean I hope there is only enough amiss to make youstay a long time. Were you ever in town before?"

"Only for a few hours on our way to school. "

Here a voice reached them—-

 "Fee, fa, fum, I smell the breath of geranium. "

And through the back drawing-room door came Babie, in walking attire, declaiming—-

 "'Tis Cecil, by the jingling steel, 'Tis Cecil, by the pawing bay, 'Tis Cecil, by the tall two-wheel, 'Tis Cecil, by the fragrant spray. "

"O Cecil, how lovely! Oh, the maiden-hair. You've been makingacquaintance with Essie and Lina?"

"I did not know you were out, Babie, " said Essie. "Was my aunt withyou?"

"Yes. We just ran over to see Mrs. Lucas, and as we were cominghome, a poor woman besought us to buy two toasting-forks and a mouse-trap, by way of ornament to brandish in the streets. She looked sofrightfully wretched, that mother let her follow, and is having itout with her at the door. So you are from Fordham, Cecil; I see andI smell. How are they?"

"Duke is rather brisk. I actually got him out shooting yesterday, but he didn't half like it, and was thankful when I let him go homeagain. See, Sydney said I was to tell you that passion-flower camefrom the plant she brought from Algiers. "

"The beauty! It must go into Mrs. Evelyn's Venice glass, " saidBabie, bustling about to collect her vases. 

Lina, with a cry of delight, clutched at a spray of butterfly-likemauve and white orchids, in spite of her sister's gentle "No, no, Lina, you must not touch. "

Babie offered some China asters in its stead, Cecil muttered "Let herhave it;" but Esther was firm in making her relinquish it, and whenshe began to cry, led her away with pretty tender gestures of mingledcomfort and reproof. 

"Poor little thing, " said Babie, "she is sadly fretful. Nobody butEssie can manage her. "

"I should think not!" said Cecil, looking after the vision, as if hedid not know what he was saying. "You never told me you had any onelike _that_ in the family?"

"O yes; there are two of them, as much alike as two peas. "

"What! the Monk's sisters?"

"To be sure. They are a comely family; all but poor little Lina. "

"Will they be long here ?"

"That depends. That poor little mite is the youngest but one, andthe nurse likes boys best. So she peaked and pined, and was bulliedby Edmund above and Harry below, and was always in trouble. Nobodybut Johnny and Essie ever had a good word for her. This autumn itcame to a crisis. You know we had a great meeting of the twofamilies at Walmer, and there, the shock of bathing nearly took outof her all the little life there was. I believe she would have goneinto fits if mother had not heard her screams, and dashed on thenurse like a vindictive mermaid, and then made uncle Robert believeher. My aunt trusts the nurse, you must know, and lets her riderough-shod over every one in the nursery. The poor little thing wasalways whining and fretting whenever she was not in Essie's arms orthe Monk's, till the Monk declared she had a spine, and he and mothergave uncle and aunt no peace till they brought her here for advice, and sure enough her poor little spine is all wrong, and will never begood for anything without a regular course of watching and treatment. So we have her here with Essie to look after her for as long as SirEdward Fane wants to keep her under him, and you can't think what anice little mortal she turns out to be now she is rescued from nurseand those little ruffians of brothers. "

"That's first-rate, " remarked Cecil. 

"The eucharis and maiden-hair, is it not? I must keep some spraysfor our hairs to-night. "

"Is any one coming to-night?"

"The promiscuous herd. Oh, didn't you know? Our Johns told motherit would be no end of kindness to let them bring in a sprinkling oftheir fellow-students-—poor lads that live poked up in lodgings, andnever see a lady or any civilisation all through the term. So shetook to having them on Thursday once a fortnight, and Dr. Medlicottwas perfectly delighted, and said she could not do a better work; andit is such fun! We don't have them unmitigated, we get other peopleto enliven them. The Actons are coming, and I hope Mr. Esdale iscoming to-night to show us his photographs of the lost cities inCentral America. You'll stay, won't you?"

"If Mrs. Brownlow will let me. I hope your toasting-fork woman hasnot spirited her away?"

"Under the eyes of your horse and man. "

"Are you all at home? And has Allen finished his novel?"

Babie laughed, and said—-

"Poor Ali! You see there comes a fresh blight whenever it begins tobud. "

"What has that wretched girl been doing now?"

"Oh, don't you know? The yacht had to be overhauled, so they went toFlorence instead, and have been wandering about in all the resorts ofrather shady people, where Lisette can cut a figure. Mr. Wakefieldis terribly afraid that even poor Mr. Gould himself is taking togambling for want of something to do. There are always reportscoming of Elfie taking up with some count or baron. It was a Russianprince last time, and then Ali goes down into the very lowest depths, and can't do anything but smoke. You know that's good for blightedbeings. I cure my plants by putting them into his roomsurreptitiously. "

"You are a hard-hearted little mortal, Babie. Ah, there's the bell!"

Mrs. Brownlow came in with the two Johns, who had joined her just asshe had finished talking to the poor woman; Jock carried off hisfriend to dress, and Babie, after finishing her arrangements andmaking the most of every fragment of flower or leaf, repaired with aselection of delicate sprays, to the room where Esther, having puther little sister to bed, was dressing for dinner. She was eager totell of her alarm at the invasion, and of Captain Evelyn's goodnature when she had expected him to be proud and disagreeable. 

"He wanted to be, " said Babie, "but honest nature was too strong forhim. "

"Johnny was so angry at the way he treated Jock. "

"O, we quite forget all that. Poor fellow! it was a mistaken readingof noblesse oblige, and he is very much ashamed of it. There, let meput this fern and fuchsia into your hair. I'll try to do it as wellas Ellie would. "

She did so, and better, being more dainty-fingered, and having moretaste. It really was an artistic pleasure to deal with suchbeautiful hair, and such a lovely lay figure as Esther's. With allher queenly beauty and grace, the girl had that simplicity andsedateness which often goes with regularity of feature, and washardly conscious of the admiration she excited. Her good looks werethose of the family, and Kenminster was used to them. This was herfirst evening of company, for on the only previous occasion herlittle sister had been unwell, sleepless and miserable in the strangehouse, and she had begged off. She was very shy now, and could notgo down without Barbara's protection, so, at the last moment beforedinner, the little brown fairy led in the tall, stately maiden, allin white, with the bright fuchsias and delicate fern in her darkhair, and a creamy rose, set off by a few more in her bosom. 

Babie exulted in her work, and as her mother beheld Cecil's rapturedglance and the incarnadine glow it called up, she guessed all thatwould follow in one rapid prevision, accompanied by a sharp pang forher son in Japan. It was not in her maternal heart not to hopealmost against her will that some fibre had been touched by Bobusthat would be irresponsive to others, but duty and loyalty alikeforbade the slightest attempt to revive the thought of the poorabsentee, and she must steel herself to see things take their course, and own it for the best. 

Esther was a silent damsel. The clash of keen wits and exchange offamily repartee were quite beyond her. She had often wonderedwhether her cousins were quarrelling, and had been only reassured byseeing them so merry and friendly, and her own brother bearing hispart as naturally as the rest. She was more scandalised than everto-day, for it absolutely seemed to her that they were all treatingCaptain Evelyn, long moustache and all, like a mere family butt, certainly worse than they would have treated one of her own brothers, for Rob would have sulked, and Joe, or any of the younger ones, mighthave been dangerous, whereas this distinguished-looking personagebore all as angelically as befitted one called by such a charmingappellation as the Honourable Cecil Evelyn. 

"How about the shooting, Cecil? Sydney said you had not very goodsport. "

"Why-—no, not till I joined Rainsforth's party. "

"Where was your moor?"

"In Lanarkshire, " rather unwillingly. 

"Eh, " said Allen, in a peculiar soft languid tone, that meantdiversion. "Near L—--?"

"Yes. "

Then Jock burst out into laughter inexplicable at first, but Allenmade his voice gentler and graver, as he said, "You don't meanKilnaught?" and then he too joined Jock in laughter, as the lattercried—-

"Another victim to McNab of Kilnaught! He certainly is the canniestof Scots. "

"He revenges the wrongs of Scotland on innocent young Guardsmen. "

"Well, I'm sure there could not be a more promising advertisement. "

"That's just it!" said Jock. "Moor and moss. How many acres ofheather?"

"How was I to expect a man of family to be a regular swindler?"

"Hush! hush, my dear fellow! Roderick Dhu was a man of family. Itis the modern form. "

"But I saw his keeper. "

"Oh!" cried Allen. "I know! Old Rory! Tells you a long story inbroad Scotch, of which you understand one word here and there abouthis Grace the Deuke, and how many miles—-miles Scots—-he walked. "

"I can see Evelyn listening, and saying 'yes, ' at polite intervals!"

"How many birds did you actually see?"

"Well, I killed two brace and a half the first day. "

"Hatched under a hen, and let out for a foretaste. "

"And there was one old blackcock. "

"That blackcock! There are serious doubts whether it is a phantombird, or whether Rory keeps it tame as a decoy. You didn't kill it?"

"No. "

"If you had, you might have boasted of an achievement, " said Allen. 

"The spell would have been destroyed, " added Jock. "But you did notlet him finish. Did you say you saw the blackcock?"

"I am not sure; I think I heard it rise once, but the keeper wasalways seeing it. "

Everybody but Essie was in fits of laughing at Cecil's frank air ofgood-humoured, self-defensive simplicity, and Armine observed--

"There's a fine subject for a ballad for the 'Traveller's Joy, 'Babie. 'The Phantom Blackcock of Kilnaught!'"

Babie extemporised at once, amid great applause—-

 "The hills are high, the laird's purse dry, Come out in the morning early; McNabs are keen, the Guards are green, The blackcock's tail is curly. 

 "The Southron's spoil 'tis worthy toil, Come out in the morning early; Come take my house and kill my grouse, The blackcock's tail is curly. 

 "Come out, come out, quoth Rory stout, Come out in the morning early, Sir Captain mark, he rises! hark, The blackcock's tail is curly. "

"Repetition, Babie, " said her mother; "too like the Montjoie S. Denispoem. "

"It saves so much trouble, mother. "

"And a recall to the freshness and innocence of childhood is sopleasing, " added Jock. 

"How much did the man of family let his moor for?" asked Allen. 

There Cecil saw the pitiful and indignant face opposite to him, wouldhave sulked, and began looking at her for sympathy, exclaiming atlast—-

"Haven't you a word to say for me, Miss Brownlow?"

"I don't like it at all. I don't think it is fair, " broke fromEssie, as she coloured crimson at the laugh. 

"He likes it, my dear, " said Babie. 

"It is a gentle titillation, " said Allen. 

"He can't get on without it, " said the Friar. 

"And comes for it like the cattle to the scrubbing-stones, " said theSkipjack. 

"Yes, " said Armine; "but he tries to get pitied, like Chico walkingon three legs when some one is looking at him. "

"You deal in most elegant comparisons, " said the mother. 

"Only to get him a little more pitied, " said Jock. "He is asgrateful as possible for being made so interesting. "

"Hark, there's a knock!" cried Allen. "Can't you instruct your cubsnot to punish the door so severely, Jock? I believe they think thatthe more row they make, the more they proclaim their nobility!"

"The obvious derivation of the word stunning, " said Mother Carey, asshe rose to meet her guests in the drawing-room, and Cecil to holdthe door for her. 

"Stay, Evelyn, " said Allen. "This is the night when unlicked cubs dodisport themselves in our precincts. A mistaken sense ofphilanthropy has led my mother to make this house the fortnightlysalon bleu of St. Thomas's. But there's a pipe at your service in myroom. "

"Dr. Medlicott is coming, " said Babie, who had tarried behind theJohns, "and perhaps Mr. Grinstead, and we are sure to have Mr. Esdale's photographs. It is never all students, medical orotherwise. Much better than Allen's smoke, Cecil. "

"I am coming of course, " he said. "I was only waiting for theInfanta. "

It may be doubted whether the photographs, Dr. Medlicott, or evenJock were the attraction. He was much more fond of using hisprivilege of dropping in when the family were alone, than of findinghimself in the midst of what an American guest had called Mrs. Brownlow's surprise parties. They were on regular evenings, but noone knew who was coming, from scientific peers to daily governesses, from royal academicians to medical students, from a philanthropiccountess to a city missionary. To listen to an exposition of themicrophone, to share in a Shakespeare reading, or worse still, in apaper game, was, in the Captain's eyes, such a bore that he generallyhad only haunted Collingwood Street on home days and on Sundays, when, for his mother's sake and his own, an exception was made in hisfavour. 

He followed Babie with unusual alacrity, and found Mrs. Brownlowshaking hands with a youth whom Jock upheld as a genius, but wholaboured under the double misfortune of always coming too soon, andnever knowing what to do with his arms and legs. He at onceperceived Captain Evelyn to be an "awful swell, " and became treblywretched—-in contrast to Jock's open-hearted, genial young dalesman, who stood towering over every one with his broad shoulders and heartyface, perfectly at his ease (as he would have been in BuckinghamPalace), and only wondering a little that Brownlow could stand anempty-headed military fop like that; while Cecil himself, aftergazing about vaguely, muttered to Babie something about her cousin. 

"She is gone to see whether Lina is asleep, and will be too shy tocome down again if I don't drag her. "

So away flew Babie, and more eyes than Cecil Evelyn's were struckwhen in ten minutes' time she again led in her cousin. 

Mr. Acton, who was talking to Mrs. Brownlow, said in an undertone—-

"Your model? Another niece?"

"Yes; you remember Jessie?"

"This is a more ideal face. "

It was true. Esther had lived much less than her elder sister in theCoffinkey atmosphere, and there was nothing to mar the peculiardignified innocence and perfect unconsciousness of her sweet maidenlybloom. She never guessed that every man, and every woman too, wasadmiring her, except the strong-minded one who saw in her the trueinane Raffaelesque Madonna on whom George Eliot is so severe. 

Nor did the lady alter her opinion when, at the end of a very curiousspeculation about primeval American civilisation, Captain Evelyn andMiss Brownlow were discovered studying family photographs in acorner, apparently much more interested whether a hideous half-fadedbrown shadow had resembled John at fourteen, than to what century andwhat nation those odd curly-whirleys on stone belonged, and what theywere meant to express. 

Babie was scandalised. 

"You didn't listen! It was most wonderful! Why Armie went down andfetched up Allen to hear about those wonderful walled towns!"

"I don't go in for improving my mind, " said Cecil. 

"Then you should not hinder Essie from improving hers! Think ofletting her go home having seen nothing but all the repeatedphotographs of her brothers and sisters!"

"Well, what should she like to see?" cried Cecil. "I'm good foranything you want to go to before the others are free. "

"The Ethiopian serenaders, or, may be, Punch, " said Jock. "MadameTussaud would be too intellectual. "

"When Lina is strong enough she is to see Madame Tussaud, " said Essiegravely. "Georgie once went, and she has wished for it ever since. "

"Oh, we'll get up Madame Tussaud for her at home, free gratis, fornothing at all!" cried Armine, whose hard work inspirited him to funand frolic. 

So in the twilight hour two days later there was a grand exhibitionof human waxworks, in which Babie explained tableaux represented bythe two Johns, Armine, and Cecil, supposed to be adapted to Lina'scapacity. With the timid child it was not a success, the disguisesfrightened her, and gave her an uncanny feeling that her friends weretransformed; she sat most of the time on her aunt's lap, with herface hidden, and barely hindered from crying by the false assurancethat it was all for her pleasure. 

But there was no doubt that Esther was a pleased spectator of theshow, and her gratitude far more than sufficient to cover the littleone's ingratitude. 

Those two drifted together. In every gathering, when strangers haddeparted they were found tete-a-tete. Cecil's horses knew the way toCollingwood Street better than anywhere else, and he took toappearing there at times when he was fully aware Jock would be at thenight-school or Mutual Improvement Society. 

Though strongly wishing, on poor Bobus's account, that it should notgo much farther under her own auspices; day after day it was moreborne in upon Mrs. Brownlow that her house held an irresistibleattraction to the young officer, and she wondered over her duty tothe parents who had trusted her. Acting on impulse at last, she tookcouncil with John, securing him as her companion in the gaslit walkfrom a concert. 

"Do you see what is going on there?" she asked, indicating the pairbefore them. 

"What do you mean? Oh, I never thought of that!"

"I don't think! I have seen. Ever since the night of the PhantomBlackcock of Kilnaught. He did his work on Essie. "

"Essie rather thinks he is after the Infanta. "

"It looks like it! What could have put it into her head? It didnot originate there!"

"Something my mother said about Babie being a viscountess. "

"You know better, Friar!"

"I thought so; but I only told her it was no such thing, and Ibelieve the child thought I meant to rebuke her for mentioning suchfrivolities, for she turned scarlet and held her peace. "

"Perhaps the delusion has kept her unconscious, and made her thesweeter. But the question is, whether this ought to go on withoutletting your people know?"

"I suppose they would have no objection?" said John. "There's noharm in Evelyn, and he shows his sense by running after Jock. Hehasn't got the family health either. I'd rather have him than an oldstick like Jessie's General. "

"Yes, if all were settled, I believe your mother would be very wellpleased. The question is, whether it is using her fairly not to lether know in the meantime?"

"Well, what is the code among you parents and guardians?"

"I don't know that there is any, but I think that though the crisismight be pleasing enough, yet if your mother found out what was goingon, she might be vexed at not having been informed. "

John considered a moment, and then proposed that if things looked"like it" at the end of the week, he should go down on Saturday andgive a hint of preparation to his father, letting him understand themerits of the case. However, in the existing state of affairs, aweek was a long time, and that very Sunday brought the crisis. 

The recollection of former London Sundays, of Mary Ogilvie's quietprotests, and of the effect on her two eldest children, hadstrengthened Mrs. Brownlow's resolution to make it impossible to fillthe afternoon with aimless visiting and gossiping; and plenty ofother occupations had sprung up. 

Thus on this particular afternoon she and Barbara were with theirGirls' Friendly Society Classes, of which Babie took the clever one, and she the stupid. Armine was reading with Percy Stagg, and a partyof School Board pupil-teachers, whom that youth had brought him, asvery anxious for the religious instruction they knew not how toobtain. Jock had taken the Friar's Bible Class of young men, andAllen had, as a great favour, undertaken to sit with Dr. And Mrs. Lucas till he could look in on them. So that Esther and Lina werethe sole occupants of the drawing-room when Captain Evelyn rang atthe door, knowing very well that he was only permitted up stairs anhour later in time for a cup of tea before evensong. He did lookinto Allen's sitting-room as a matter of form, but finding it empty, and hearing a buzz of voices elsewhere, he took licence to goupstairs, and there he found Esther telling her little sister suchhistories of Arundel Society engravings as she could comprehend. 

Lina sprang to him at once; Esther coloured, and began to account forthe rest of the family. "I hear, " said Cecil, as low tones camethrough the closed doors of the back drawing-room, "they work as hardhere as my sister does!"

"I think my aunt has almost done, " said Essie, with a shy doubtwhether she ought to stay. "Come, Lina, I must get you ready fortea. "

"No, no, " said Cecil, "don't go! You need not be as much afraid ofme as that first time I walked in, and thought I had got into astrange house. "

Essie laughed a little, and said, "A month ago! Sometimes it seems avery long time, and sometimes a very short one. "

"I hope it seems a very long time that you have known me. "

"Well, Johnny and all the rest had known you ever so long, " answeredshe, with a confusion of manner that expressed a good deal more thanthe words. "I really must go—-"

"Not till you have told me more than that, " cried Cecil, seizing hisopportunity with a sudden rush of audacity. "If you know me, canyou-—can you like me? Can't you? Oh, Essie, stay! Could you everlove me, you peerless, sweetest, loveliest—-"

By this time Mrs. Brownlow, who had heard Cecil's boots on thestairs, and particularly wished to stave matters off till after theFriar's mission, had made a hasty conclusion of her lesson, andletting her girls depart, opened the door. She saw at once that shewas too late; but there was no retreat, for Esther flew past her inshy terror, and Cecil advanced with the earnest, innocent entreaty, "Oh, Mrs. Brownlow, make her hear me! I must have it out, or I can'tbear it. "

"Oh, " said she, "it has come to this, has it?" speaking half-quaintly, half-sadly, and holding Lina kindly back. 

"I could not help it!" he went on. "She did look so lovely, and sheis so dear! Do get her down, that I may see her again. I shall nothave a happy moment till she answers me. "

"Are you sure you will have a happy moment then?"

"I don't know. That's the thing! Won't you help a fellow a bit, Mrs. Brownlow? I'm quite done for. There never was any one so nice, or so sweet, or so lovely, or so unlike all the horrid girls insociety! Oh, make her say a kind word to me!"

"I'll make her, " said little Lina, looking up from her aunt's side. "I like you very much, Captain Evelyn, and I'll run and make Essietell you she does. "

"Not quite so fast, my dear, " said her aunt, as both laughed, andCecil, solacing himself with a caress, and holding the little onevery close to him on his knee, where her intentions were deferred byhis watch and appendages. 

"I suppose you don't know what your mother would say?" began Mrs. Brownlow. 

"I have not told her, but you know yourself she would be all right. Now, aren't you sure, Mrs. Brownlow? She isn't up to any nonsense?"

"No, Cecil, I don't think she would oppose it. Indeed, my dear boy, I wish you happiness, but Esther is a shy, startled little being, andaway from her mother; and perhaps you will have to be patient. "

"But will you fetch her-—or at least speak to her?" said he, in atone not very like patience; and she had to yield, and be themessenger. 

She found Esther fluttering up and down her room like a newly-caughtbird. "Oh, Aunt Carey, I must go home! Please let me!" she said. 

"Nay, my dear, can't I help you for once?" and Esther sprang into herarms for comfort; but even then it was plain to a motherly eye thatthis was not the distress that poor Bobus had caused, but rather theagitation of a newly-awakened heart, terrified at its own sensations. "He wants you to come and hear him out, " she said, when she hadkissed and petted the girl into more composure. 

"Oh, must I? I don't want. Oh, if I could go home! They were soangry before. And I only said 'if, ' and never meant—-"

"That was the very thing, my dear, " said her aunt with a great throbof pain. "You were quite right not to encourage my poor Bobus; butthis is a very different case, and I am sure they would wish you toact according as you feel. "

Esther drew a great gasp; "You are sure they would not think mewrong?"

"Quite sure, " was the reply, in full security that her mother wouldbe rapturous at the nearly certain prospect of a coronet. "Indeed, my dear, no one can find any fault with you. You need not be afraid. He is good and worthy, and they will be glad if you wish it. "

Wish was far too strong a word for poor frightened Esther; she couldonly cling and quiver. 

"Shall I tell him to go and see them at Kencroft?"

"Oh, do, do, dear Aunt Carey! Please tell him to go to papa, and notwant to see me till—-"

"Very well, my dear child; that will be the best way. Now I willsend you up some tea, and then you shall put Lina to bed; and you andI will slip off quietly together, and go to St. Andrew's in peace, quite in a different direction from the others, before they set out. "

Meantime Cecil had been found by Babie tumbling about the music andnewspapers on the ottoman, and on her observation—-

"Too soon, sir! And pray what mischief still have your idle handsfound to do?"

"Don't!" he burst out; "I'm on the verge of distraction already!I can't bear it!"

"Is there anything the matter? You're not in a scrape? You don'twant Jock?" she said. 

"No, no—-only I've done it. Babie, I shall go mad, if I don't get ananswer soon. "

Babie was much too sharp not to see what he meant. She knew in akind of intuitive, undeveloped way how things stood with Bobus, andthis gave a certain seriousness to her manner of saying—-

"Essie?"

"Of course, the darling! If your mother would only come and tellme, -—but she was frightened, and won't say anything. If she won't, I'm the most miserable fellow in the world. "

"How stupid you must have been!" said Babie. "That comes of you, neither of you, ever reading. You couldn't have done it right, Cecil. "

"Do you really think so?" he asked, in such piteous, earnest tonesthat he touched her heart. 

"Dear Cecil, " she said, "it will be all right. I know Essie likesyou better than any one else. "

She had almost added "though she is an ungrateful little puss fordoing so, " but before the words had time to come out of her mouth, Cecil had flown at her in a transport, thrown his arms round her andkissed her, just as her mother opened the door, and uttered an oddincoherent cry of amazement. 

"Oh, Mother Carey, " cried Cecil, colouring all over, "I didn't knowwhat I was doing! She gave me hope!"

"I give you hope too, " said Caroline, "though I don't know how itmight have been if she had come down just now!"

"Don't!" entreated Cecil. "Babie is as good as my sister. Why, where is she?"

"Fled, and no wonder!"

"And won't she, Esther, come?"

"She is far too much frightened and overcome. She says you may go toher father, and I think that is all you can expect her to say. "

"Is it? Won't she see me? I don't want it to be obedience. "

"I don't think you need have any fears on that score. "

"You don't? Really now? You think she likes me just a little? Howsoon can I get down? Have you a train-bill?"

Then during the quest into trains came a fit of humility. "Do youthink they will listen to me? You are not the sort who would thinkme a catch, and I know I am a very poor stick compared with any ofyou, and should have gone to the dogs long ago but for Jock, ungrateful ass as I was to him last year. But if I had such acreature as that to take care of, why it would be like having anangel about one. I would-—indeed I would—-reverence, yes, andworship her all my life long. "

"I am sure you would. I think it would be a very happy and blessedthing for you both, and I have no doubt that her father will think sotoo. Now, here are the others coming home, and you must behave likea rational being, even though you don't see Essie at tea. "

Mother Carey managed to catch Jock, give a hint of the situation, andbid him take care of his friend. He looked grave. "I thought it wascoming, " he said. "I wish they would have done it out of our way. "

"So do I, but I didn't take measures in time. "

"Well, it is all right as regards them both, but poor Bobus willhardly get over it. "

"We must do our best to soften the shock, and, as it can't be helped, we must put our feelings in our pocket. "

"As one has to do most times, " said Jock. "Well, I suppose it isbetter for one in the end than having it all one's own way. AndEvelyn is a generous fellow, who deserves anything!"

"So, Jock, as we can do Bobus no good, and know besides that nothingcould make it right for his hopes to be fulfilled, we must throwourselves into this present affair as Cecil and Essie deserve. "

"All right, mother, " he said. "There's not stuff in her to be ofmuch use to Bobus if he had her, besides the other objection. It isthe hope that he will sorely miss, poor old fellow!"

"Ah! if he had a better hope lighted as his guiding star! But wemust not stand talking now, Jock; I must take her to Church quietlywith me. "

To Cecil's consternation, his military duties would detain him allthe forenoon of the next day; and before he could have started, thetrain that brought John back also brought his father and mother, thelatter far more eager and effusive than her sister-in-law had everseen her. "My dear Caroline, I thought you'd excuse my coming, I wasso anxious to see about my little girl, and we'll go to an hotel. "

"I'll leave you with her, " said Caroline, rushing off in haste, tolet Esther utter her own story as best she might, poor child! Allenwas fortunately in his room, and his mother sprang down to him towarn him to telegraph to Cecil that Colonel Brownlow was inCollingwood Street; the fates being evidently determined to spare hernothing. 

Allen's feelings were far less keen as to Bobus than were Jock's, andhe liked the connection; so he let himself be infected with theexcitement, and roused himself not only to telegraph, but go himselfto Cecil's quarters to make sure of him. It was well that he did so, for just as he got into Oxford Street, he beheld the well-known bayfortunately caught in a block of omnibuses and carts round a tumble-down cab-horse, and some gas-fitting. Such was the impatience of thedriver of the hansom, that Allen absolutely had to rush desperatelyacross the noses of half-a-dozen horses, making wild gestures, beforehe was seen and taken up by Cecil's side. 

"The most wonderful thing of all, " said Cecil afterwards, "was to seeAllen going on like that!"

In consequence of his speed, Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow had hardlyarrived at Esther's faltered story, and come to a perception whichway her heart lay, when she started and cried, "Oh, that's hishansom!" for she perfectly well knew the wheels. 

So did her aunt and Babie, who had taken refuge in the studio, butcame out at Allen's call to hear his adventures, and thenceforth hadto remain easily accessible, Babie to take charge of Lina, who wasmuch aggrieved at her banishment, and Mother Carey to be therecipient of all kinds of effusions from the different personsconcerned. There was the mother: "Such a nice young man! Sosuperior! Everything we could have wished! And so much attached!Speaks so nicely! You are sure there will be no trouble with hismother?"

"I see no danger of it. I am sure she must love dear little Esther, and that she would like to see Cecil married. "

"Well, you know her! but you know she might look much higher for him, though the Brownlows are a good old family. Oh, my dear Caroline, Ishall never forget what you have done for us all. "

Her Serenity in a flutter was an amusing sight. She was so full ofexultation, and yet had too much propriety to utter the main point ofher hopes, fears, doubts, and gratitude; and she durst not so much ashazard an inquiry after poor Lord Fordham, lest she should besuspected of the thought that came uppermost. 

However, the Colonel, with whom that possibility was a very secondarymatter, could speak out: "I like the lad; he is a good, simple, honest fellow, well-principled, and all one could wish. I don't mindtrusting little Essie with him, and he says his brother is sure togive him quite enough to marry upon, so they'll do very well, even, if—- How about that affair which was hinted of at Belforest, Caroline? Will it ever come off?"

"Probably not. Poor Lord Fordham's health does not improve, and so Iam very thankful that he does not fulfil Babie's ideal. "

"Poor young man!" said Ellen, with sincere compassion but greatrelief. 

"That's the worst of it, " said the father, gravely. "I am afraid itis a consumptive family, though this young fellow looks hearty andstrong. "

"He has always been so, " said Caroline. "He and his sister are quitedifferent in looks and constitution from poor Fordham, and I believefrom the elder ones. They are shorter and sturdier, and take aftertheir mother's family. "

"I told you so, papa, " said Ellen. "I was sure nothing could beamiss with him. You can't expect everybody to look like our boys. Well, Caroline, you have always been a good sister; and to think ofyour having done this for little Essie! Tell me how it was? Had yoususpected it?"

It was all very commonplace and happy. Colonel and Mrs. Brownlowwere squeezed into the house to await Mrs. Evelyn's reply, and Ceciland Esther sat hand-in-hand all the evening, looking, as Allen andBabie agreed, like such a couple of idiots, that the intimateconnection between selig and silly was explained. 

Mrs. Robert Brownlow whiled away the next day by a grand shoppingexpedition, followed by the lovers, who seemed to find pillars offloor-cloth and tracery of iron-work as blissful as ever could bepleached alley. Nay, one shopman flattered Cecil and shocked Estherby directing his exhibition of wares to them, and the former was thusexcited to think how soon they might be actually shopping on theirown account, and to fix his affections on an utterly impracticablefender as his domestic hearth. Meanwhile Caroline had only just comein from amusing Mrs. Lucas with the story, when a cab drove up, andMrs. Evelyn was with her, with an eager, "Where are they?"

"Somewhere in the depths of the city, with her mother, shopping. Ought I to have told you?"

"Of course I trust you. She must be nice—-your Friar's sister; but Icould not stay at home, and Duke wished me to come—-"

"How is he?"

"So very happy about this-—the connection especially. I don't thinkhe could have borne it if it had been the Infanta. How is that dearBabie?"

"Quite well. I left her walking with Lina in the Square gardens. "

"As simple and untouched as ever?"

"As much as ever a light-hearted baby. "

"Ah! well, so much the better. And let me say, once for all, thatyou need not fear any closer intercourse with us. My poor Duke hasmade up his mind that such things are not for him, and wishes all tobe arranged for Cecil as his heir. Not that he is any worse. Withcare he may survive us all, the doctors say; but he has made up hismind, and will never ask Babie again. He says it would be cruel; buthe does long for a sight of her bright face!"

"Well, we shall be brought into meeting in a simple natural way. "

"And Babie? How does she look? I am ashamed of it; but I can't helpthinking more about seeing her than this new cousin. I can fancyher—-handsome, composed, and serene. "

"That may be so ten or twenty years hence! but now she is thetenderest little clinging thing you ever saw. "

"And my ideal would have been that Cecil should have chosen some onesuperior; but after all, I believe he is really more likely to beraised by being looked up to. He has been our boy too long. "

"Quite true; I have watched him content with the level my impertinentchildren assign him here, but now trying to be manly for Essie'ssake. You have not told me of Sydney. "

"So angry at the folly of passing over Babie, that I was forced togive her a hint to be silent before Duke. She collapsed, muchimpressed. Forgive me, if it was a betrayal; but she is two yearsolder now, and would not have been a safe companion unless warned. Hark! Is that the door-bell?"

Therewith the private interview period set in, and Babie made suchuse of her share of it, that when Lina was produced in the drawing-room before dinner she sat on Cecil's knee, and gravely observed thatshe had a verse to repeat to him—-

 "The phantom blackcock of Kilnaught Is a marvellous bird yet uncaught; Go out in all weather, You see not a feather, Yet a marvellous work it has wrought, That phantom blackcock of Kilnaught. "

"What is that verse you are saying, Lina?" said her mother. 

Lina trotted across and repeated it, while Cecil shook his head atwicked Babie. 

"I hope you don't learn nursery rhymes, about phantoms and ghosts, Lina?" said Mrs. Robert Brownlow. 

"This is an original poem, Aunt Ellen, " replied Babie, gravely. 

"More original than practical, " said John. "You haven't accountedfor the pronoun?"

"Oh, never mind that. Great poets are above rules. I want Essie topromise us bridesmaids blackcock tails in our hats. "

"My dear!" said her aunt, in serious reproof, shocked at the rapidityof the young lady's ideas. 

"Or, at least, " added Babie, "if she won't, you'll give us blackcocklockets, Cecil. They would be lovely-—you know-—enamelled!"

"That I will!" he cried. "And, Mother Carey, will you model me agroup of the birds? That would be a jolly present!"

"Better than Esther's head, eh? I have done that three times, andyou shall choose one, Cecil. "

Nothing would serve Cecil but an immediate expedition to the studio, to choose as well as they could by lamp-light. 

And during the examination, Mrs. Evelyn managed to say to Caroline, "I'm quite satisfied. She is as bright and childish as you told me. "

"Essie?"

"No, the Infanta. "

"If she is not a little too much so. "

"Oh no, don't wish any difference in those high spirits!"

"She makes it a cheerful house, dear child; and even Allen hasbrightened lately. "

"And, Jock? He looks hard-worked, but brisk as ever. "

"He does work very hard in all ways; but he thoroughly enjoys hiswork, and is as much my sunshine as Babie. There are golden opinionsof him in the Medical School; indeed there are of both my Johns. "

"They are quite the foremost of the young men of their year, andcarry off most of the distinctions, besides being leaders ininfluence. So Dr. Medlicott told us, " said Mrs. Evelyn; "and yet hesaid it was delightful to see how they avoided direct rivalry, orelse were perfectly friendly over it. "

"Yes, they avoid, when it is possible, going in for the same things, and indeed I think Jock has more turn for the scientific side of thestudy, and the Friar for the practical. There is room for themboth!"

"And what a contrast they are! What a very handsome fellow John hasgrown! So tall, and broad, and strong, with that fine colour, anddark eyes as beautiful as his sister's!"

"More beautiful, I should say, " returned Caroline; "there is so muchmore intellect in them—-raising them out of the regular Kencroftcomeliness. True, the great charm of the stalwart Friar, as we callhim, is-—what his father has in some degree-—that quiet composed waythat gives one a sense of protection. I think his patients will feelentire trust in his hands. They say at the hospital the poor peoplealways are happy when they see one of the Mr. Brownlows coming, whether it be the big or the little one. "

"Not so very little, except by comparison; and I am glad Jock keepshis soldierly bearing. "

"He is a Volunteer, you know, and very valuable there. "

"But he has not an ounce of superfluous flesh. He puts me in mind ofa perfectly polished, finished instrument!"

"That is just what used to be said of his father. Colonel Brownlowsays he is the most like my poor young father of all the children. "

"He is the most like you. "

"But he puts me most of all in mind of my husband, in all his ways, and manner; and our old friends tell me that he sets about thingsexactly like his father, as if it were by imitation. I like to knowit is so. "

CHAPTER XXXVI. OF NO CONSEQUENCE. 

Fell not, but dangled in mid air, For from a fissure in the stoneWhich lined its sides, a bush had grown, To this he clung with all his might. Archbishop Trench. 

Lord Fordham made it his most especial and urgent desire that hisbrother's wedding, which was to take place before Lent, should be athis home instead of at the lady's. Otherwise he could not bepresent, for Kenminster had a character for bleakness, and he wasnever allowed to travel in an English winter. Besides, he had sethis heart on giving one grand festal day to his tenantry, who hadnever had a day of rejoicing since his great-uncle came of age, fortyyears ago. 

Mrs. Robert Brownlow did not like it at all, either as an anomaly oras a disappointment to the Kenminster world, but her husband was wonover, and she was obliged to consent. Mother Carey, with her brood, were of course to be guests, but her difficulty was the leaving Dr. And Mrs. Lucas. The good old physician was failing fast, and theyhad no kindred near at hand, or capable of being of much comfort tothem, and she was considering how to steer between the two calls, when Jock settled it for her, by saying that he did not mean to go toFordham, and if Mrs. Lucas liked, would sleep in the house. Therewas much amazement and vexation. He had of course been the firstbest man thought of, but he fought off, declaring that he could notafford to miss a single lecture or demonstration. Friar John'sUniversity studies had given him such a start that he had to workless hard than his cousin, and could afford himself the week forwhich he was invited; but Jock declared that he could not even losethe thirty-six hours that Armine was to take for the journey toFordham and back. Every one declared this nonsense, and even Mrs. Lucas could not bear that he should remain, as she thought, on heraccount; but his mother did not join in the public outcry, andtherefore was admitted to fuller insight, as he was walking back withher, after listening to the old lady's persuasions. 

"I think she would really be better pleased to spare you for that oneday, " said Caroline. 

"May be, good old soul, " said Jock; "but as you know, mother, that'snot all. "

"I guessed not. It may be wiser. "

"Well! There's no use in stirring it all up again, after havingsettled down after a fashion, " said Jock. "I see clearer than everhow hopeless it is to have anything fit to offer a girl in herposition for the next ten years, and I must not get myself betrayedinto drawing her in to wait for me. I am such an impulsive fool, Idon't know what I might be saying to her, and it would not be a rightreturn for all they have been to me. "

"You will have to meet her in town?"

"Perhaps; but not as if I were in the house and at the wedding. Itwould just bring back the time when she bade me never give up mysword. "

"Perhaps she is wiser now. "

"That would make it even more likely that I should say what would bebetter left alone. No, mother! Ten years hence, if—-"

She thought of Magnum Bonum, and said, "Sooner, perhaps!"

"No, " he said, laughing. "It is only in the 'Traveller's Joy' thatall the bigwigs are out of sight, and the apothecary's boy saved theLord Mayor's life. "

With that laugh, rather a sad one, he inserted the latch-key andended the discussion. 

Whether Barbara were really unwilling to go was not clear, for shehad no such excuse as her brother; but she grumbled almost as much asher aunt at the solecism of a wedding in the gentleman's home; andfor the only time in her life showed ill-humour. She was vexed withEsther for her taste in bridesmaid's attire (hers was given by heruncle); sarcastic to Cecil for his choice of gifts; cross to hermother about every little arrangement as to dress; satirical onAllen's revival of spirits in prospect of a visit to a great house;annoyed at whatever was done or not done; and so much less tolerantof having little Lina left on her hands, that Aunt Carey became thechild's best reliance. 

Some of this temper might be put to the score of that pity for Bobus, which Babie in her caprice had begun to dwell on, most inconsistentlywith her former gaiety; but her mother attributed it to anunconfessed reluctance to meet Lord Fordham again, and a sense thatthe light thoughtlessness to which she had clung so long mightperforce be at an end. 

So sharp-edged was her tongue, even to the moment of embarkation inthe train, that her mother began to fear how she might behave, anddreaded lest she should wound Fordham; but she grew more silent allthe way down, and when the carriage came to the station, and theydrove past banks starred by primroses, and with the blue eyes ofperiwinkles looking out among the evergreen trailers, she spoke noword. Even Allen brightened to enjoy that lamb-like March day; andJohn, with his little sister on his knee, was most joyouslyfelicitous. Indeed, the tall, athletic, handsome fellow looked as ifit were indeed spring with him, all the more from the contrast withAllen's languid, sallow looks, savouring of the fumes in which helived. 

Out on the steps were Fordham, wrapped up to the ears; Sydney readyto devour Babie, who passively submitted; and Mrs. Evelyn, as usual, giving her friend a sense of rest and reliance. 

The last visit, though only five years previous to this one, hadseemed in past ages, till the familiar polished oak floor was underfoot, and the low tea-table in the wainscoted hall, before the greatwood fire, looked so homelike and natural, that the newcomers felt asif they had only left it yesterday. Fordham, having thrown off hiswraps, waited on his guests, looking exceedingly happy in his quietway, but more fragile than ever. He had a good deal of fair beard, but it could not conceal the hollowness of his cheeks, and there weregreat caves round his eyes, which were very bright and blue. Yet hewas called well, waited assiduously on little Lina, and talked withanimation. 

"We have nailed the weathercock, " he said, "and telegraphed to theclerk of the weather-office not to let the wind change for a week. "

"Meantime we have three delicious days to ourselves, " said Sydney, "before any of the nonsense and preparation begins. "

"Indeed! As if Sydney were not continually drilling her unfortunatechildren!"

"If you call the Psalms and hymns nonsense, Duke-—"

"No! no! But isn't there a course of instruction going on, how tostrew the flowers gracefully before the bride?"

"Well, I don't want them thrown at her head, as the children did atthe last wedding, when a great cowslip ball hit the bride in the eye. So I told the mistress to show them how, and the other day we foundthem in two lines, singing—-

 "'This is the way the flowers we strew!'"

"I suppose Cecil is keeping his residence?"

"No. Did you not know that this little Church of ours is notlicensed for weddings? The parish Church is three miles off and atemple of the winds. This is only a chapelry, there is a speciallicence, and Cecil is hunting with the Hamptons, and comes with themon Monday. "

"Special licence! Happy Mrs. Coffinkey!" ejaculated Babie. 

"Everybody comes then, " said Sydney; "not that it is a very largeeverybody after all, and we have not asked more neighbours than wecan help, because it is to be a feast for all the chief tenants-—herein this hall-—then the poor people dine in the great barn, and thechildren drink tea later in the school. Come, little Caroline, you've done tea, and I have my old baby-house to show you. Come, Babie! Oh! isn't it delicious to have you?"

When Sydney had carried off Babie, and the two mothers stood over thefire in the bedroom, Mrs. Evelyn said—-

"So Lucas stays with his good old godfather. I honour him more thanI can show. "

"We did not like to leave the old people alone. They were my kindestfriends in my day of trouble. "

"You will not let me press him to run down for the one day, if hecannot leave them for more? Would he, do you think?"

"I believe he would, if you did it, " said Caroline, slowly; "but Iought not let you do so, without knowing his full reason for stayingaway. "

They both coloured as if they had been their own daughters, and Mrs. Evelyn smiled as she said—-

"We have outgrown some of our folly about choice of profession. "

"But does that make it safer? My poor boy has talked it over withme. He says he is afraid of his own impulses, leading him to saywhat would not be an honourable requital for all your kindness tohim. "

"He is very good. I think he is right-—quite right, " said Mrs. Evelyn. "I am afraid I must say so. For anything to begin afreshbetween them might lead to suspense that my child's constitutionmight not stand, and I am very grateful to him for sparing her. "

"Afresh? Do you think there ever was anything?"

"Never anything avowed, but a good deal of sympathy. Indeed, so faras I can guess, my foolish girl was first much offended anddisquieted with Jock for not listening to her persuasions, and thenequally so with herself for having made them, and now I confess Ithink shame and confusion are predominant with her when she hears ofhim. "

"So that she is relieved at his absence. "

"Just so, and it is better so to leave it; I should be only too happyto keep her with me waiting for him, only I had rather she did notknow it. "

"My dear friend!" And again Caroline thought of Magnum Bonum. Allthe evening she said to herself that Sydney showed no objection tomedical students, when she was looking over the Engelberg photographswith John, who had been far more her companion in the mountainrambles they recalled than had Jock in his half-recovered state. 

The mother could not help feeling a little pang of jealousy as sheowned to herself that the Friar was a very fine-looking youth, withthe air of a university man, and of one used to good society, andthat he did look most perilously happy. He was the next thing to herown son, but not quite the same, and she half repented of her candourto Mrs. Evelyn, and wished that the keen, sensitive face andsoldierly figure could be there to reassert their influence. 

There ensued a cheerful, pleasant Saturday, which did much to restorethe ordinary tone between the old friends and to take off the senseof strangeness. It was evident that Lord Fordham had insensiblybecome much more the real head and master of the house than at thetime when the Brownlow party had last been there, and that he hadtaken on him much more of the duties of his position than he had thenseemed capable of fulfilling. It might cost much effort, but he hadceased to be the mere invalid, and had come to take his partthoroughly and effectively, and to win trust and confidence. It wasstrange to think how Babie could ever have called him a muff merelyto be pitied. 

The Sundays at Fordham were always delightful. The little Church wasas near perfection as might be. It was satisfactory to see thatFordham's gentleness and courtesy had dispelled all the clouds, andBarbara had returned to her ordinary manner; perhaps a little moresedate and gentle than usual, and towards him she was curiouslysubmissive, as if she had a certain awe of the tenderness she hadrejected. 

After the short afternoon service, Sydney waited to exercise herchoir once more in their musical duties; but Babie, hearing there wasto be no rehearsal of the flower-strewing, declared she had enough ofclasses at home, and should take Lina for a stroll on the sunnyterrace among the crocuses, where Fordham joined them till warnedthat the sun was getting low. 

One there was who would have been glad of an invitation to join inthe practice, but who did not receive one. John lingered with Allenabout the gardens till the latter disposed of himself on a seat witha cigar beyond the public gaze. Then saying something about seeingwhether the stream promised well for fishing, John betook himself tothe bank of the river, one of the many Avons, probably with a notionthat by the merest accident he might be within distance at the break-up of the choir practice. 

He was sauntering with would-be indifference towards the foot-bridgethat shortened the walk to the Church, but he was still more than onehundred yards from it, when on the opposite side he beheld Sydneyherself. She was on the very verge of the stream, below the steep, slippery clay bank, clinging hard with one hand to the bared root ofa willow stump, and with the other striving to uphold the head andshoulder of a child, the rest of whose person was in the water. 

One cry, one shout passed, then John had torn off coat, boots, andwaistcoat, and plunged in to swim across, perceiving to his horrorthat not only was there imminent danger of the boy's weightoverpowering her, but that the bank, undermined by recent floods, wascrumbling under her feet, and the willow-stump fast yielding to thestrain on its roots. And while each moment was life or death to her, he found the current unexpectedly strong, and he had to use hisutmost efforts to avoid being carried down far below where she stoodwatching with cramped, strained failing limbs, and eyes of appealing, agonising hope. 

One shout of encouragement as he was carried past her, but stemmingthe current all the time, and at last he paddled back towards her, and came close enough to lay hold of the boy. 

"Let go, " he said, "I have him. "

But just as Sydney relaxed her hold on the boy the willow stump gaveway and toppled over with an avalanche of clay and stones. HappilySydney had already unfastened her grasp, and so fell, or threwherself backwards on the bank, scratched, battered, bruised, andfeeling half buried for an instant, but struggling up immediately, and shrieking with horror as she missed John and the boy, who hadboth been swept in by the tree. The next moment she heard a call, and scrambling up the bank, saw John among the reedy pools a littleway down, dragging the boy after him. 

She dashed and splashed to the spot and helped to drag the child to adrier place, where they all three sank on the grass, the boy, asturdy fellow of seven years old, lying unconscious, and the othertwo sitting not a little exhausted, Sydney scarcely less drenchedthan the child. She was the first to gasp—-

"The boy?"

"He'll soon be all right, " said John, bending over him. "How came-—"

"I came suddenly on them-—him and his brother—-birds'-nesting. Inhis fright he slipped in. I just caught him, but the other ran away, and I could not pull him up. Oh! if you had not come. "

John hid his face in his hands with a murmur of intense thanksgiving. 

"You should get home, " he said. "Can you? I'll see to the boy. "

At this moment the keeper came up full of wrath and consternation, assoon as he understood what had happened. He was barely withheld fromshaking the truant violently back to life, and averred that he wouldteach him to come birds'-nesting in the park on Sunday. 

And when, after he had fetched John's coat and boots, Sydney bade himtake the child, now crying and shivering, back to his mother, andtell her to put him to bed and give him something hot he replied—-

"Ay, ma'am, I warrant a good warming would do him no harm. Come on, then, you young rascal; you won't always find a young lady to pullyou out, nor a gentleman to swim across that there Avon. Upon myhonour, sir, there ain't many could have done that when it is inflood. "

He would gladly have escorted them home, but as the boy could not yetstand, he was forced to carry him. 

"You should walk fast, " said John, as he and Sydney addressedthemselves to the ascent of the steep sloping ground above the river. 

She assented, but she was a good deal strained, bruised, and spent, and her heavy winter dress, muddied and soaked, clung to her and heldher back, and both laboured breathlessly without making much speed. 

"I never guessed that a river was so strong, " she said. "It was likea live thing fighting to tear him away. "

"How long had you stood there?"

"I can't guess. It felt endless! The boy could not help himself, and I was getting so cramped that I must have let go if your call hadnot given me just strength enough! And the tree would have come downupon us!"

"I believe it would, " muttered John. 

"Mamma must thank you, " whispered Sydney, holding out her hand. 

He clasped it, saying almost inwardly—-

"God and His Angels were with you. "

"I hope so, " said Sydney softly. 

They still held one another's hands, seeming to need the support inthe steep, grassy ascent, and there came a catch in John's breaththat made Sydney cry, "You are not hurt?"

"That snag gave me a dig in the side, but it is nothing. "

As they gained the level ground, Sydney said—-

"We will go in by the servants' entrance, it will make less fuss. "

"Thank you;" and with a final pressure she loosed his hand, and ledthe way through the long, flagged, bell-hung passage, and pointed toa stair. 

"That leads to the end of the gallery; you will see a red baize door, and then you know your way. "

Sydney knew that at this hour on Sunday, servants were not plentiful, but she looked into the housekeeper's room where the select grandeeswere at tea, and was received with an astounded "Miss Evelyn!" fromthe housekeeper. 

"Yes, Saunders; I should have been drowned, and little Peter Hollistoo, if it hadn't been for Mr. Friar Brownlow. He swam across Avon, and has been knocked by a tree; and Reeves, would you be so very kindas to go and see about him?"

Reeves, who had approved of Mr. Friar Brownlow ever since his race atSchwarenbach, did not need twice bidding, but snatched up the kettleand one of Mrs. Saunders's flasks, while that good lady administeredthe like potion to Sydney and carried her off to be undressed. Mrs. Evelyn was met upon the way, and while she was hearing her daughter'sstory, in the midst of the difficulties of unfastening soakedgarments, there was a knock at the door. Mrs. Saunders went to it, and a young housemaid said—-

"Oh, if you please, ma'am, Mr. Friar Brownlow says its of noconsequence, but he has broken two of his ribs, and Mr. Reeves thinksMrs. Evelyn ought to be informed. "

She spoke so exactly as if he had broken a window, that at first thesense hardly reached the two ladies. 

"Broken what?"

"His ribs, ma'am. "

"Oh! I was sure he was hurt!" cried Sydney. "Oh, mamma! go andsee. "

Mrs. Evelyn went, but finding that Reeves and Fordham were with John, and that the village doctor, who lived close by the park gates, hadbeen sent for, she went no farther than the door of the patient'sroom, and there exchanged a few words with her son. Sydney thoughther very hard-hearted, and having been deposited in bed, lay therestarting, trembling, and listening, till her brother, according topromise, came down. 

"Well, Sydney, what a brave little woman you have shown yourself!John has no words to tell how well you behaved. "

"Oh, never mind that! Tell me about him? Is he not dreadfullyhurt?"

"He declares these particular ribs are nothing, " said Fordham, indicating their situation on himself, "and says they laugh at themat the hospital. He wanted Reeves to have sent for Oswald privately, and then meant to have come down to dinner as if nothing hadhappened. "

"Mr. Oswald does not mean to allow that, " said Miss Evelyn. 

"Certainly not; I told him that if he did anything so foolish Ishould certainly never call him in. Now let me hear about it, Sydney, for he was in rather too much pain to be questioned, and Ionly heard that you had shown courage and presence of mind. "

The mother and brother might well shudder as they heard how nearlytheir joy had been turned into mourning. The river was a dangerousone, and to stem the current in full flood had been no slightexploit; still more the recovery of the boy after receiving such ablow from the tree. 

"Very nobly done by both, " said Fordham, bending to kiss his sisteras she finished. 

"Most thankworthy, " said Mrs. Evelyn. 

There was a brief space spent silently by both Mrs. Evelyn and herson on their knees, and then the former went up to the littlebachelor-room where in the throng of guests John had been bestowed, and where she found him lying, rather pale, but very content, and hereyes filled with tears as she took his hand, saying—-

"You know what I have come for?"

"How is she?" he said, looking eagerly in her face. 

"Well, I think, but rather strained and very much tired, so I shallkeep her in her room for precaution's sake, as to-morrow will be abustling day. I trust you will be equally wise. "

"I have submitted, but I did not think it requisite. Pray don'ttrouble about me. "

"What, when I think how it would have been without you? No, I willnot tease you by talking about it, but you know how we shall alwaysfeel for you. Are you in much pain now?"

"Nothing to signify, now it has been bandaged, thank you. I shallsoon be all right. Did she make you understand her wonderful courageand resolution in holding up that heavy boy all that time?"

Mrs. Evelyn let John expatiate on her daughter's heroism till stepswere heard approaching, and his aunt knocked at the door. Perhapsshe was the person most tried when she looked into his bright, darkeyes, and understood the thrill in his voice as he told of Sydney'sbravery and resolution. She guessed what emotion gave sweetness tohis thankfulness, and feared if he did not yet understand it he soonwould, and then what pain would be in store for one or other of thecousins. When Mrs. Evelyn asked him if he had really sent themessage that his fractured ribs were of no consequence, his aunt'sforeboding spirit feared they might prove of only too muchconsequence; but at least, if he were a supplanter, it would be quiteunconsciously. 

As Barbara said, when she came up from the diminished dinner-party tospend the evening with her friend—-

"Those delightful things always do happen to other people!"

"It wasn't very delightful!" said Sydney. 

"Not at the time, but you dear old thing, you have really saved alife! That was always our dream!"

"The boy is not at all like our dream!" said Sydney. "He is a horridlittle fellow. "

"Oh, he will come right now!"

"If you knew the family, you would very much doubt it. "

"Sydney, why will you go on disenchanting me? I thought _the realthing_ had happened to you at last as a reward for having been truerto our old woman than I. "

"I don't think you would have thought hanging on that bank muchreward, " said Sydney. 

"Adventures aren't nice when they are going on. It is only'meminisse juvat', you know. You must have felt like the man inRuckert's Apologue, with the dragon below, and the mice gnawing theroot above. "

"My dear, that story kept running in my head, and whenever I lookedat the river it seemed to be carrying me away, bank, and stump, andall. I'm afraid it will do so all night. It did, when some hot wineand water they made me have with my dinner sent me to sleep. Then Ithought of—-

 "Time, with its ever rolling stream, Is bearing them away, "

and I didn't know which was Time and which was Avon. "

"In your sleep, or by the river?"

"Both, I think! I seem to have thought of thousands of things, andyet my whole soul was one scream of despairing prayer, though I don'tbelieve I said anything except to bid the boy hold still, till Iheard that welcome shout. "

"Ah, the excellent Monk! He is the family hero. I wonder if heenjoys it more than you? Did he really never let you guess how muchhe was hurt?"

"I asked him once; but he said it was only a dig in the side, andwould go off. "

"Ah, well! Allen says it is accident that makes the hero. Now theMonk has been as good as the hyena knight of the Jotapata, who was amixture of Tyr, with his hand in the wolf's mouth, and of Kunimund, when he persuaded Amala that his blood running into the river wasonly the sunset. "

"Don't, " said Sydney. "I won't have it made nonsense of!"

"Indeed, " said Babie, almost piteously, "I meant it for the mostglorious possible praise; but somehow people always seem to take mefor a little hard bit of spar, a barbarian, or a baby; I wish I had amore sensible name!"

"Infanta, his princess, is what Duke always calls you, " said Sydney, drawing her fondly to nestle close to her on the bed in her fire-litroom. "Do you know one of the thoughts I had time for in thatdreadful eternity by the river, was how I wished it were you thatwere going to be a daughter to poor mamma. "

"Esther will make a very kind, gentle, tender one. "

"Oh, yes; but she won't be quite what you are. We have all beenchildren together, and you have fitted in with us ever since thatjourney when we talked incessantly about Jotapata. " Then, as Babiemade no answer, Sydney gave her a squeeze, and whispered, "I know!"

"Who told you?" asked Babie, with eyes on the fire. 

"Mamma, when I was crazy with Cecil for caring for a pretty faceinstead of real stuff. She thought it would hurt Duke if I went on. "

"Does he care still?" said Babie, in a low voice. 

"Oh, Babie, don't you feel how much?"

"Do you know, Sydney, sometimes I can't believe it. I'm sure I haveno right to complain of being thought a childish, unfeeling littlewretch, when I recollect how hard, and cold, and impertinent I was tohim three years ago. "

"It was three years ago, and we were very foolish then, " consolinglymurmured the wisdom of twenty, not without recollections of her own. 

"I hope it was only foolishness, " said Barbara; "but I have only nowbegun to understand the rights of it, only I could not bear thethoughts of seeing him again. And now he is so kind!"

"Do you wish you had?"

"Not that. I don't think anything but fuss and worry would have comeof it then. I was only fifteen, and my mother could never have letit go on, and even if-—; but what I am so grieved and ashamed at ismy fancying him not enough of a man for such a self-sufficient ape asI was. And now I have seen more of the world, and know what men are, I see his generosity, and that his patient fight with ill-health todo his best and his duty, is really very great and good. "

"I wish you could tell him so. No, I know you can't; but you mightlet him feel it, for you need not be afraid of his ever asking youagain. They have had a great examination of his lungs, and there'sonly part of one in any sort of order. They say he may go on withgreat care unless he catches cold, or sets the disease off again, andupon that he made up his mind that it was a very good thing he hadnot disturbed your peace. "

"As if I should not be just as sorry!" said Babie. "Oh, Sydney, whata sad world it is! And there is he going about as manful, andpleased, and merry about this wedding as if it were his own. And theworst of it is, though I do admire him so, it can't be real, proper, lover's love, for I felt quite glad when you said he would never askme, so it is all wasted. "

The mothers would hardly have liked the subject of the maidens' talkin their bower, and Barbara bade good-night, feeling as if she shouldnever look at Fordham with the same eyes again; but the light of dayrestored commonplace thoughts of the busy Monday. 

Reeves, having been sent up by his lord with inquiries, found thepatient's toilet so far advanced, that under protest he could onlyassist in the remainder. So the hero and heroine met on the stairs, and clasped hands in haste to the sound of the bell for morningprayers in the household chapel, to which they carried their thankfulhearts. 

The Fordham household was not on such a scale that the heads of thefamily could sit still in dignified ease on the eve of such aspectacle. Every one was busy adorning the hall or the tables, andJohn would not be denied his share, though as he could neither stoop, lift, nor use his right arm, he was reduced to making up wreaths andbouquets, with Lina to supply him with flowers, since he was the oneperson with whom she never failed to be happy or good. Fordham wasentreated to sit still and share the employment, but his long, thinhands proved utterly wanting in the dexterity that the Monkdisplayed. He was, moreover, the man in authority constantly calledto give orders, and in his leisure moments much more inclined tohaunt his Infanta's winged steps, and erect his tall person where shecould not reach. Artistic taste rendered her, her mother, and Allenmost valuable decorators, and it might be doubted whether Allen hadever toiled so hard in his life. In pity to the busy servants, luncheon was served up cold on a side table, when Barbara, who hadrallied her spirits to nonsense pitch, declared that metaphorically, Fordham and the agent carved the meal with gloves of steel, and thatthe workers drank the red wine through the helmet barred. In themidst, however, in marched Reeves, with a tray and a napkin, and aregular basin of invalid soup, which he set down before John in hiseasy chair. There was something so exceedingly ludicrous in the poorFriar's endeavour to be gratified, and his look of dismay anddisgust, that the public fairly shrieked with laughter, in which hewould fain have joined, but had to beg pardon for only lookingsolemn; laughter was a painful matter. 

However, later in the afternoon, when he was looking white and tired, his host came and said—-

"Your object is to be about, and not make a sensation when peoplearrive. Come and rest then;" then landed him on his own sofa in hissitting-room, which was kept sacred from all confusion. 

About half an hour later Mrs. Evelyn said—-

"Sydney, my dear, Willis is come for the tickets. Are they ready?"

"Oh, mother, I meant to have done them yesterday evening!"

"You had better take them to Duke's room, it is the only quiet place. He is not there, I wish he were. Willis can wait while you fill themup, " said Mrs. Evelyn, not at all sorry to pin her daughter down foran hour's quiet, and unaware that the room was occupied. 

So Sydney, with a list of names and packet of cards, betook herselfto her brother's writing-table, never perceiving that there wasanybody under the Algerine rug, till there was a movement, suddenlychecked, and a voice said—-

"Can I help?"

"Oh! don't move. I'm so sorry, I hope—-"

"Oh, no! I beg your pardon, " he said, with equal incoherency, andraising himself more deliberately. "Your brother put me here torest, and I fell asleep, and did not hear you come in. "

"Oh, don't! Pray, don't! I am so sorry I disturbed you. I did notknow any one was here—-"

"Pray, don't go! Can't I help you?"

Sydney recollected that in the general disorganisation pen, ink, andtable were not easy to secure, and replied—-

"It is the people in the village who are to dine here to-morrow. They must have tickets, or we shall have all manner of strangers. The stupid printer only sent the tickets yesterday, and the keeper iswaiting for them. It would save time if you would read out the nameswhile I mark the cards; but, please, lie still, or I shall go. " Andshe came and arranged the cushions, which his movements haddisplaced, till he pronounced himself quite comfortable. 

Hardly a word passed but "Smith James, two; Sennet Widow, one;Hacklebury Nicholas, three;" with a "yes" after each, till they cameto "Hollis Richard. "

"That's the boy's father, " then said Sydney. 

"Have you heard anything of him?" asked John. 

"Oh, yes! his mother dragged him up to beg pardon, and return thanks, but mamma thought you would rather be spared the infliction. "

"Besides that, they were not my due, " said John. 

"I never thought of the boy. "

"If you did not, you saved him--twice!"

"A Newfoundland-dog instinct. But I am glad the little scamp is notthe worse. I suppose he is to appear to-morrow?"

"Oh, yes! and the vicar begs no notice may be taken of him. He isreally a very naughty little fellow, and if he is made a hero forgetting himself and us so nearly drowned by birds'-nesting on aSunday in the park, it will be perfectly demoralising!"

"You are as bad as your keeper!"

"I am only repeating the general voice, " said Sydney, with a gleamupon her face, half-droll, half-tender. "Poor little man! I got himalone this morning, while his mother was pouring forth to mine, and Ithink he has a little more notion where thanks are due. "

"I should like to see him, " said John. "I'll try not to demoralisehim; but he has given me some happy moments. "

The voice was low, and Sydney blushed as she laughed and said—-

"That's like Babie, saying it was delightful. "

"She is quite right as far as I am concerned. "

The hue on Sydney's cheek deepened excessively, as she said—-

"Is George Hollis next?"

They went on steadily after that, and Willis was not kept longwaiting. Then came the whirl of arrivals, Cecil with his Hamptoncousins, Sir James Evelyn and Armine, Jessie and her General, and theKenminster party. Caroline found herself in great request as generalconfidante, adviser, and medium as being familiar with all parties, and it was evidently a great comfort to her sister-in-law to findsome one there to answer questions and give her the carte-du-pays. Outwardly, she was all the Serene Highness, a majestic matron, overshadowing everybody, not talkative, but doing her part withdignity, in great part the outcome of shyness, but rather formidableto simple-minded Mrs. Evelyn. 

She heard of John's accident with equanimity amazing to her hostess, but befitting the parent of six sons who were always knockingthemselves about. Indeed, John was too well launched ever to occupymuch of her thoughts. Her pride was in her big Robert, and her joyin her little Harry, and her care for whichever intermediate oneneeded it most. This one at the moment was of course pretty, frightened, blushing Esther, who was moving about in one maze anddazzle of shyness and strangeness, hardly daring to raise her eyes, but fortunately graceful enough to look her part well in the midst ofher terrors. Such continual mistakes between her and Eleanor weremade, that Cecil was advised to take care that he had the rightbride; but Ellie, though so like her sister outwardly, was of a verydifferent nature, neither shy nor timid, but of the sturdy Friartexture. 

She was very unhappy at the loss of her sister, and had an odd littleconversation with Babie, who showed her to her room, while the restof the world made much of the bride. 

"Ellie, the finery and flummery is to be done in Aunt Ellen'sdressing-room, " explained Babie; "but Essie is to sleep here with youto-night. "

Poor Ellie! her lip quivered at the thought that it was for the lasttime, and she said, bluntly—-

"I didn't want to have come! I hate it all!"

"It can't be helped, " said Barbara. 

"I can't think how you and Aunt Carey could give in to it!"

"It was the real article, and no mistake, " said Babie. 

"Yes; she is as silly about him as possible. A mere fine gentleman!Poor Bobus has more stuff in him than a dozen of him!"

"He is a real, honest, good fellow, " said Babie. "I'm sorry forBobus, but I've known Cecil almost all my life, and I can't have himabused. I do really believe that Essie will be happier with asimple-hearted fellow like him, than with a clever man like Bobus, who has places in his mind she could never reach up to, and lucky forher too, " half whispered Babie at the end. 

"I thought you would have cared more for your own brother. "

"Remember, they all said it would have been wrong. Besides, Cecilhas been always like my brother. You will like him when you knowhim. "

"I can't bear fine folks. "

"They are anything but fine!" cried Babie indignantly. 

"They can't help it. That way of Lord Fordham's, high-breeding Isuppose you call it, just makes me wild. I hate it!"

"Poor Ellie. You'll have to get over it, for Essie's sake. "

"No, I shan't. It is really losing her, as much as Jessie—-"

"Jessie looks worn. "

"No wonder. Jessie was a goose. Mamma told her to marry that oldman, and she just did it because she was told, and now he is alwaysordering her about, and worries and fidgets about everything in thehouse. I wish one's sisters would have more sense and not marry. "

Which sentiment poor Ellie uttered just as Sydney was entering by anunexpected open door into the next room, and she observed, "Exactly!It is the only consolation for not having a sister that she can't goand marry! O Ellie, I am so sorry for you. "

This somewhat softened Ellie, and she was restored to a pitch ofendurance by the time Essie was escorted into the room by both themothers. 

That polished courtesy of Fordham's which Ellie so much disliked hadquite won the heart of her mother, who, having viewed him from adistance as an obstacle in Esther's way, now underwent a revulsion offeeling, and when he treated her with marked distinction, and herdaughter with brotherly kindness, was filled with mingled gratitude, admiration and compunction. 

When, after dinner, Fordham had succeeded in rousing his uncle andthe other two old soldiers out of a discussion on promotion in thearmy, and getting them into the drawing-room, the Colonel came andsat down by his "good little sister" to confide to her, under coverof Sydney's music, that he was very glad his pretty Essie had chosena younger man than her elder sister's husband. 

"Very opinionated is Hood!" he said, shaking his head. "Stuck outagainst Sir James and me in a perfectly preposterous way. "

Caroline was not prepossessed in favour of General Hood, either byhis conversation with herself at dinner, or by the startled way inwhich Jessie sat upright and put on her gloves as soon as he came in;but she did not wish to discuss him with the Colonel, and askedwhether John had gone to bed. 

"Is he not here? I thought he had come in with the young ones? No?then he must have gone to bed. Could Armine or any of them show methe way to his room?-—for I should like to know how the boy reallyis. "

"I doubt if Armine knows which is his room. I had better show you, for he is not unlikely to be lying down in Fordham's sitting-room. Otherwise you must prepare for many stairs. I suppose you know howgallantly he behaved, " she added, as they left the room. 

"Yes, Mrs. Evelyn told me. I am glad he has not lost his athleticsin his London life. I always tell his mother that John is the flowerof the flock. "

"A dear good brave fellow he is. "

"Yes, you have been the making of him, Caroline. If we don't saymuch about it, we are none the less sensible of all you have been toour children. Most generous and disinterested!"

This was a speech to make Caroline tingle all over, and be glad boththat she was a little in advance, and at the door of Fordham's room, where John was not. Indeed, he proved to be lying on his bed, waiting for some one to help him off with his coat, and he wasgratified and surprised to the utmost by his father's visit, for intruth John was the one of all the sons who most loved and honouredhis father. 

If that evening were a whirl, what was the ensuing day, when all whostood in the position of hosts or their assistants were constantly onthe stretch, receiving, entertaining, arranging, presiding overtoilettes, getting people into their right places, saving one anothertrouble. If Mrs. Joseph Brownlow was an invaluable aid to Mrs. Evelyn, Allen was an admirable one to Lord Fordham, for his realtalent was for society, and he had shaken himself up enough to exertit. There might have been an element of tuft-hunting in it, butthere was no doubt that he was doing a useful part. For Robert wasof no use at all, Armine was too much of a mere boy to take the samepart, and John was feeling his injury a good deal more, could onlymanage to do his part as bridegroom's man, and then had to go awayand lie down, while the wedding-breakfast went on. In consequence hewas spared the many repetitions of hearing how he had saved MissEvelyn from a watery grave, and Allen made a much longer speech thanhe would have done for himself when undertaking, on Rob's strenuousrefusal, to return thanks for the bridesmaids. 

That which made this unlike other such banquets, was that no onecould help perceiving how much less the bridegroom was the hero ofthe day to the tenants than was the hectic young man who presidedover the feast, and how all the speeches, however they began inhonour of Captain Evelyn, always turned into wistful good auguriesfor the elder brother. 

There was no worship of the rising sun there, for when Lord Fordham, in proposing the health of the bride and bridegroom, spoke of them asfuture possessors, in the tone of a father speaking of his heirapparent, there was a sub-audible "No, no, " and poor Cecil fairly andflagrantly broke down in returning thanks. 

Fordham's own health had been coupled with his mother's, andcommitted to a gentleman who knew it was to be treated briefly; butthis did not satisfy the farmers, and the chief tenant rose, sayinghe knew it was out of course to second a toast, but he must take theopportunity on this occasion. And there followed some of thatgenuine native heartfelt eloquence that goes so deep, as the praiseof the young landlord was spoken, the strong attachment to him foundexpression, and there were most earnest wishes for his long life, andhappiness like his brother's. 

Poor Fordham, it was very trying for him, and he could only commandhimself with difficulty and speak briefly. He thanked his friendswith all his heart for their kindness and good wishes. Whatevermight be the will of God concerning himself, they had given him oneof the most precious recollections of his life, and he trusted thatwhen sooner or later he should leave them, they would convey the samewarm and friendly feelings to his successor. 

There were so many tears by that time, and Mrs. Evelyn felt so muchshaken, that she made the signal for breaking up. No one was morerelieved than Barbara. She must go to her room to compose herselfbefore she could bear a word from any one, and as soon as she couldgain the back stair, she gathered up her heavy white silk and dashedup, rushing along the gallery so blinded by tears under her veil thatshe would have had a collision if a hand had not been put out as someone drew aside to let her fly past if she wished; but as themechanical "beg pardon" was exchanged, she knew Fordham's voice andpaused. "I was going to look after the wounded Friar, " he said, andthen he saw her tearful eyes, and she exclaimed, "I could not helpit! I could not stay. You would say such things. O, Duke! Duke!"

It was the first time she had used the familiar old name, but she didnot know what she said. He put her into a great carved chair, andknelt on one knee by her, saying, "Poor Rogers, I wish he had let italone. It was hard for my mother and Cecil. "

"Then how could you go on and break all our hearts!" sobbed Babie. 

"It will make a better beginning for Cecil. I want them to learn tolook to him. I thought every one knew that each month I am here islike an extra time granted after notice, and that it was no shock toany one to look forward to that fine young couple. "

"Oh, don't! I can't bear it, " she exclaimed, weeping bitterly. 

"Don't grieve, dearest. I have tried hard, but I find I cannot do mywork as it ought to be done. People are very kind, but I am content, when the time comes, to leave it to one to whom it will not be sucheffort and weariness. This is really one of the most gladsome daysof my life. Won't you believe it?"

"I know unselfish people are happy. "

"And do you know that you are giving me the sweetest drop of all, today?" said Fordham, giving one shy, fervent kiss to the hand thatclasped the arm of the chair just as sounds of ascending steps causedthem to start asunder and go their separate ways. 

CHAPTER XXXVII. THE TRAVELLER'S JOY. 

'Tis true bright hours together told, And blissful dreams in secret shared, Serene or solemn, gay or bold, Still last in fancy unimpaired. Keble. 

To his mother's surprise, Lucas did not betray any discomfiture atSydney's adventure, nor even at John's having, of necessity, beenleft behind for a week at Fordham after all the other guests weregone. All he said was that the Friar was in luck. 

He himself was much annoyed at the despatch he had received fromJapan. Of course there had been much anxiety as to the way in whichBobus would receive the tidings of Esther's engagement; and hismother had written it to him with much tenderness and sympathy. Butinstead of replying to her letter, he had written only to Lucas, soentirely ignoring the whole matter that except for some casualallusion to some other subject, it would have been supposed that hehad not received it. He desired his brother to send him out the restof his books and other possessions which he had left provisionally inEngland; and he likewise sent a manuscript with orders to him to getit published and revise the proofs. It proved to be a dissertationon Buddhism, containing such a bitter attack upon Christianity thatJock was strongly tempted to put it in the fire at once, and hadwritten to Bobus to refuse all assistance in its publication, and toentreat him to reconsider it. He would not telegraph, in order thatthere might be more time to cool down, for he felt convinced thatthis demonstration was a species of revenge, at least so far thatthere was a certain satisfaction in showing what lengths the baffledlover might go to, when no longer withheld by the hope of Esther orby consideration for his mother. 

Jock would have kept back the knowledge from her, but she was toouneasy about Bobus for him not to tell her. She saw it in the samelight, feared that her son would never entirely forgive her, but wenton writing affectionate letters to him all the same, whether heanswered them or not. Oh, what a pang it was that she had nevertried to make the boy religious in his childhood. 

Then she looked at Jock, and wondered whether he would harbour anysuch resentment against her when he came to perceive what she hadseen beginning at Fordham. 

John came back most ominously radiant. It had been very bad weather, and he and Sydney seemed to have been doing a great quantity offretwork together, and to have had much music, only chaperoned by oldSir James, for Fordham had been paying for his exertions at thewedding by being confined to his room. 

He had sent Babie a book, namely, Vaughan's beautiful "SilexScintillans, " full of marked passages, which went to her heart. Sheasked leave to write and thank him, and in return his mother wrote tohers, "Duke is much gratified by the dear Infanta's note. He wouldlike to write to her unless he knows you would not object. "

To which Caroline replied, "Let him write whatever he pleases toBarbara. I am sure it will only be what is good for her. " IndeedBabie had been by many degrees quieter since her return. 

So a correspondence began, and was carried on till after Easter, whenthe whole party came to London for the season. Mrs. Evelyn wishedFordham to be under Dr. Medlicott's eye; also to give Sydney anothersight of the world, and to superintend Mrs. Cecil Evelyn's veryinexperienced debut. 

The young people had made a most exquisitely felicitous tour in theSouth of France and North of Spain, and had come back to a pleasantlittle house, which had been taken for them near the Park. ThereCecil was bent on giving a great house-warming, a full family party. He would have everybody, for he had prevailed to have Fordhamsleeping there while his room in his own house received its finalarrangements; and Caroline had added to Ellen's load of obligation byasking her and the Colonel to come for a couple of nights to beholdtheir daughter dressed for the Drawing-room. 

That would no doubt be a pretty sight, but to others her youngmatronly dignity was a prettier sight still, as she stood in her softdainty white, receiving her guests, the rosy colour a littledeepened, though she knew and loved them all, and Cecil by her side, already having made a step out of his boyhood by force of adorationand protection. 

But their lot was fixed, and they could not be half so interesting toCaroline as the far less beautiful young sister, who could only layclaim to an honest, pleasant, fresh-coloured intelligent face, onlyprevented by an air of high-breeding from being milkmaid-like. Itwas one of those parties when the ingenuity of piercing a puzzle isrequired to hinder more brothers and sisters from sitting togetherthan could be helped. 

So fate or contrivance placed Sydney between the two Johns at thedinner-table, and Mother Carey, on the other side, felt that someindication must surely follow. Yet Sydney was apparently quiteunconscious, and she was like the description in "Rokeby:"—-

 "Two lovers by the maiden sate Without a glance of jealous hate; The maid her lovers sat between With open brow and equal mien; It is a sight but rarely spied, Thanks to man's wrath and woman's pride. "

Were these to awaken? They seemed to be all three talking togetherin the most eager and amiable manner, quite like old times, andJock's bright face was full of animation. She had plenty of time forobservation, for the Colonel liked a good London dinner, and knew heneed not disturb his enjoyment to make talk for "his good littlesister. " Presently, however, he began to tell her that the Gouldsand Elvira had really set out for America, and when her attention wasfree again, she found that Jock had been called in by Fordham toexplain to Essie whether she had, or had not, seen Roncesvalles, while Sydney and John were as much engrossed as ever. 

So it continued all the rest of the dinner-time. Jock was talked toby Fordham, but John never once turned to his other neighbour. Inthe evening, the party divided, for it was very warm, and rather thaninconvenience the lovers of fresh air, Fordham retreated into theinner drawing-room, where there was a fire. He had asked Babie tobring the old numbers of the "Traveller's Joy, " as he had a fancy formaking a selection of the more memorable portions, and having themprivately printed as a memorial of those bright days. Babie andArmine were there looking them over with him, and the former wouldfain have referred to Sydney, but on looking for her, saw she was outamong the flowers in the glass-covered balcony, too much absorbedeven to notice her summons. Only Jock came back with her, and satturning over the numbers in rather a dreamy way. 

The ladies and the Colonel were sent home in Mrs. Evelyn's carriage, where Ellen purred about Esther's happiness and good fortune all theway back. Caroline lingered, somewhat purposely, writing a note thatshe might see the young men when they came back. 

They wished her good-night in their several fashions. 

"Good-night, mother. Well, some people are born with silver spoons!"

"Good-night, mother dear. Don't you think Fordham looks dreadful?"

"Oh, no, Armie; much better than when I came up to town. "

"Good-night, Mother Carey. If those young folks make all theirparties so jolly, it will be the pleasantest house in London! Good-night!"

"Mother, " said Jock, as the cousin, softly humming a tune, sprang upthe stairs, "does the wind sit in that quarter?"

"I am grievously afraid that it does, " she said. 

"It is no wonder, " he said, doctoring the wick of his candle with herknitting-needle. "Did you know it before?"

"I began to suspect it after the accident, but I was not sure; nor amI now. "

"I am, " said Jock, quietly. 

"She is a stupid girl!" burst out his mother. 

"No! there's no blame to either of them. That's one comfort. Shegave me full warning, and he knew nothing about it, nor ever shall. "

"He is just as much a medical student as you! That vexes me. "

"Yes, but he did not give up the service for it, when she imploredhim. "

"A silly girl! O Jock, if you had but come down to Fordham. "

"It might have made no odds. Friar was so aggressively jolly afterhis Christmas visit, that I fancy it was done then. Besides, justlook at us together!"

"He will never get your air of the Guards. "

"Which is preposterously ridiculous in the hospital, " said Jock, endeavouring to smile. "Never mind, mother. It was all up with metwo years ago, as I very well knew. Good-night. You've only got methe more whole and undivided, for the extinction of my will-of-the-wisp. "

She saw he had rather say no more, and only returned his ferventembrace with interest; but Babie knew she was restless and unhappyall night, and would not ask why, being afraid to hear that it wasabout Fordham, who coughed more, and looked frailer. 

He never went out in the evening now, and only twice to the House, when his vote was more than usually important; but Mrs. Evelyn wastaking Sydney into society, and the shrinking Esther needed achaperon much more, being so little aware of her own beauty, that shewas wont to think something amiss with her hair or her dress when shesaw people looking at her. 

Sydney had no love for the gaieties, and especially tried to avoidtheir own county member, who showed signs of pursuing her. Her realdelight and enthusiasm were for the surprise parties, to which shealways inveigled her mother when it was possible. Mrs. Evelyn wasnot by any means unwilling, but Cecil and Esther loved them not, andmuch preferred seeing the Collingwood Street cousins without thethrong of clever people, who were formidable to Esther, and wearisometo Cecil. 

Jock seldom appeared on these evenings. He was working harder thanever. He was studying a new branch of his profession, which he hadmeant to delay for another year, and had an appointment at thehospital which occupied him a great deal. He had offered himself foranother night-school class, and spent his remaining leisure on Dr. And Mrs. Lucas, who needed his attention greatly, though Mrs. Lucashad her scruples, feared that he was overdoing himself, and beggedhis mother to prohibit some of his exertions. Dr. Medlicott himselfsaid something of the same kind to Mrs. Brownlow. "Young men willget into a rush, and suffer for it afterwards, " he said, "and Jock islooking ill and overstrained. I want him to remember that such anillness as he had in Switzerland does not leave a man's heart quiteas sound as before, and he must not overwork himself. "

"And yet I don't know how to interfere, " said his mother. "There arehearts and hearts, you know, " she added. 

"Ah! Work may sometimes be the least of two evils, " and the doctorsaid no more. 

"So Jock will not come, " said Mrs. Evelyn, opening a note declining adinner in Cavendish Square. 

"His time is very much taken up, " said his mother. "It is one of hisclass-nights. "

"So he says. It is a strange question to ask, but I cannot help it. Do you think he fully enters into the situation?"

"I say in return, Do you remember my telling you that the two cousinsalways avoided rivalry?"

"Then he acts deliberately. Forgive me; I felt that unless I wascertain of this virtual resignation of the unspoken hope, I was notacting fairly in allowing-—I cannot say encouraging—-what I cannothelp seeing. "

"Dear Mrs. Evelyn! you understand that it is no slight to Sydney, butyou know why he held back; and now he sees that his absence has maderoom for John, he felt that there was no chance for him, and that themore he can keep out of the way the better it is for all parties. Honest John has never had the least notion that he has come betweenJock and his hopes, and it is our great desire that he should notguess it. "

"Well! what can I say? You are generous people, you and your son;but young folks' hearts will go their own way. I had made up my mindto a struggle with the prejudices of all the family, and I had ratherit had been for Jock; but it can't be helped, and there is not ashadow of objection to the other John. "

"No, indeed! He is only not Jock—-"

"And I do not think my Sydney was knowingly fickle, but she thoughtshe had utterly disgusted and offended Jock by her folly about theselling out, and that it was a failure of influence. Poor child! itwas all a cloud of shame and grief to her. I think he would havedispelled it if he had come to the wedding, but as he did not—-"

"The Adriatic was free, " said Caroline, trying to smile. "I see itall, dear Mrs. Evelyn. I neither blame you nor Sydney; and I trustall will turn out right for my poor boy. "

"He deserves it!" said Mrs. Evelyn with a sigh. 

There was a good deal more intercourse between Cavendish Square andCollingwood Street than Mother Carey had expected. Mrs. Evelyn andher son and daughter fell into the habit of coming, when they wentout for a drive, to see whether Mrs. Brownlow or Barbara would comewith them; and as it was almost avowed that Babie was the object, shealmost always went, and kept Fordham company in the carriage, whilsthis mother and sister were shopping or making calls. He hadcertainly lost much ground in these few weeks; he had ceased to ride, and never went out in the evening; but the doctors still said hemight live for months or years if he avoided another English winter. His mother was taking Sydney into society, and Esther was alwayshappier when under their wing, being rather frightened by theadmiration of which Cecil was so proud. When they went out muchbefore Fordham's bed time, he was thankful for the companionship ofAllen or Armine, generally the former, for Armine was reading hard, and working after lectures for a tutor; while Allen, unfortunately, had nothing to prevent him from looking in whenever Mrs. Evelyn wasout, to play chess, read aloud, or assist in that re-editing of thecream of the "Traveller's Joy, " which seemed the invalid's greatamusement. Fordham had a few scruples at first, and when Allen hadundertaken to come to him for the whole afternoon of a garden-party, he consulted Barbara whether it was not permitting too great asacrifice of valuable time. 

"You don't mean that for irony?" said Babie. "It is only so muchtime subtracted from tobacco. "

"Will you let me say something to you, Infanta?" returned Fordham, with all his gentleness. "It seems to me that you are not alwaysquite kind in your way of speaking of Allen. "

"If you knew how provoking he is!"

"I have a great fellow-feeling for him, having grown up the same sortof helpless being as he has been. I should be much worse in hisplace. "

"Never!" cried Babie. "You would never hang about the house, worrying mother about eating and fiddle-faddles, instead of doing anyone useful thing!"

"But if one can't?"

"I don't believe in can't. "

"Happy person!"

"Oh, Duke, you know I never meant health; you know I did not, " andthen a pang shot across her as she remembered her past contempt ofhim whom she now reverenced. 

"There are other incapacities, " he said. 

"But, " said Babie, half-pleading, half-meditating, "Allen is notstupid. He used to be considered just as clever as Bobus; and he isso now to talk to. Can there be any reason but laziness, and want ofapplication, that makes him never succeed in anything, except inanswering riddles and acrostics in the papers? He generally justbegins things, and makes mother or Armie finish them for him. Hereally did set to work and finish up an article on Count Ugolinosince we came home from Fordham, and he has tried all the periodicalsround, and they won't have it, not even the editors that knowmother!"

"Poor fellow! And you have no pity!"

"Don't you think it is his own fault?"

"It is quite possible that he would have done much better if he hadalways had to work for his livelihood. I grant you that even as arich man he ought to have avoided the desultory ways, which, as yousay, are more likely to have caused his failures than want of nativeability. But I don't like to see you hard upon him. You hardlyrealise how cruelly he has been treated in return for a very deep andgenerous attachment, or how such a grief must make it more difficultfor him to exert his powers. "

"I don't like you to think me hard and unkind, " said Babie, sadly. 

"Only a little over just, " said Fordham. "I am sure you could do agreat deal to help and brighten Allen; and, " he added, smiling, "inthe name of spoilt and shiftless heirs, I hope you will try. "

"Indeed I will, " said Babie earnestly, as the footman at the shopdoor signalled to the coachman that his ladies were ready. 

She found it the less difficult to remember what he had said, becauseAllen himself was much less provoking to her. Something was due tothe influence and example of the strenuous endeavour that Fordhammade to keep up to such duties as he had undertaken, not indeedonerous in themselves, but a severe labour to a man in his state. Ithad been intimated to him also that his saturation with tobacco wasdistressing to his friend, and he was fond enough of him to abstainfrom his solace, except when walking home at night. 

Perhaps this had cleared his senses to perceive habits ofconsideration for the family, which he had never thought incumbent onhimself, whatever they might be in his brothers; and his eyes wereopen, as they had never yet been, to his mother's straits. It waschiefly indeed through his fastidiousness. His mother and Babie hadexisted most of this time upon their Belforest wardrobe; indeed, theformer, always wearing black, was still fairly provided; but Babie, who had not in those days been out, was less extensively orpermanently provided; and Allen objected to the style in which sheappeared in the enamelled carriage, "like a nursery governess out foran airing. "

"Or not so smart, " said Babie, merrily putting on her little blackhat with the heron's plume, and running down stairs. 

"She does not care, " said Allen; "but mother, how can you let her?"

"I can't help it, Allen. We turned out all the old feathers andflowers, to see if I could find anything more respectable; but thingsdon't last in Bloomsbury, and they only looked fit to point a moral, and not at all to adorn a tail or a head. "

"I should think not. But can't the poor child have something fresh, and like other people ?"

No; her uncle had given her bridesmaid's dress, but there had beenexpenses enough connected with the journey to Fordham to drain thedress purse, and the sealskin cap that had been then available couldnot be worn in the sun of June. There had been sundry incidentalcalls for money. Mother Carey had been disappointed in the sale of asomewhat ambitious set of groups from Fouque's "Seasons, " which weredeclared abstruse and uninteresting to the public. She had acceptedan order for some very humble work, not much better than chimneyornaments, for which she rose early, and toiled while Babie was outdriving with her friends. When she had the money for this she wouldbe more at ease, and if it came to a little more than she durstreckon upon, she could venture on some extras. 

"Babie might earn it for herself; she is full of inventions. "

"There is nothing more strongly impressed on me than that thosechildren are not to begin being made literary hacks before they arecome to maturity. One Christmas tale a year is the utmost I ought toallow. "

"I wish I could be a literary hack, or anything else, " sighed poorAllen. 

It was the first time he really let himself understand what a burdenhe was, and as Fordham was one of those people who involuntarilyalmost draw out confidence, he talked it over with him. Allenhimself was convinced, by having really tried, that he was not asavailably clever as others of his family. Whether nature or dawdlingwas to blame, he had neither originality nor fire. He could not gethis plots or his characters to work, even when his mother or Babiejogged them on by remarks: his essays were heavy and unreadable, hisjokes hung fire, and he had so exhausted every one's patience, thatthe translations and small reviewing work which he could have donewere now unattainable. He was now ready to do anything, and heactually meant it, but there seemed nothing for him to do. Mrs. Evelyn succeeded in getting him two pupils, little pickles whom theirsister's governess could not manage, and whom he was to teach for twohours every morning in preparation for their going to school. 

He attended faithfully, but he was not the man to deal with pickles. The mutual aversion with which the connection began, increased uponfurther acquaintance. The boys found out his weak points, and playedtricks, learnt nothing, and made his life a burden to him; and thoughthe lady mother liked him extremely, and could not think why her sonswere so naughty with him, it would not be easy to say which of theparties concerned looked with the strongest sense of relief to theclose of the engagement. 

The time spent with Fordham was, however, the compensation. Therewas sincere liking on both sides, and such helpfulness that Fordhammore than once wished he had some excuse for making Allen hissecretary; and perhaps would have done so if he had really believedsuch a post would be permanent. 

Armine's term likewise ended, and his examination being over withmuch credit, he wished for nothing better than to resume the pursuitshe had long shared with Fordham. He had not Jock's facility informing intimacies with youths of his own age. His development wastoo exclusively on the spiritual and intellectual side to attractordinary lads, and his home gave him sufficient interests outside hisstudies; and thus Fordham was still his sole, as well as hisearliest, friend outside the family. Their intercourse had neverreceived the check that circumstances had interposed between othersof the two families, Armine had spent part of almost all hisvacations with the Evelyns, the correspondence had been a greatsolace to the invalid, and the friendship grew yearly more equal. 

Armine was to join the Evelyn party when they went to the seaside, asthey intended to do on leaving London. It was the fashion to say helooked pale and overworked, but he had really attained to very fairhealth, and was venturing at last to look forward in earnest to aclerical life; a thought that began to colour and deepen all his moreintimate conversations with his friend, who could share with him manyof the reflections matured in the seclusion of ill-health. For theywere truly congenial spirits, and poor Fordham was more experiencedin the lore of suffering and resignation than his twenty-seven yearsseemed to imply. 

Meantime, the work of editing the "Traveller's Joy" was carried on. Some five-and-twenty copies were printed, containing all thefavourite papers—-a specimen from each contributor, from a shockingbad riddle of Cecil's to Dr. Medlicott's commentary upon the myths ofthe nursery; from Armine's original acrostic on the "Rhine andRhone, " down to the "Phantom Blackcock of Kilnaught;" the bestillustrations from Mrs. Brownlow's sketches, and Dr. Medlicott'sclever pen-and-ink outlines were reproduced; and, with much pains andexpense, Fordham had procured photographs of all the marked spots, from Schwarenbach even to Fordham Church, so that Cecil and Estherconsidered it a graceful memorial of their courtship. 

"So very kind of Duke, " they said. 

Esther had quite forgotten all her dread of him, and never washappier than when he was listening to all that had amused her in thegaieties which she liked much better in the past than in the present. 

The whole was finished at last, after many a pleasant discussion andreunion scene, and the books were sent to the binder. Fordham waseager for them to come home, and rather annoyed at some delays whichmade it doubtful whether they would be received before he, with hismother and sister, were to leave town. It was late, and June hadcome in, and the weight of London air was oppressing him and makinghim weaker, and his mother, anxious to get him into sea air, had madeno fresh engagements. It was a surprise to meet him at All Saints onSt. Peter's day. 

"Come with us, Infanta, " he said, pausing at the door of thecarriage. "I am to have my drive early to-day, as the ladies aregoing to this great garden-party. "

Sydney said she would walk home with Mrs. Brownlow, and be taken upwhen Babie was set down. 

Fordham gave the word to go to the binder's. 

"I should have thought you had better have gone into some clearerair, " said his mother, for he looked very languid. 

"There will be time for a turn in the park afterwards, " he said; "andthe books were to be ready yesterday, if there is any faith inbinders. "

The books were ready, and Fordham insisted on having them depositedon the seat beside him, in spite of all offers of sending them; and asmiling—-

"Oh, Duke, your name should have been Babie, " from his mother. 

They then drove to Cecil's house, where Mrs. Evelyn went in to letEsther know her hour of starting; but where Cecil came running down, and putting his head into the carriage, said—-

"Come in, mamma; here's the housemaid been bullying Essie, and shewants you to help her. These two can go round the park bythemselves, can't they ?"

"Those are the most comical pair of children, " said Fordham, laughing, as the carriage moved on. "Will Esther ever make a serenehighness?"

"It is not in her, " said Babie. "It might have been in Jessie, ifher General was not such a horrid old martinet as to hinder thedevelopment; but Essie is much nicer as she is. "

Meantime, Fordham's fingers were on the knot of the string of hisparcel. 

"Oh, you are going to peep in? I am so glad. "

"Since mamma is not here to laugh at me. "

"You'll tell her you did it to please the Babie!"

"There, it is you that are doing it now, " as her vigorous littlefingers plucked far more effectively at the cord than his thin weakones. 

Out came at last one of the choice dark green books, with a clematiswreath stamped on the cover, and it was put into Barbara's lap. 

"How pretty! This is mother's own design for the title-page! Andoh—-how capital! Dr. Medlicott's sketch of the mud baths, with Jockshrinking into a corner out of the way of the fat Grafin! You haveeverything. Here is Armine's Easter hymn!"

"I wished to commemorate the whole range of feeling, " said Fordham. 

"I see; you have even picked out the least ridiculous chapter ofJotapata. I wish some one had sketched you patiently listening tothe nineteen copy-books. It would have been a monument of goodnature. And here is actually Sydney's poem about wishing to havebeen born in the twelfth century:—-

 "Would that I lived in time of faith, When parable was life, When the red cross in Holy Land Led on the glorious strife. Oh! for the days of golden spurs, Of tournament and tilt, Of pilgrim vow, and prowess high, When minsters fair were built; When holy priest the tonsure wore, The friar had his cord, And honour, truth, and loyalty Edged each bold warrior's sword. "

"The solitary poetical composition of our family, " said Fordham, "chiefly memorable, I fear, for the continuation it elicited. "

 "Would that I lived in days of yore, When outlaws bold were rife, The days of dagger and of bowl, Of dungeon and of strife. Oh! for the days when forks were not, On skewers came the meat; When from one trencher ate three foes: Oh! but those times were sweet! When hooded hawks sat overhead, And underfoot was straw Where hounds and beggars fought for bones Alternately to gnaw. "

"That was Jock's, I believe. How furious it did make us. Good oldSydney, she has lived in her romance ever since. "

"Wisely or unwisely. "

"Can it be unwisely, when it is so pure and bright as hers, and givessuch a zest to common things?"

"Glamour sometimes is perplexing. "

"Do you know, Duke, I would sometimes give worlds to think of thingsas I used in those old times. "

"You a world-wearied veteran!"

"Don't laugh at me. It was when Bobus was at home. His common sensemade all we used to care for seem so silly, that I have never beenable to get back my old way of looking at things. "

"I am afraid glamour once dispelled does not return. Yet, after all, truth is the greater. And I am sure that poor Bobus never loosenedmy Infanta's hold on the real truth. "

"I don't know, " she said, looking down; "he or his books made meafraid to think about it, and like to laugh at some things-—no, Inever did before you. You hushed me on the very borders of that kindof flippancy, and so you don't guess how horrid I am, or have been, for you have made things true and real to me again. "

"'Fancy may die, but Faith is there, '" said Fordham. "I think youwill never shut your eyes to those realities again, " he added, gently. "It is there that we shall still meet. And my Infanta willmake me one promise. "

"I would promise you any thing. "

"Never knowingly to read those sneering books, " he said, laying hishand on hers. "Current literature is so full of poisoned shafts thatit may not be possible entirely to avoid them; and there maysometimes be need to face out a serious argument, but you willpromise me never to take up that scoffing style of literature formere amusement?"

"Never, Duke, I promise, " she said. "I shall always see your face, and feel your hand forbidding me. "

Then as he leant back, half in thankfulness, half in weariness, shewent on looking over the book, and read a preface, new to her. 

"I have put these selections together, thinking that to the original'Travellers' it may be a joy to have a memorial of happy days full ofmuch innocent pleasure and wholesome intercourse. Let me hereexpress my warm gratitude for all the refreshments afforded by thefriendships it commemorates, and which makes the name most trulyappropriate. As a stranger and pilgrim whose journey may be near itsclose, let me be allowed thus to weave a parting garland of some ofthe brightest flowers that have bloomed on the wayside, and indedicating the collection to my dear companions and fellow-wanderersin the scenes it records, let me wish that on the highway of lifethat stretches before them, they may meet with many a 'Traveller'sJoy, ' as true as they have been to the Editor. "F----"

Babie, with eyes full of tears, was looking up to speak, when thecarriage, having completed the round, again stopped, and Mrs. Evelyncame down, escorted by Cecil, with hearty thanks. 

"Essie's nice clean, fresh, country notions were scouted by theLondon housemaid, " she said. "I am happy to say the child held herown, though the woman presumed outrageously on her gentleness, andneither of the two had any notion how to get rid of her. "

"Arcadia had no housemaids, " said Fordham, rallying. 

"If not, it must have been nearly as bad as Jock's twelfth century, "said Babie, in the same tone. 

"Ah! I see!" said Mrs. Evelyn, laughing. 

And there was a little playful banter as to which had been theimpatient one to open the parcel, each pretending to persuade herthat it had been a mere yielding to the other. Thus they came toCollingwood Street, where Babie would have taken out her book. 

"No, no, wait, " said Fordham. "I want to write your name in itfirst. I'll send it this evening. Ali and Armie are coming to mewhile these good people are at their Duchess's. "

"Our last gaiety, I am thankful to say, " returned his mother, asBarbara felt a fervent squeeze of the hand, which she knew was meantto remind her of the deeper tone of their conversation. 

It was a very hot day, and in the cool of the evening the two Johnsbeguiled Mrs. Brownlow and Babie into a walk. They had only justcome home when there was a hurried peal at the bell, and Armine, quite pale, dashed up stairs after them. 

"Mother, come directly! I've got a hansom. "

"Fordham?" asked John. 

Armine sighed an affirmative. 

"Allen sent me for mother. He said one of you had better come. It'sa blood-vessel. We have sent for Medlicott, and telegraphed for theothers. But oh! they are so far off!"

Mrs. Brownlow gave Barbara one kiss, and put her into Jock's arms, then sprang into the cab, followed by John, and was driven off. Theother three walked in the same direction, almost unconsciously, asArmine explained more fully. 

Fordham had seemed tired at first, but as it became cooler, hadroused himself, seated himself at his writing-table, and made one byone the inscriptions in the volumes, including all their party oftravellers, even Janet and Bobus; Reeves, who had been their binder, Mrs. Evelyn's maid, and one or two intimate friends-—such as Mr. Ogilvie and his sister-—and almost all had some kind little motto orspecial allusion written below the name, and the date. It had thustaken a long time, and Fordham leant back so weary that Allen wantedhim to leave the addressing of the books, when wrapped up, to him andArmine; but he said there were some he wished to direct himself, andhe was in the act of asking Bobus' right address, when a cough seizedhim, and Allen instantly saw cause to ring for Reeves. The lastthing that Armine had seen was a wave of the hand to hasten his owndeparture, as Allen despatched him for his mother, and gave ordersfor the summoning of others more needed, but who might not be fetchedso promptly. 

Then Jock had time to question whether Barbara ought to go on withhim and Armine to the door, but there was a sound in her "Let me! Imust!" that they could not withstand; and they walked on in absolutesilence, except that Jock said Reeves knew exactly what to do. 

Dr. Medlicott's carriage was at the door, and on their ringing, theywere silently beckoned into the dining-room, where their mother cameto them. She could not speak at first, but the way in which shekissed Barbara told them how it was. All had been over before shereached the house. Dr. Medlicott had come, but could do nothing morethan direct Allen how to support the sufferer as he sank, with butlittle struggle, while a sudden beam of joy and gladness lit up hisface at the last. There had been no word from the first. By thetime the flow of blood ceased, the power of speech was gone, andthere was thus less reason to regret the absence of the nearest anddearest. 

Mrs. Brownlow said she must await their return with Allen, who wasterribly shocked and overcome by this his first and sudden contactwith death. John, too, had better remain for his sister's sake, butthe others had better go home. 

"Yes, my child, you must go, " she said, laying her hand on the coldones of Barbara, who stood white, silent, and stunned by the shock. 

"Oh, don't make me, " said a dull, dreamy, piteous voice. 

"Indeed you must, my dear. It would only add to the pain andconfusion to have you here now. They may like to have you to-morrow. Remember, he is not here. Take her, Jock. Take care of her. "

The coming of Sir James Evelyn at that moment gave Babie the impulseof movement, and Dr. Medlicott hurrying out to offer the use of hiscarriage, made her cling to Jock, and then to sign rather than speakher desire to walk with her brothers. 

Swiftly and silently they went along the streets on that June nightin the throng of carriages carrying people to places of amusement, the wheels surging in their ears with the tramp and scuffle of feeton the pavement like echoes from some far-off world. Now and thenthere was a muffled sound from Armine, but no word was spoken tillthey were within their own door. 

Then Jock saw for one moment Armine's face perfectly writhen withsuppressed grief; but the boy gave no time for a word, hurrying upthe stairs as rapidly as possible to his own room. 

"Will not you go to bed? Mother will come to you there, " said Jockto his sister, who was still quite white and tearless. 

"Please not, " was her entreaty. "Suppose they sent for me!"

He did not think they would, but he let her sit in the dark by theopen window, listening; and he put his arm round her, and said, gently—-

"You are much honoured, Babie. It is a great thing to have held sopure and true a heart, not for time, but eternity. "

"Don't, Jock. Not yet! I can't bear it, " she moaned; but she laidher head on his shoulder, and so rested till he said—-

"If you can spare me, Babie, I think I must see to Armie. He seemedto me terribly overcome. "

"Armine has lost his very best and dearest friend, " she said, pressing her hands together. "Oh yes, go to him! Armie can feel, and I can't! I can only choke!"

Jock apprehended a hysterical struggle, but there only came one longsob like strangulation, and he thought the pent up feeling mightbetter find its course if she were left alone, and he was reallyanxious about Armine, remembering what the loss was to him, that itwas his first real grief, and that he had had a considerable share ofthe first shock of the alarm. 

His soft knock was unheard, and as he gently pushed open the door, hesaw Armine kneeling in the dark with his head bowed over his prayer-desk, and would have retreated, but he had been heard, and Arminerose and came forward. 

The light on the stairs showed a pale, tear-stained face, but calmand composed; and it was in a steady, though hushed, voice that hesaid—-

"Can I be of any use?"

"I am sorry to have disturbed you. I only came to see after you. This is a sore stroke on you, Armie. "

"I can stand it better, now. I have given him up to God as he bademe, " said Armine. "It had been a weary, disappointed, strugglinglife, and he never wished it to last. " The tears were choking him, but they were gentle ones. "He thought it might be like this-—andsoon-—only he hoped to get home first. And I can give thanks forhim, what he has been to me, and what he will be to me all my life. "

"That is right, Armie. John did great things for us all when hecaught the carriage. "

"And how is Babie?"

"Poor child, she seems as if she could neither speak nor cry. It ishalf hysterical, and I was going to get something for her to take. Perhaps seeing you may be good for her. "

"Poor little thing, she is almost his widow, though she scarcelyknows it, " said Armine, coming down with his brother. 

They found Babie still in the same intent, transfixed, watchingstate; but she let Armine draw her close to him, and listened as hetold her, in a low tender voice of the talks he had had with Fordham, who had expressed to his young friend, as to no one else, his ownfeelings as to his state, and said much that he had spared others, who could not listen with that unrealising calmness that comes whensorrow, never yet experienced, is almost like a mere vision. And asBabie listened, the large soft tears began to fall, drop by drop, andthe elder brother's anxiety was lessened. He made them eat and drinkfor one another's sake, and watched over them with a care that wasalmost parental, till at nearly half-past twelve o'clock the otherthree came home. 

They said Mrs. Evelyn had come fully prepared by the telegram, andunder an inexplicable certitude which made it needless to speak theword to her. She was thankful that Marmaduke had been spared theprotracted weeks of struggle in which his elder brothers' lives hadclosed, and she said—-

"We knew each other too well to need last words. "

Indeed she was in the exalted state that often makes the earlierhours and days of bereavement the least distressing, and Sydney wasabsorbed in the care of her. Neither had been nearly so muchovercome as Cecil and Esther, who had been hunted up with difficulty. He seemed to be as much shocked and horrified as if his brother hadbeen in the strongest possible health; and poor Esther felt it wickedand unfeeling to have been dancing, and cried so bitterly that theunited efforts of her aunt and brother could not persuade her thatwhat was done in simple duty and obedience need give no pang, andthat Mrs. Evelyn never thought of the incongruity. 

It was only her husband's prostration with grief and desolation thatdrew her off, to do her best with her pretty childish caresses andsoothings; and when the two had been sent to their own home, Mrs. Evelyn was so calm that her friend felt she might be left with herdaughter for the night, and returned, bringing her tender love to"Our Babie, " as she called the girl. 

She clung very much to Barbara in the ensuing days. The presence ofevery one seemed to oppress her except that of her own children, andthe two youngest Brownlows, for had not Armine been the depository ofall Fordham's last messages? What she really seemed to return to asa refreshment after each needful consultation with Sir James on thedreary tasks of the mourners, was to finish the packing of those"Traveller's Joys" which lay strewn about Fordham's sitting-room, open at the fly leaves, that the ink might dry. 

Esther was very gentle and sweet, taking it quite naturally thatBabie should be a greater comfort to her mother-in-law than herself;and content to be a very valuable assistant herself, for the stimulusmade her far more capable than she had been thought to be. Shemanaged almost all the feminine details, while Sir James attended tothe rest. She answered all the notes, and wrote all the letters thatdid not necessarily fall on her husband and his mother; and herunobtrusive helpfulness made her a daughter indeed. 

All the young men went to the funeral; but Mrs. Brownlow felt that itwas a time for friends to hold back till they were needed, whenrelations had retreated; so she only sent Babie, whom Mrs. Evelyn andSydney could not spare, and she followed after three weeks, whenAllen was released from his unwelcome work. 

She found Mrs. Evelyn feeling it much more difficult to keep up thanit had been at first, now that she sorely missed the occupation ofher life. For full twenty years she had had an invalid on her mind, and Cecil's marriage had made further changes in her life. It wasnot the fault of the young couple. They did not love their newhonours at all. Apart from their affection, Cecil hated trouble andresponsibility, and could not bear to shake himself out of hisgroove, and Esther was frightened at the charge of a large household. Their little home was still a small paradise to them, and theyimplored their mother to allow things to go on as they were, andCecil continue in the Guards, while she reigned as before at Fordham;letting the Cavendish Square house, which Essie viewed with a certainnervous horror. 

Mrs. Evelyn had so far consented that the change need not be made forat least a year. Her dower house was let, and she would remain asmistress of Fordham till the term was over, by which time the youngLady Fordham might have risen to her position, and her Lord be lessunwilling to face his new cares. 

"And they will be always wanting me to take the chair, " said he, in adeplorable voice that made the others laugh in spite of themselves;and he was so grateful to his mother for staying in his house, andletting him remain in his regiment, that he seemed to have quiteforgotten that the power was in his own hands. 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE TRUST FULFILLED. 

You know, my father left me some prescriptionsOf rare and prov'd effects, such as his reading, And manifest experience, had collectedFor general sovereignty; and that he will'd meIn heedfullest reservation to bestow them, As notes, whose faculties inclusive were, More than they were in note. All's Well that Ends Well. 

Another year had come and gone, with its various changes, and themother of the Collingwood Street household felt each day that theshort life of Marmaduke Viscount Fordham had not been an unimportantone to her children. 

It had of course told the most on Barbara. Her first great griefseemed to have smoothed out the harsher lines of her character, andmade her gentle and tolerant as she had never been; or more truly, she had learnt charity at a deeper source. That last summer hadlifted her into a different atmosphere. What she had shared withFordham she loved. She had felt the reality of the invisible worldto him, and knew he trusted to her meeting his spirit there even inthis life, and the strong faith of his mother had strengthened theimpression. 

 Heavenly things had seemed more true, And came down closer to her view, now that his presence was among them. She had by no means lost hervivacity. There would always be a certain crispness, drollery, andkeenness about her, and she had too much of her mother's elasticityto be long depressed; but instead of looking on with impatientcriticism at good works, she had learnt to be ardent in the cause, and she was a most effective helper. To Armine, it was as if Fordhamhad given him back the sister of his childhood to be as thoroughlyone in aims and sympathies as ever, but with a certain clearness ofeye, brisk alacrity of execution, and quickness of judgment that madeher a valuable assistant, the complement, as it were, of his morecontemplative nature. 

He had just finished his course at King's College, and taken a fairdegree, and he was examining advertisements, with a view to obtainingsome employment in teaching that would put a sufficient sum in hishands to enable him to spend a year at one of the theologicalcolleges, in preparation for Ordination. His mother was not happyabout it, she never would be quite easy as to Armine's roughing it atany chance school, and she had much rather he had spent theintervening year in working as a lay assistant to Mr. Ogilvie, whohad promised to give him a title for Orders, and would direct hisreading. 

Armine, however, said he could neither make himself Mr. Ogilvie'sguest for a year, nor let his mother pay his expenses; also that hewished to do something for himself, and that he felt the need ofdefinite training. All he would do, was to promise that if he shouldfind himself likely to break down in his intended employment oftuition, he would give up in time and submit to her plan of boardinghim at St. Cradocke's. 

"But, " as he said to Babie, "I don't think it is self-will to feelbound to try to exert myself for the one great purpose of my life. I am too old to live upon mother any longer. "

"How I do wish I could do anything to help you to the year at C---—. Mother has always said that she will let me try to publish 'Hart's-tongue Well' when I am twenty-one!"

"Living on you instead of mother?"

"Oh no, Armie, you know we are one. Though perhaps a mere story likethat is not worthy to do such work. Yet I think there must besomething in it, as Duke cared for it. "

"That would be proof positive but for the author, " said Armine, smiling; "but poor Allen's attempts have rather daunted my literaryhopes. "

"I really believe Allen would write better sense now, if he tried, "said Babie. "I believe Lady Grose is making something of him!"

"Without intending it, " said Armine, laughing. 

"No; but you see snubbing is wholesome diet, if it is taken with afew grains of resolution, and he has come to that now!"

For Allen had continued not only to profess to be, but to be willingto do anything to relieve his mother, and Dr. Medlicott had, withmuch hesitation and doubt, recommended him for what was called asecretaryship to a paralytic old gentleman, who had been, in his ownestimation, eminent both in the scientific and charitable worlds, andstill carried on his old habits, though quite incapable. It reallywas, as the Doctor honestly told Allen, very little better than beinga male humble companion, for though old Sir Samuel Grose was fussyand exacting from infirmity, he was a gentleman; but he had marriedlate in life a vulgar, overbearing woman, who was sure to showinsolent want of consideration to anyone she considered her inferior. To his surprise, Allen accepted the situation, and to his stillgreater surprise, endured it, walking to Kensington every day byeleven o'clock, and coming home whenever he was released, at an hourvarying from three to eleven, according to my Lady's will. He becameattached to the old man, pitied him, and did his best to satisfy hismany caprices and to deal with his infirmities of brain and memory;but my Lady certainly was his bete noire, though she behaved a gooddeal better to him after she had seen him picked up in the park byLady Fordham's carriage. However, he made light of all he underwentfrom her, and did not break down even when it was known that thoughpoor George Gould had died at New York, his widow showed no intentionof coming home, and wrote confidently to her step-daughters of Elviramarrying her brother Gilbert. She was of age now, there was nothingto prevent her, and they seemed to be only waiting for a decentinterval after her uncle's death. Allen, a couple of years ago, would have made his mother and all the family as wretched as hecould, and would have dropped all semblance of occupation butsmoking. Now Lady Grose would not let him smoke, and Sir Samuelrequired him to be entertaining; but the continual worry he wasbearing was making him look so ill that his mother was very anxiousabout him. She had other troubles. It was eighteen months sinceJanet Hermann had drawn her allowance. Her husband once had writtenin her name, saying that she was ill, but Mr. Wakefield had sent anorder payable only on her signature, and it had never beenacknowledged or presented! Could Janet be living? Or could she bein some such fitful state of prosperity as to be able to disregard£25?

Her mother spent many anxious thoughts and prayers on her, though theyounger ones seemed to have almost forgotten her, so long it wassince she had been a part of their family life. Nor did Bobus answerhis mother's letters, though he continued to write fully and warmlyto Jock. As to the MS. , he said he had improved upon it, and hadsent a fresh one to a friend who would have none of the scruples ofwhich physical science ought to have cured Jock. It came out in areview, but without his name, and though it was painful enough to allwho cared for him, it had been shorn of several of the worst and mostvirulent passages; so that Jock's remonstrance had done some good. 

Jock himself had come into possession of £200, and the like sum hadbeen left to his mother by their good old friends the Lucases, whohad died, as it is given to some happy old couples to leave thisworld, within three days of one another. 

The other John, in the last autumn, had taken both his degrees atOxford and in London with high credit, and had immediately afterobtained one of those annual appointments in his hospital which arebestowed upon the most distinguished of the students, to enable themto gain more experience; but as it did not involve residence, hecontinued to be one of the family in Collingwood Street. However, inthe early spring, a slight hurt to his hand festered so as to makethe doctors uneasy, and his sister set her heart on taking him toFordham for Easter, for a more thorough rest than could be had atKencroft, while the younger ones were having measles. 

John, however, had by this time learnt enough of his own feelings todelay consent till he had written to ask Mrs. Evelyn whether sheabsolutely objected to his entertaining any future hopes of Sydney, when he should have worked his way upward, as his recent success gavehim hopes of doing in time. 

Sydney's fortune was not overpowering. £10, 000 was settled on eachof the younger children, and it had only been Fordham's liberality intreating Cecil as his eldest son, that had brought about his earlymarriage. Thus she was no such heiress that her husband would beobliged to feel as if he were living on her means, or that exertioncould be dispensed with, and thus, though he must make his way beforehe could marry, there was no utter inequality for one who brought ahigh amount of trained ability and industry. 

Mrs. Evelyn could only answer as she would once have answered Jock, and on these terms he went. In the meantime Sydney had rejected thehonourable young rector of the next parish, and was in the course ofadministering rebuffs to the county member, who was so persuaded thathe and Miss Evelyn were the only fit match for one another, that noimplied negative was accepted by him. Her brother, whom he wascoaching in his county duties, was far too much inclined to bring himhome to luncheon; and in the clash and crisis, without any one'squite knowing how it happened, it turned out that Mrs. Evelyn hadbeen so imprudent as to sanction an attachment between her daughterand that great lout of a young doctor, Lady Fordham's brother! Notonly the M. P. , but all the family shook the head and bemoaned theconnection, for though it was to be a long engagement and a greatsecret, everybody found it out. Lucas had long made up his mind thatso it would end, and told his mother that it was a relief the crisishad come. He put a good face on it, wrung his cousin's hand with thegrasp of a Hercules, observed "Well done, old Monk, " and then madethe work for his final examination a plea for being so incessantlyoccupied as to avoid all private outpourings. And if he had verylittle flesh on his bones, it was hard work and anxiety about hisexamination. 

That final ordeal was gone through at last; John Lucas Brownlow was, like his cousin, possessor of a certificate of honour and a medal, and had won both his degrees most brilliantly. He had worked thehardest and had the most talent, and his achievement was perhaps themost esteemed because of his lack of the previous training that Friarhad brought from Oxford. Professors and physicians wrote his mothernotes to express their satisfaction at the career of their oldfriend's son, and Dr. Medlicott came to bring her a whole bouquet ofgratifying praise and admiration from all concerned with him, rangingfrom the ability of his prize essay to the firm delicacy of his hand;and backed up by the doctor's own opinion of the blameless conductand excellent influence of both the cousins. And now Dr. Medlicottdeclared he must have a good rest and holiday, after the long strainof hard toil and study. 

It came like a dream to Caroline that the conditions imposed by herhusband fifteen years before, when Lucas was a mischievous imp of aSkipjack, had been thus completely worked out, not only theintellectual, but the moral and religious terms being thus fulfilled. 

The two cousins had come home to dinner in high spirits at thevarious kind things that had been said to, and of, Jock, anddiscussing the various suggestions for the future that had been madeto them. They thought Mother Carey strangely silent, but when theyrose she called her son into the consulting room, as she still termedit. 

"My dear, " she said, "this slate will tell you why this is the momentI have looked forward to from the time your dear father was takenfrom us with his work half done. He had been working out adiscovery. He was sure of it himself, but none of the faculty wouldbelieve in it or take it up. Even Dr. Lucas thought it was a craze, and I believe it can only be tested by risky experiments. All thathe had made out is in this book. You know he could not speak forthat dreadful throat. This is what he wrote. I copied it again, putting in my answers lest it should fade, but these are his verywords, and that is my pledge. Magnum Bonum was our playful pet namefor it between ourselves. 

"'I promise to keep the Magnum Bonum a secret, till the boys aregrown up, and then only to confide it to the one that seems fittest, when he has taken his degree, and is a good, religious, wise, ableman, with brains and balance, fit to be trusted to work out and applysuch an invention, and not make it serve his own advancement, but bea real good and blessing to all. ' And oh, Jock, " she added, "am Inot thankful that after all it should have come about that you shouldfulfil those conditions. "

"Did you not once mean it for John?" said Jock, hastily looking up. 

"Yes, when I thought that hateful money had turned you all aside. "

"Then I think he ought to share this knowledge. "

"I thought you would say so, but it is your first right. "

"Perhaps, " said Jock. "But he is superior in his own line to me. Hegave himself up to this line of his own free will, not like me, as aresource. And moreover, if it should bring any personal benefit, asan accident, it would be more important to him than to me. And theseother conditions he fulfils to the letter. Mother, let me fetchhim. "

She kissed his brow by way of answer, and a call brought John intothe room. The explanation was made, and John said, "If you think itright, Aunt Caroline. No one can quite fulfil the conditions, buttwo may be better than one. "

"Then I will leave you to read it together, " she said, after pointingthem to the solemn words in the first page. "Oh, you cannot thinkhow glad I am to give up my trust. "

She went upstairs to the drawing-room, and about half an hour hadpassed in this way, when Jock came to the door, and said, "Mother, would you please to come down. "

It was a strange, grave voice in which he spoke, and when she reachedthe room, they set Allen's most luxurious chair for her, but shestood trembling, reading in their faces that there was something theyhesitated to tell her. They looked at one another as if to ask whichshould do it, and a certain indignation and alarm seized on her. "You believe in it!" she cried, as if she suspected them ofdisloyalty. 

"Most entirely!" they both exclaimed. 

"It is a great discovery, " added Jock, "but-—"

"But, " said John, as he hesitated, "it has been worked out within thelast two years. "

"Not Dr. Hermann!" she cried. 

"No, indeed!" said Jock. "Why?"

"Because poor Janet overheard our conversation, and obtained a sightof the book. It was her ambition. I believe it was fatal to her. She may have caught up enough of the outline to betray it. Jock, youremember that scene at Belforest?"

"I do, " said Jock; "but this is not that scoundrel. It is Ruthven, who has worked it out in a full and regular way. It is making aconsiderable sensation though it has scarcely yet come into use as amode of treatment. Mother, do not be disappointed. It will be theblessing that my father intended, all the sooner for not being in thehands of two lads like us, whom all the bigwigs would scout!"

"And what I never thought of before, " said John. "You know we are sooften asked whether we belong to Joseph Brownlow, that one forgets tomention it every time; but that day, when Dr. Medlicott took me tothe Westminster hospital, we fell in with Dr. Ruthven, and after theusual disappointment on finding I was only the nephew and not theson, he said, 'Joseph Brownlow would have been a great man if he hadlived. I owe a great deal to a hint he once gave me?'"

"He ought to see these notes, " said Jock. "It strikes me that thereis a clue here to that difficulty he mentions in that published paperof his. "

"You ought to show it to him, " said John. 

"You ought, " said Jock. 

"Do you know much about him?" asked Mother Carey. "I don't think Iever saw him, though I know his name. A fashionable physician, is henot?"

"A very good man, " said John. "A great West-end swell just come tobe the acknowledged head in his own line. I suppose it is just whatmy uncle would have been ten years ago, if he had been spared. "

"May we show it to him, mother?" said Jock. "I should think he wasquite to be trusted with it. I see! I was reading an account ofthis method of his to Dr. Lucas one day, and he was much interestedand tried to tell me something about my father; but it was after hisspeech grew so imperfect, and he was so much excited and distressedthat I had to lead him away from the subject. "

"Yes, Dr. Lucas's incredulity made all the difference. How old isDr. Ruthven, John?"

"A little over forty, I should say. He may have been a pupil of myuncle's. "

After a little more consultation, it was decided that John shouldwrite to Dr. Ruthven that his cousin had some papers of his father'swhich he thought the Doctor might like to see, and that they wouldbring them if he would make an appointment, And so the Magnum Bonum was no longer a secret, a burden, and acharge!

It was not easy to tell whether she who had so long been itsdepositary felt the more lightened or disappointed. She had reckonedmore than she knew upon the honour of the discovery being connectedwith the name of Brownlow, and she could not quite surmount thefeeling that Dr. Ruthven had somehow robbed her husband, though herbetter sense accepted and admired the young men's argument that suchdiscoveries were common property, and that the benefit to the worldwas the same. 

Allen was a good deal struck when he understood the matter. He saidit explained a good deal to him which the others had been too youngto observe or remember both in the old home and afterwards. 

"One wonderful part of it is how you kept the secret, and Janet too!"he said. "And you must often have been sorely tempted. I rememberbeing amused at your disappointment and her indignation when I said Ididn't see why a man was bound to be a doctor because his father wasbefore him; and I suppose if Bobus or I had taken to it, this Ruthvenneed not have been beforehand with us!"

"It would have been transgressing the conditions to hold it out toyou. "

"I don't imagine I could have done it any way, " said Allen, sighing. "I never can enter into the taste the others have for that style ofthing; but Bobus might have succeeded. You must have expected it ofhim, at the time when he and I used to laugh at what we thought was amonomania on your part for our taking up medical science as a tributeto ourfather, when we did not need it as a provision. "

"You see, if any of you had taken up the study from pure philan-thropy, as some people do—-well, at any rate in George Macdonald'snovels-—it would have been the very qualification. But I had littlehope from the time that the fortune came. I dreamt the first nightthat Midas had turned the whole of you to gold statues, and that Iwas wandering about like the Princess Paribanou to find the MagnumBonum to disenchant you. "

"It has come pretty true, " said Allen thoughtfully, "that inheritancedid us all a great deal of mischief. "

"And it took a greater magnum bonum, a maximum bonum, to disenchantus, " said Armine. 

"Which I fear did not come from me, " said his mother, "and I am mostgrateful to the dear people who applied it to you. I wish I saw myway to the disenchantment of the other two!"

"I suppose you quite despaired till John took his turn in thatdirection, " said Allen. "Bobus could really have done better thanany of us, I fancy, but he would not have fulfilled the religiouscondition, as sine qua non. "

"Bobus is not really cleverer than Jock, " said Armine. 

"Yet the Skipjack seemed the most improbable one of all, " said hismother. "I wish he were not deprived of it, after all!"

"Perhaps he is not, " said Armine. "He told me he had been comparingthe MS. Notes with Dr. Ruthven's published paper, and he thought myfather saw farther into the capabilities. "

"Well, he will do right with it. I am thankful to leave it in suchhands as his and the Monk's. "

"Then it was this, " continued Allen, "that was the key to poorJanet's history. I suppose she hoped to qualify herself when she wasmadly set on going to Zurich. "

"Though I told her I could never commit it to her; but she knew justenough to make that wretched man fancy it a sort of quack secret, andhe managed to persuade her that he had real ability to pursue thediscovery for her. Poor Janet! it has been no magnum bonum to her, Ifear. If I could only know where she is. "

A civil, but not a very eager note came in reply to John from Dr. Ruthven, making the appointment, but so dispassionately that he mightfairly be supposed to expect little from the interview. 

However, they came home more than satisfied. Perhaps in the interimDr. Ruthven had learnt what manner of young men they were, and thehonours they had won, for he had received them very kindly, and hadtold them how a conversation with Joseph Brownlow had put him on thescent of what he had since gradually and experimentally worked out, and so fully proved to himself, that he had begun treatment on thatbasis, and with success, though he had only as yet brought a portionof his fellow physicians to accept his system. 

Lucas had then explained as much as was needful, and shown him thenotes. He read with increasing eagerness, and presently they saw hisface light up, and with his finger on the passage they had expected, he said, "This is just what I wanted. Why did I not think of itbefore?" and asked permission to copy the passage. 

Then he urged the publication of the notes in some medical journal, showing true and generous anxiety that honour should be given wherehonour was due, and that his system should have the support of a namenot yet forgotten. Further, he told his visitors that they wouldhear from him soon, and altogether they came home so much gratifiedthat the mother began to lose her sense of being forestalled. Shewas hard at work in her own way on a set of models for dinner-tableornaments which had been ordered. "Pot-boilers" had unfortunatelymuch more success than the imaginary groups she enjoyed. 

Therefore she stayed at home and only sent her young people on acommission to bring her as many varieties of foliage and seed-vesselsas they could, when Jock and Armine spent this first holiday ofwaiting in setting forth with Babie to get a regular good countrywalk, grumbling horribly that she would not accompany them. 

She was deep in the moulding of a branch of chestnut, which carriedher back to the first time she saw those prickly clusters, on thatday of opening Paradise at Richmond, with Joe by her side, then stillMr. Brownlow to her, Joe, who had seemed so much closer to her sidein these last few days. The Colonel might call Armine the most likeJoe, and say that Jock almost absurdly recalled her own soldier-father, Captain Allen, but to her, Jock always the most brought backher husband's words and ways, in a hundred little gestures andpredilections, and she had still to struggle with her sense of injurythat he should not be the foremost. 

The maid came up with two cards: Dr. And Mrs. Ruthven. This wasspeedy, and Caroline had to take off her brown holland apron, andwash her hands, while Emma composed her cap, in haste and not verygood will, for she could not but think them her natural enemies, though she was ready to beat herself for being so small and nasty"when they could not help it, poor things. "

However, Mrs. Ruthven turned out to be a pleasant lively table d'hoteacquaintance of six or seven years ago in her maiden days, and herdoctor an agreeable Scotsman, who told Mrs. Brownlow that he had beenhere on several evenings in former days, and did not seem at all hurtthat she did not remember him. He seemed disappointed that neitherof the young men was at home, and inquired whether they had anythingin view. "Not definitely, " she said, and she spoke of some of thevarious counsels Dr. Medlicott and others had given them. 

In the midst she heard that peculiar dash with which the Fordhamcarriage always announced itself. Little Esther might be ever somuch a Viscountess, but could she ever cease to be shy? In spite ofher increasing beauty and grace, she was not a success in society, for the ladies said she was slow; she had no conversation, and nodash or rattle to make up for it, and nothing would ever teach her tolike strangers. They were only so many disturbances in the way ofher enjoyment of her husband and her baby; and when she could nothave the former to go out driving with her, she always came andbesought for the company of Aunt Caroline and Babie; above all, whenshe had any shopping to do. She knew it was very foolish, but shecould never be happy in encountering shop people, and she wantedstrong support and protection to prevent herself from being made alay figure by urgent dressmakers. Her home only gave her help andcompany on great occasions, for Eleanor persisted in objecting tofine people, was determined against attracting another guardsman, andprivately desired her sister to abstain from inviting her. Essie wasaware that this was all for the sake of a certain curate at St. Kenelm's, and left Ellie to carry out her plan of passive resistance, becoming thus the more dependent on her aunt's family. 

In she came, too graceful and courteous for strangers to detect theshock their presence gave her, but much relieved to see them depart. Her husband was on guard, and she had a whole list of commissions formamma, which would be much better executed without him. Moreover, baby must have a new pelisse and hat for the country, and might notshe have little stockings and shoes, in case she should want to walkbefore the return to London?

As little Alice was but four months old, and her father's leave wasonly for three months, this did not seem a very probable contingency, but Mother Carey was always ready for shopping. She had never quiteoutgrown the delight of the change from being a penniless schoolgirl, casting wistful fleeting glances at the windows where happiermaidens might enter and purchase. 

Then there was to be a great review in two days' time, Cecil would bewith his regiment, and Esther wanted the whole family to go with her, lunch with the officers, and have a thorough holiday. Cecil had senta message that Jock must come to have the cobwebs swept out of hisbrain, and see his old friends before he got into harness again. Itwas a well-earned holiday, as Mother Carey felt, accepting it witheager pleasure, for all who could come, though John's power of sodoing must be doubtful, and there was little chance of a day beinggranted to Allen. 

In going out with her niece, Caroline's eye had fallen on an envelopeamong the cards on the hall table, ambiguously addressed to "J. Brownlow, Esq. , M. B. , " and on her return home she was met at the doorby Jock with a letter in his hand. 

"So Dr. Ruthven has been here, " he said, drawing her into theconsulting-room. 

"Yes. I like him rather. He seems to wish to make any amends in hispower. "

"Amends! you dear old ridiculous mother! Do you call this amends?"holding up the letter. "He says now this discovery is getting knownand he has a name for the sort of case, his practice is outgrowinghim, and he wants some one to work with him who may be up to thisparticular matter, and all he has heard of us convinces him that hecannot do better than propose it to whichever of us has no otherdesigns. "

"Very right and proper of him. It is the only thing he can do. Isuppose it would be the making of one of you. Ah!" as she glancedover the letter. "He gives the preference to you. "

"He was bound to do that, but I think he would prefer the Monk. I wonder whether you care very much about my accepting the offer. "

"Would this house be too far off?"

"I don't know his plans enough to tell. That was not what I wasthinking of, but of what it would save her. Essie said she was notlooking well; and no doubt waiting is telling on her, just as hermother always feared it would. "

"John has just not had the forbearance you have shown!"

"That is all circumstance. There was the saving her life, andafterwards the being on the spot when she was tormented about theother affair. He has no notion of having cut me out, and I trust henever will. "

"No, I do him that justice. "

"Then he has the advantage of me every way, out and out in looks andUniversity training; and it was to him that Ruthven first took afancy. "

"You surpassed him in your essay, and in--. 

"Oh, yes, yes, " interrupted Jock hastily, "but you see work was myrefuge. I had nothing to call me off. Besides, I have my share ofyour brains, instead of her Serenity's; but that's all the morereason, if you would listen to me. Depend upon it, Ruthven, if heknew all, would much prefer the connection John would have, and shewould bring means to set up directly. "

"I suppose you will have it so, " replied she, looking up to himaffectionately. 

"I should like it, " he said. "It is the one thing for them, andwaiting might do her infinite harm; the dear old Monk deserves itevery way. Remember how it all turned on his desperate race. Ifyour comfort depended on my taking it, that would come first. "

"Oh, no. "

"But there is sure to turn up plenty of other work without leavingyou, " he continued. "I don't fancy getting involved in West-endpractice among swells, and not being independent. I had rather seewhether I can't work out this principle further, devoting myself toreading up for it, and getting more hospital experience to go upon. "

"I dare say that is quite right. I know it is like your father, andindeed I shall be quite content however you decide. Only might itnot be well to see how it strikes John, before you absolutely make itover to him?"

"You are trying to be prudent against the grain, Mother Carey. "

"Trying to see it like your uncle. Yes, exactly as if I were tryingto forestall his calling me his good little sister. "

"I don't know what he would call me, " said Jock, "for at the bottomis a feeling that, after reading my father's words, I had rather not, if I can help it, begin immediately to make all that materialadvantage out of 'Magnum Bonum' as you call it. "

"Well, my dear, do as you think right; I trust it all to you. It issure to turn out the right sort of 'Magnum Bonum' to you—-"

The Monk's characteristic ring at the bell was heard, and the letterwas, without loss of time, committed to him, while both mother andson watched him as he gathered up the sense. 

"Well, this is jolly!" was his first observation. "Downrighthandsome of Ruthven!" and then as the colour rose a little in hisface, "Just the thing for you, Jock, home work, which is exactly whatyou, want. "

"I'm not sure about that, " said Jock; "I don't want to get into thatkind of practice just yet. It is fitter for a family man. "

"And who is a family man if you are not?" said John. "Wasn't it thevery cause of your taking this line?"

"There's a popular prejudice in favour of wives, rather thanmothers, " said Jock. "I should have said you were more likely tofulfil the conditions. "

"Oh!" and there was a sound in that exclamation that belied thesequel, "that's just nonsense! The offer is to you primarily, and itis your duty to take it. "

"I had much rather you did, and so had Dr. Ruthven. I want more timefor study and experience, and have set my heart on some scientificappointment-—"

"Come now, my good fellow-—why, what are you laughing at?"

"Because you are such a good imitation of your father, my dearJohnny, " said his aunt. 

"It is just what my father would say, " returned John, taking this asa high compliment; "it would be very foolish of Lucas to give up acertainty for this just because of his Skipjack element, whichdoesn't want to get into routine harness. Now, don't you think so, Mother Carey?"

"_If_ I thought it _was_ the Skipjack element, " she said, smiling. 

"If it is not, " he said, the colour now spreading all over his face, "I am all the more bound not to let him give up all his prospects inlife. "

"_All_ my prospects! My dear Monk, do you think they don't go beyonda brougham, and unlimited staircases?"

"I only know, " cried John, nettled into being a little off his guard, "that what you despise would be all the world to me!"

The admission was hailed triumphantly, but the Kencroft nature wastoo resolute, and the individual conscience too generous, to bebrought round to accept the sacrifice, which John estimated at thevalue of the importance it was to himself, viewing what was real inLucas's distaste, as mere erratic folly, which ought to be argueddown. Finally, when the argument had gone round into at least itsfiftieth circle, Mother Carey declared that she would have no more ofit. Lucas should write a note to Dr. Ruthven, accepting his proposalfor one or other of them, and promising that he should know which, inthe course of a few days; so that John, if he chose, could write tohis father or _anyone_ else. Meantime there was to be no allusion to"the raid of Ruthven" till the day of the review was over. It was tobe put entirely off the tongue, if not out of the head!

And the two young doctors were weary enough of the subject to rejoicein obedience to her. 

The day was perfect except that poor Allen was pinned fast by histyrant, all the others gave themselves up to the enjoyment of themoment. They understood the sham fight, and recognised all thecorps, with Jock as their cicerone, they had a good place at themarching past, and Esther had the crowning delight of an excellentview of Captain Viscount Fordham with his company, and at theluncheon. Jock received an absolutely affectionate welcome from hisold friends, who made as much of his mother and sister for his sake, as they did of the lovely Lady Fordham for her husband's, findingthem, moreover, much more easy to get on with. 

CHAPTER XXXIX. THE TRUANT. 

The bird was sitting in his cage And heard what he did say;He jumped upon the window sill, "'Tis time I was away. " Ballad. 

There is a young lady in the drawing-room, ma'am, " said the maid, looking rather puzzled and uncertain, on the return of the party fromthe review. 

"A stranger? How could you let her in?" said John. 

At that moment a face appeared at the top of the stairs, a face setin the rich golden auburn that all knew so well, and half way up, Mrs. Brownlow was clasped by a pair of arms, and there was a cry, "Mother Carey, Mother Carey, I'm come home!"

"Elvira! my dear child! When-—how did you come?"

"From the station, in a cab. I made her let me in, but I thought youwere never coming back. Where's Allen?"

"Allen will come in by-and-by, " said the astonished Mother Carey, whohad been dragged into the drawing-room, where Elvira embraced Babie, and grasped the hands of the others. 

"Oh, it is so nice, " she cried, then nestling back to Mother Carey. 

"But where did you come from? Are you alone?"

"Yes, quite alone, Janet would not come with me after all. "

"Janet, my dear! Where is she?"

"Oh, not here-—at Saratoga, or at New York. I thought she was comingwith me, but when the steamer sailed she was not there, only therewas a note pinned to my berth. I meant to have brought it, but itgot lost somehow. "

"Where did you see her?"

"At the photographer's at Saratoga. I should never have come if shehad not helped me, but she said she knew you would take me home, andshe wrote and took my passage and all. She said if I did not findyou, Mr. Wakefield would know where you were, but I did so want toget home to you! Please, may I take off my things; I don't want tobe such a fright when Allen comes in. "

It was all very mysterious, but Elvira must be much altered indeed ifher narrative did not come out in an utterly complicated and detachedmanner. She was altered certainly, for she clung most affectionatelyto Mother Carey and Barbara, when they took her upstairs. She had alittle travelling-bag with her; the rest of her luggage would be sentfrom the station, she supposed, for she had taken no heed to it. Shedid so want to get home. 

"I did feel so hungry for you, Mother Carey. Mother, Janet said youwould forgive me, and I thought if you were ever so angry, it wouldbe true, and that would be nicer than Lisette, and, indeed, it wasnot so much my doing as Lisette's. "

Whatever "it" was, Mother Carey had no hesitation in replying thatshe had no doubt it was Lisette's fault. 

"You see, " continued Elvira, "I never meant anything but to plagueAllen a little at first. You know he had always been so tiresome andjealous, and always teased me when I wanted any fun—-at least Ithought so, and I did want to have my swing before he called meengaged to him again. I told Jock so, but then Lisette and LadyFlora, and old Lady Clanmacnalty went on telling me that you knew themoney was mine all the time, and that it was only an accident that itcame out before I was married. "

"Oh, Elvira, you could not have thought anything so wicked, " criedBabie. 

"They all went on so, and made so sure, " said Elvira, hanging herhead, "and I never did know the real way the will was found tillJanet told me. Babie, if you had heard Lady Clanmacnalty clear herthroat when people talked about the will being found, you would havebelieved she knew better than anyone. "

So it was. The girl, weak in character, and far from sensible, fullof self-importance, and puffed up with her inheritance, had beeneasily blinded and involved in the web that the artful Lisette hadmanaged to draw round her. She had been totally alienated from herold friends, and by force of reiteration had been brought to thinkthem guilty of defrauding her. In truth, she was kept in a whirl ofgaiety and amusement, with little power of realizing her situation, till the breach had grown too wide for the feeble will of a helplessbeing like her to cross it. Though she had flirted extensively, shehad never felt capable of accepting any one of her suitors, and inthese refusals she had been assisted by Lisette, who wanted to secureher for her brother, but thanks to warnings from Mr. Wakefield, andher husband's sense of duty, durst not do so before she was of age. 

Elvira's one wish had been to visit San Ildefonso again. She had astrong yearning towards the lovely island home which she gilded inrecollection with all the trails of glory that shine round theobjects of our childish affections. Lisette always promised to takeher, but found excuses for delay in the refitting of the yacht, whileshe kept the party wandering over Europe in the resorts of second-rate English residents. No doubt she wished to make the most of theenjoyments she could obtain, as Elvira's chaperon and guardian, before resigning her even to her brother. At last the gamblinghabits into which her husband fell, for lack, poor man, of any otheremployment, had alarmed her, and she permitted her party to embark inthe yacht where Gilbert Gould acted as captain. 

They reached the island. It had become a coaling station. The baywhere she remembered exquisite groves coming down to the white beach, was a wharf, ringing with the discordant shouts of negroes and criesof sailors. The old nurse was dead, and fictitious foster brothersand sisters were constantly turning up with extravagant claims. 

"Oh, I longed never to have come, " said Elvira; "and then I began toget homesick, but they would not let me come!"

No doubt Lisette had feared the revival of the Brownlow influence ifher charge were once in England, for she had raised every obstacle toa return. Poor Gould and his niece had both looked forward toElvira's coming of age as necessarily bringing them to England, buther uncle's health had suffered from the dissipation he had found hisonly resource. Liquor had become his consolation in the life towhich he was condemned, and in the hotel life of America was only tooeasily attainable. 

His death deprived Elvira of the last barrier to the attempts of anunscrupulous woman, who was determined not to let her escape. Elvira's longing to return home made her spread her toils closer. She kept her moving from one fashionable resort to another, stillattended by Gilbert, who was beginning to grow impatient to securehis prize. 

"How I hated it, " said Elvira. "I knew she was false and cruel bythat time, but it was just like being in a trap between them. Iloathed them more and more, but I couldn't get away. "

Nurtured as she had been, she was helpless and ignorant about thecommonest affairs of life, and the sight of American independencenever inspired her with the idea of breaking the bondage in which shewas spellbound. Still, she shrank back with instinctive horror fromevery advance of Gilbert's, and at last, to pique her, Lisettebrought forward the intelligence that Allen Brownlow was married. 

The effect must have surprised them, for Elvira turned on her aunt inone of those fits of passion which sometimes seized her, accused hervehemently of having poisoned the happiness of her life, and takenher from the only man she could ever love. She said and threatenedall sorts of desperate things; and then the poor child, exhausted byher own violence, collapsed, and let herself be cowed and terrifiedin her turn by her aunt's vulgar sneers and cold determination. 

Yet still she held out against the marriage. "I told them it wouldbe wicked, " she said. "And when I went to Church, all the Psalms andeverything said it would be wicked. Then Lisette said it was wickedto love a married man, and I said I didn't know, I couldn't help it, but it would be more wicked to vow I would love a man whom I hated, and should hate more every day of my life. Then they said I mighthave a civil marriage, and not vow anything at all, and I told themthat would seem to me no better than not being married at all. Oh!I was very very miserable!"

"Had you no one to consult or help you, my poor child ?"

"They watched me so, and whenever I was making friends with any niceAmerican girl, they always rattled me off somewhere else. I neverdid understand before what people meant when they talked about Godbeing their only Friend, but I knew it then, for I had none at all, none else. And I did not think He would help me, for now I knew Ihad been hard, and horrid and nasty, and cruel to you and Allen, theonly people who ever cared for me for myself, and not for my horrid, horrid money, though I was the nastiest little wretch. Oh! MotherCarey, I did know it then, and I got quite sick with longing for onehonest kiss—-or even one honest scolding of yours. I used to cry allChurch-time, and they used to try not to let me go—-and I felt justlike the children of Israel in Egypt, as if I had got into heavybondage, and the land of captivity. O do speak, and let me hear yourvoice once more! Your arm is so comfortable. "

Still it seemed that Elvira had resisted till another attempt wasmade. While she was at a boarding-house on the Hudson a large picnicparty was arranged, in which, after American fashion, gentlemen tookladies "to ride" in their traps to and from the place of rendezvous. In returning, of course it had been as easy as possible for herchaperon to contrive that she should be left alone with no cavalierbut Gilbert Gould, and he of course pretended to lose his way, droveon till night-fall, and then judgmatically met with an accident, which hurt nobody; but which he declared made the carriage incapableof proceeding. 

After walking what Elvira fancied half the night, shelter was foundin a hospitable farmhouse, where the people were wakened withdifficulty. They took care of the benighted wanderers, and thefarmer drove them back to the hotel the next morning in his ownwaggon. They were received by Mrs. Gould with great demonstrationsboth of affection, pity and dismay, and she declared that the affairhad been so shocking and compromising that it was impossible to staywhere they were. She made Elvira take her meals in her room ratherthan face the boarding-house company, paid the bills (all of coursewith Elvira's money) and carried her off to the Saratoga Springs, having taken good care not to allow her a minute's conversation withanyone who would have told her that the freedom of American mannerswould make an adventure like hers be thought of no consequence atall. 

The poor girl herself was assured by Mrs. Gould that this "unhappyescapade" left her no alternative but a marriage with Gilbert. Shewould otherwise never be able to show her face again, for even if theaffair were hushed up, reports would fly, and Mrs. Lisette took carethey should fly, by ominous shakes of the head, and whisperedconfidences such as made the steadier portion of the Saratogacommunity avoid her, and brought her insolent attention from fastyoung men. It was this, and a cold "What can you expect?'" fromLisette that finally broke down her defences, and made her permit theGoulds to make known that she was engaged to Gilbert. 

Had they seized their prey at that moment of shame and despair, theywould have secured it, but their vanity or their self-esteem madethem wish to wash off the mire they had cast, or to conceal it bysuch magnificence at the wedding as should outdo Fifth Avenue. TheEnglish heiress must have a wedding-dress that would figure in thepapers, and, even in the States, be fabulously splendid. It mustcome from Paris, and it must be waited for. All the bridesmaids wereto have splendid pearl lockets containing coloured miniaturephotograph portraits of the beautiful bride, who for her part wasutterly broken-hearted. "I thought God had forgotten me, because Ideserved it; and I only hoped I might die, for I knew what thesailors said of Gilbert. "

Listless and indifferent, she let her tyrants do what they would withher, and it was in Gilbert's company that she first saw Janet at thephotographer's. Fortunately he had never seen Miss Brownlow, andElvira had grown much too cautious to betray recognition; but thevigilance had been relaxed since the avowal of the engagement, andthe colouring of the photographs from the life, was a process sowearisome, that no one cared to attend the sitter, and Elvira couldgo and come, alone and unquestioned. 

So it was that she threw herself upon Janet. Whatever had been theirrelations in their girlhood, each was to the other the remnant of theold home and of better days, and in their stolen interviews they metlike sisters. Janet knew as little as Elvira did of her own family, rather less indeed, but she declared Mrs. Gould's horror about theexpedition with Gilbert to have been pure dissimulation, and soonenabled Elvira to prove to herself that it had been a concertedtrick. In America it would go for nothing. Even in England, so merean accident (even if it had really been an accident) would not tellagainst her. But then, Elvira hopelessly said Allen was married!

Again Janet was incredulous, and when she found that Elvira had neverseen the letter in which Kate Gould was supposed to have sent theinformation, and knew it only upon Lisette's assertion, she declaredit to be probably a fabrication. Why not telegraph? So in Elvira'sname and at her expense, but with the address given to Janet's abode, the telegram was sent to Mr. Wakefield's office, and in a few hoursthe reply had come back: "Allen Brownlow not married, nor likely tobe. "

There was no doubt now of the web of falsehood that had entangled thepoor girl; but she would probably have been too inert and helpless tobreak through it, save for her energetic cousin, who nerved her toescape from the life of utter misery that lay before her. What wasto hinder her from setting off by the train, and going at once hometo England by the steamer? There was no doubt that Mrs. Brownlowwould forgive and welcome her, or even if that hope failed her, Mr. Wakefield was bound to take care of her. She had a house of her ownstanding empty for her, and the owner of £40, 000 a year need never beat a loss. 

Had she enough money accessible to pay for a first-class passage?Yes, amply even for two. She had always been so passive andincapable of all matters of arrangement, that Mrs. Gould had neverthought it worth while to keep watch over her possession of "thenerves and sinews of war, " being indeed unwilling to rouse herattention to the fact that she was paying the by no means moderateexpenses of both her tyrants. 

Janet found out all about the hours, secured—-as Elvira thought-—twofirst-class berths, met her when she crept like a guilty thing out ofthe hotel at New York, took her to the station, went with her to anoutfitter to be supplied with necessaries for the voyage, for she hadbeen obliged to abandon everything but a few valuables in herhandbag, and saw her safely on board, introduced her to some kindfriendly English people, then on some excuse of seeing the steward, left her, as Elvira found, to make the voyage alone!

It turned out that Janet had spoken to the gentleman of this party, and explained that her young cousin was going home alone, asking himto protect her on landing; and that she had come to London with themand been there put into a cab, giving the old address to CollingwoodStreet, where with much difficulty she had prevailed on the maid tolet her in to await the return of the family. 

Nothing so connected as this history came to the ears of Mrs. Brownlow or her children. That evening they only heard fragments, much more that was utterly irrelevant, and much that was inexplic-able, all interspersed with inquiries and caresses and intentlistening for Allen. Elvira might not have acquired brains, but shehad gained in sweetness and affection. The face had lost itssoulless, painted-doll expression, and she was evidently happy beyondall measure to be among those she could love and trust, sitting on afootstool by Mrs. Brownlow's knee, leaning against her, and now andthen murmuring: "O Mother Carey, how I have longed for you!"

She was not free from the fear that Lisette and Gilbert could still"do something to her, " but the Johns made large assurances ofdefence, and Mr. Wakefield was to be called in the next day. It mustbe confessed that everybody rather enjoyed the notion of the pairleft at Saratoga with all their hotel bills to pay, and the wedding-dress on their hands, but Elvira knew they had enough to clear themfor the week, and only hoped it was not enough to enable them tofollow her. 

Fragments of all this came out in the course of the evening. Allendid not come home to dinner, and the other young men left the coastclear for confidences, which were uttered in the intervals oflistening, till after all her excitement, her landing and herjourney, Elvira was so tired out that she had actually droppedasleep, with her head on Mother Carey's knee, when his soft wearystep came up the stairs, and perceiving, as he entered, that therewas a hush over the room, he did not speak. Babie looked up from herwork with an amused smile of infinite congratulation. There was aglance from his mother. Then, as Babie put it, the Prince saw theSleeping Beauty, and, with a strange long half-strangled gasp andclasped hands, went down on one knee. At that very moment Elvirastirred, opened her eyes, put her hand over them, bewildered, as ifthinking herself dreaming, then with a sort of shriek of joy, flungherself towards him, as he held out his arms with "My darling. "

"O Allen, can you forgive me? And oh! do marry me before they cancome after me!"

So much Mother Carey and Babie heard before they could removethemselves from the scene, which they felt ought to be a tete-a-tete. They shut the lovers in. Babie said, "Undine has found a heart, atleast, " and then they began to piece out the story by conjecture, andthey then discovered how little they had really learnt about Janet. They supposed that the Hermanns must be living and practising atSaratoga, and in that case it was no wonder she could not come home, the only strange thing was Elvira's expecting it. Besides, why hadnot Mrs. Gould taken alarm at the name, and why was her husband nevermentioned? Was there no message from her? Most likely there was, inthe note that was lost, and moreover, Elvira might be improved, butshe was Elvira still, and had room for very little besides herself inher mind's eye. 

They must wait to examine her till these first raptures had subsided, and in the mean time Caroline wrote a telegram to go as early aspossible to Mr. Wakefield. It showed a guilty conscience that Mrs. Gould should not have telegraphed to him Elvira's flight. 

When at last Mrs. Brownlow held that the interview must come to anend, and with preliminary warning opened the door, there they were, with clasped hands, such as Elvira had never endured since she was amere child! Allen looking almost too blissful for this world, andElvira with eyes glistening with tears as she cried, "O Mother Carey, you never told me how altered he was, I never knew how horrible I hadbeen till I saw how ill he looks! What can we do for him?"

"You are doing everything, my darling, " said Allen. 

"He of course thinks her as irresponsible as if she had been hangingup by the hair all this time in a giant's larder, " whispered Babie toArmine. 

But Elvira was really unhappy about the worn, faded air that madeAllen look much older than his twenty-nine years warranted. The poorgirl's nerves proved to have been much disturbed; she besoughtBarbara to sleep with her, and was haunted by fears of pursuit andcapture, and Gilbert claiming her after all. She kept on starting, clutching at Babie, and requiring to be soothed till far on into thenight, and then she slept so soundly that no one had the heart towake her. Indeed it was her first real peaceful repose since herflight had been planned, nor did she come down till half-past ten, just when Mr. Wakefield drove up to the door, and Jock had taken pityon Allen, and set forth to undertake Sir Samuel for the day. Mr. Wakefield was the less surprised at the sight of the young lady, having been somewhat prepared by her telegraphic inquiry about Allen, which he had not communicated to the Brownlows for fear of raisingfalse expectations. 

There was a great consultation. Elvira was not in the least shy, andonly wanted to be safely Mrs. Allen Brownlow before the Goulds shouldarrive, as she expected, in the next steamer to pursue her vi etarmis. If it had depended on her, she would have sent Allen for aspecial licence, and been married in her travelling dress that veryday. Mr. Wakefield, solicitor as he was, was quite ready for speed. He had always viewed the marriage with Allen Brownlow as a simple actof restitution, and the trust made settlements needless. Still hedid not apprehend any danger from the Goulds, when he found thatElvira had never written a note to Gilbert in her life. Nay, hethought that if they even threatened any annoyance, they had givencause enough to have a prosecution for conspiracy held over them inwholesome terror. 

And considering all the circumstances, Mrs. Brownlow and Allen werealike determined against undignified haste. Miss Menella ought to bemarried from among her own kindred, and from her own house; but thiswas not easy to manage; for poor Mary Whiteside and her husband, though very worthy, were not exactly the people to enact parents insuch a house as Belforest; and Mrs. Brownlow could see why sheherself should not, though Elvira could not think why she objected. At last the idea was started that the fittest persons were Mr. AndMrs. Wakefield. The latter was a thorough lady, pleasant andsensible. The only doubt was whether so very quiet a person could beasked to undertake such an affair, and her husband took leave, thathe might consult her and see whether she could bring herself to bemother for the nonce to the wild heiress, of whom his family werewont to talk with horrified compassion. 

When he was gone, it was possible to come to the examination uponJanet for which Mother Carey had been so anxious. How was shelooking?

"Oh! so old, and worn and thin. I never should have guessed it wasJanet, if I had not caught her eye, and then I knew her eyebrows andnose, because they are just like Allen's, -—and her voice sounded solike home that I was ready to cry, only I did not dare, as Gilbertwas there. "

"I wonder they did not take alarm at her name. "

"I don't imagine they ever heard it. "

"Not when she was living there? Was not her husband practising?"

"Her husband! Oh no, I never heard any thing about him. I thoughtyou knew I found her at the photographer's?"

"Met her as a sitter?"

"Oh dear, no! I thought you understood. It was she that was doingmy picture. She finishes up all his miniature photographs. "

"My dear Elvira, do you really mean that my poor Janet is supportingherself in that way?"

"Yes, indeed I do; that was why I made sure she would have come homewith me. I was so dreadfully disappointed when I found only hernote. "

*And are you sure you have quite lost it?"

"Yes, I turned out every corner of my bag this morning to look forit. I am so sorry, but I was so ill and so wretched, that I couldnot take care of anything. I just wonder how I lived through thevoyage, all alone. "

"Was there no message? Nothing for me. "

"Yes, I have recollected it now, or some of it. She said she durstnot go home, or ask anything of you, after the way she had offended. Oh! I wonder how she could send me, for I know I was worse. "

"But what did she say?" said Caroline, too anxious to listen toElvira's own confessions. "Was there nothing for me?"

"Yes. She said, "Tell her that I have learnt by the bitterest of allexperience the pain I have given her, and the wrong I have done!"Then there was something about being so utterly past forgiveness thatshe could not come to ask it. Oh, don't cry so, Mother Carey, we canwrite and get her back, and I will send her the passage money. "

"Ah! yes, write!" cried out the mother, starting up. "'When he wasyet a great way off. ' Ah! why could she not remember that?" But asshe sat down to her table, "You know her address?"

"Yes, certainly, I went to her lodgings once or twice; such a littlebit of a room up so many stairs. "

"And you did not hear how that man, her husband, died?"

"I don't know whether he is dead, " said this most unsatisfactoryinformant. "She does not wear black, nor a cap, and I am almost surethat he has run away from her, and that is the reason she cannot useher own name. "

"Elfie!"

"O, I thought you knew! She calls herself Mrs. Harte. She took mypassage in that name, and that must be why my things have never come. Yes, I asked her why she did not set up for a lady doctor, and shesaid it was impossible that she could venture on showing hercertificates or using her name-—either his or hers. "

That was in the main all that could be extracted from Elvira, thoughit was brought out again and again in all sorts of forms. It wasplain that Janet had been very reticent in all that regarded herself, and Elvira had only had stolen interviews, very full of her ownaffairs, and, besides, had supposed Janet to intend to return withher. Both wrote; Elfie, to announce her safety, and Caroline, anincoherent, imploring, forgiving letter, such as only a mother couldwrite, before they went out to supply Elvira's lack of garments, andto procure the order for the sum needed for her passage. Carolinewas glad they had gone independently, for, on their return, Babiereported to her that her little Ladyship was so wroth with Elfie asto wonder at them for receiving her so affectionately. It was veryforgiving of them, but she should never forget the way in which poorAllen had been treated. 

"I told her, " said Babie, "that was the way she talked about Cecil, and you should have seen her face. " She wonders that Allen has notmore spirit, and indeed, mother, I do rather wish Elfie could havecome back with nothing but her little bag, so that he could haveshown it would have been all the same. "

"A comfortable life they would have had, poor things, in that case, "laughed her mother, "though I agree that it would have been prettier. But I don't trouble myself about that, my dear. You know, in allequity, Allen ought to have a share in that property. It was onlythe old man's caprice that made it all or none; and Elvira is onlydoing what is right and just. "

"And Allen's love was a real thing, when he was the rich one. So Itold Essie; and besides, Allen would never make any hand of poverty, poor fellow. "

"I think and hope he will make a much better hand of riches than hewould have done without all he has gone through, " said her mother. 

Allen showed the same feeling when he could talk his prospects overquietly with his mother. These four years had altered him at leastas much for the better as Elfie. He would not now begin inthoughtless self-indulgence, refined indeed and never vicious, butselfish, extravagant, and heedless of all but ease, pleasure, andculture. Some of the enervation of his youth had really worn off, though it had so long made him morbid, and he had learnt humility byhis failures. Above all, however, his intercourse with Fordham hadopened his eyes to a sense of the duties of wealth and position, suchas he had never before acquired, and the religious habits that hadinsensibly grown upon him were tincturing his views of life andresponsibility. 

It was painful to him to realise that he was returning to wealth andluxury, indeed, monopolising it, -—he the helpless, undeserving, indolent son, while all the others, and especially his mother, wereleft to poverty. 

Elfie wanted Mother Carey and all to make their home at Belforest, and still be one family as of old. Indeed, she hung on Mother Careyeven more than upon Allen, after her long famine from the motherlytenderness that she had once so little appreciated. 

Of such an amalgamation, however, Mrs. Brownlow would not hear, norwould she listen to a proposal of settling on her a yearly income, such as would dispense with economy, and with the manufacture of"pot-boilers. "

No, she said, she was a perverse woman, and she had never been sohappy as when living on her husband's earnings. The period ofeducation being over, she had a full sufficiency, and should onlymeddle with clay again for her own pleasure. She was beginningalready a set of dining-table ornaments for a wedding-present, representing the early part of the story of Undine. Babie knew why, if nobody else did. Perhaps she should one of these days mould asimilar set for Sydney of the crusaders of Jotapata! Then Allenbethought him of putting into Elvira's head to beg, at least, toundertake Armine's expenses at the theological college for a year, and to this she consented thankfully. Armine had been thinking ofoffering himself as Allen's successor for a year with Sir Samuel; buttwo days' experience as substitute convinced him that Allen was rightin declaring that my Lady would be the death of him. Lucas couldmanage her, and kept her well-behaved and even polite, but Armine wasso young and so deferential that she treated him even worse than shedid her first victim! She had begun by insisting on a quarter'snotice or the forfeiture of the salary, as long as she thought £25was of vital importance to Allen, but as soon as she discovered thatthe young lady was a great heiress, she became most unedifyinglycivil, called in great state in Collingwood Street, and went aboutboasting of having patronised a sort of prince in disguise. 

Meantime Dr. Ruthven's offer seemed left in abeyance. ColonelBrownlow had all his son's scruples, and more than his indignation atLucas's folly in hesitating; and John was so sure that he ought notto accept the proposal, that he would not stir in the matter, normention it to Sydney. At last Lucas acted on his own responsibility, and had an interview with Dr. Ruthven, in which he declined the offerfor himself, but made it known that his cousin was not only brotherto the beautiful Lady Fordham who had been met in Collingwood Street, but was engaged to Lord Fordham's sister. At which connection thefashionable physician rubbed his hands with so much glee, that Jockwas the more glad not to have to hunt in couples with him. 

The magnificent wedding-dress had been stopped by telegram, just asit was packed for New York, and was despatched to Belforest. Mrs. Wakefield undertook the task imposed upon her, and the wedding was tobe grand enough to challenge attention, and not be liable to theaccusation of being done in a corner. It might be called hasty, foronly a month would have passed since Elvira's arrival, before herwedding-day; but this was by her own earnest wish. She made it nosecret that she should never cease to be nervous till she was AllenBrownlow's wife, even though a letter to her cousins at River Hollowhad removed all fear of pursuit by Mrs. Gould; she seemed bent onremaining at New York, and complained loudly of "the ungratefulgirl, " whose personal belongings she retained by way of compensation. 

It would have been too much to expect that Elvira should be a wiseand clever woman, but she had really learnt to be an affectionateone, and in the school of adversity had parted with much of herselfish petulance and arrogance. Allen, whose love had always beenblindly tender, more like a woman's or a parent's love than that ofan ordinary lover, was rapturous at the response he at last received. At the same time, he knew her too well to expect from herintellectual companionship, and would be quite content with what shecould give. 

They were both of them chastened and elevated in tone by their fiveyears' discipline. 

The night before the party went down to Belforest, where they were tomeet the Evelyns, Allen lingered with his mother after all the resthad gone upstairs. 

"Mother, " he said, "I have thought a great deal of that dream ofyours. I hope that the touch of Midas may not be baneful this time. "

"I trust not, my dear; you have had a taste of the stern, ruggednurse. "

"And, mother, I know I failed egregiously where the others rose. "

"But you were rising. "

"Then you will let me do nothing for you, and I feel myself sneakinginto your inheritance, to the exclusion of all the rest, in a back-door sort of way. "

"My dear Allen, it can't be helped, you have honestly loved your Elffrom her infancy, when she had nothing, and she really loved you atthe very worst. Love is so much more than gold, that it reallysignifies very little which of you has the money. You and she haveboth gone through a good deal, and it depends upon you now whetherthe possession becomes a blessing to yourselves and others. Don'tvex about our not having a share, you know yourself how much happierwe all are without the load, and there will never be any anxiety now. I shall always fall back on you, if I want anything. "

"That is right, " said Allen, clearing up a good deal as she looked upbrightly in his face. "You promise me. "

"Of course I do, " she said smiling. "I'm not proud. "

"And you did make Armine consent to our paying those expenses of his. That was good of you, but the boy only does it out of obedience. "

"Yes, he would like a little bit of self-willed penance, but it ismuch better for him to submit, bodily and mentally. "

"Elvira has asked me whether we can't, after all, build the Churchand all the rest which he wanted so much, and give it to him. "

Caroline smiled, she would not vex Allen by saying how this wasmerely in the spirit of the story book, endowing everybody with whatthey wanted, but she said, "Build by all means, and endow, when youhave had time to see what is needed, and what is good for the people, but not for Armine's sake, you know. He had much better serve hisapprenticeship and learn his work somewhere else. He would tell youso himself. "

"I daresay. He would talk of the touch of Midas again. Elvira willbe sadly disappointed. She had some fancy of presenting him to it assoon as he was ordained!"

"Getting the fairies meantime to build the whole concern in secret?Dear Elfie, her plans are generous and kind. Tell her, with my love, that her Church must not be a shrine for Armine, but that perhaps heand it will be fit for each other in some five years' time. Meantime, if she wants to make somebody happy, there's that excellenthardworking curate of Eleanor's, who has done more good in Kenminsterthan I ever saw done there before. "

"I don't see why Kencroft should get all the advantages!"

"Ah! You ungrateful boy! Now if Rob had carried off Elfie, youmight complain!"

At which Allen could not but laugh. 

"And now, good night, Mr. Bridegroom; you want your beauty sleep, though I must say you look considerably younger than you did twomonths ago. 

The wedding was a bright one, involving no partings, only joy andgladness, and the sole drawback to the general rejoicings seemed tobe that it was not Mrs. Brownlow herself who was returning to takepossession. 

But on that very afternoon came a chill on her heart. Her own letterand Elvira's to Janet were returned from America! It was quiteprobable that the right address might have been in Elvira's lostnote, and that Janet might be easily found through the photographer. "But, " said her mother, "I do not believe she will ever come homeunless I go to fetch her. "

"The very thing I was thinking of doing, " said Jock. "Letters willhardly find her now, and I have not settled to anything. The dearold Doctor's legacy will find the means. "

"And I am sure you want the rest of the voyage. I don't like thelooks of you, my Jockey. "

"I shall be all right when this is over, " said Jock, with anendeavour at laughing; "but I find I am a greater fool than I thoughtI was, and I had much better be out of the way of it all till it is afait accompli. "

"It" was of course John's marriage. This was the first time Jock hadseen the lovers together. In spite of vehement talking and laughing, warm greetings to everyone, and playing at every interval with thelittle cousins, Jock could not hide from either of the mothers thatthe sight cost him a good deal, all the more because the showing theBelforest haunts to Sydney had always been a favourite scheme, hitherto unfulfilled; nor was there any avoiding family consult-ations, which resulted in the fixing of the wedding for the middle ofSeptember, so that there might be time for a short tour before theysettled down to John's work in London. 

Mrs. Evelyn begged that Barbara would come to her whilst her motherand brother were away, Armine would be at his theological college, and there was nothing to detain Mrs. Brownlow and her son from thejourney, to which both looked forward with absolute pleasure, notonly in the hope of the meeting, but in the being together, andthrowing off for a time the cares of home and gratifying the spiritof enterprise. 

Jock had one secret. He had reason to think that Bobus would have akind of vacation at the time, and he telegraphed to Japan what theirintended voyage was to be, with a hope he durst not tell, that hisfavourite brother would not throw away the opportunity of meetingthem in America. 

CHAPTER XL. EVIL OUT OF GOOD. 

And all too little to atoneFor knowing what should ne'er be known. Scott. 

The season at Saratoga was not yet over, the travellers were told atNew York, though people were fast thronging back into "the city. "Should they go on thither at once, or try to find the photographernearer at hand? It was on a Friday that they landed, and theyresolved to wait till Monday, Jock thinking that a rest would bebetter for his mother. 

The early autumn sun glowed on the broad streets as they walkedslowly through them, halting to examine narrowly every display ofportraits at a photographer's door. 

It was a right course; they came upon some exquisitely-finished ones, among which they detected unmistakably the coloured likeness ofElvira de Menella. They went into the studio and asked to look atit. "Ah, many ask that, " they were told, "though the sensation was alittle gone by. "

"What sensation?" Jock asked, while his mother trembled so much thatshe had to sit down on one of the velvet chairs. 

"I guess you are a stranger, sir, from England? Then no doubt youhave not heard of the great event of the season at Saratoga, thesudden elopement of this young lady, a beautiful English heiress, onthe eve of marriage, these very portraits ordered for thebridesmaids' lockets. "

"Whom did she elope with?" asked Jock. 

"That's the remarkable part of it, sir. Some say that she wasclaimed in secret by a lover to whom she had been long much attached;but we are better informed. I can state to a certainty that she onlyfled to escape the tyranny of an aunt. She need only have appealedto the institutions of the country. "

"Very true, " said Jock. "Let me ask if your informant was not thelady who coloured this photograph, Mrs. Harte?" "Yes. " "And is shehere?"

"No, sir, " with some hesitation. 

"Can you give me her address? I am her brother. This lady is hermother, and we are very anxious to find her. "

The photographer was gained by the frank address and manner. "I amsorry, " he said, "but the truth is that there was a monsterexcitement about the disappearance of the girl, and as Mrs. Harte wassaid to have been concerned, there was constant resort to the studioto interview her; and I cannot but think she treated me ill, sir, forshe quitted me at an hour's notice. "

"And left no address?" exclaimed her mother, grievously disappointed. 

"Not with me, madam; but she was intimate with a young lady employedin our establishment, and she may know where to find her. "

And, through a tube, the photographer issued a summons, whichresulted in the appearance of a pleasant-looking girl, who, onhearing that Mrs. Harte's mother and brother were in search of her, readily responded that Mrs. Harte had written to her a month ago fromPhiladelphia, asking her to forward to her any letters that mightcome to the room she usually occupied at New York. She had foundemployment, and there could be no doubt that she would be heard ofthere. 

It was very near now. There was something very soothing in theservices of that Sunday of waiting, when the Church seemed a home onthe other side the sea, and on the Monday they were on their way, hearing, but scarcely heeding, the talk in the cars of the terribleyellow-fever visitation then beginning at New Orleans. 

They arrived too late to do anything, but in early morning they wereon foot, breakfasting with the first relay of guests at the hotel, and inquiring their way along the broad tree-planted streets of theold Quaker city. 

It was again at a photograph shop that they paused, but as they werelooking for the number, the private door opened, and there issuedfrom it a grey figure, with a black hat, and a bag in her hand. Shestood on the step, they on the side-walk. She had a thin, worn, haggard face, a strange, grey look about it, but when the eyes met oneither side there was not a moment's doubt. 

There was not much demonstration. Caroline held out her hand, andJanet let hers be locked tight into it. Jock took her bag from her, and they went two or three paces together as in a dream, till Jockspoke first. 

"Where are we going? Can we come back with you, Janet, or will youcome to the hotel with us?"

"I was just leaving my rooms, " she said. "I was on my way to thestation. "

"You will come with me, " said Caroline under her breath; and Janetpassively let herself be led along, her mother unconsciously holdingher painfully fast. 

So they reached the hotel, and then Jock said, "I shall go and readthe papers; send a message for me if you want me. You had rather beleft to yourselves. "

The mother knew not how she reached her bedroom, but once there, andwith the door locked, she turned with open arms. "Oh! Janet, onekiss!" and Janet slid down on the floor before her, hiding her facein her dress and sobbing, "Oh! mother, mother, I am not worthy ofthis!"

Then Caroline flung herself down by her, and gathered her into herarms, and Janet rested her head on her shoulder for some seconds, each sensible of little save absolute content. 

"And you have come all this way for me?" whispered Janet, at lastraising her head to gaze at the face. 

"I did so long after you! My poor, poor child, how you havesuffered, " said Caroline, drawing through her fingers the thin, worn, bony, hard-worked hand. 

"I deserved a thousand times more, " said Janet. "But it seems allgone since I see you, mother. And if you forgive, I can hope Godforgives too. "

"My child, my child, " and as the strong embrace, and the kiss was onher brow, Janet lay still once more in the strange rest and relief. "It is very strange, " she said. "I thought the sight of you wouldwither me with shame, but somehow there's no room for anything buthappiness. "

Renewed caresses, for her mother was past speaking. 

"And Lucas is with you? Not Babie?"

"No, Babie is left with Mrs. Evelyn. "

"So poor little Elvira came safe home?"

"Yes, and is Mrs. Allen Brownlow. Poor child, you rescued her from asad fate. She believed to the last you were coming with her, and shelost your note, or you would have heard from us sooner. "

Janet went on asking questions about the others. Her mother dreadedto put any, and only replied. Janet asked where they had beenliving, and she answered:

"In the old house, while the two Johns have been studying medicine. "

"Not Lucas?" cried Janet, sitting upright in her surprise. 

"Yes, Lucas. The dear fellow gave up all his prospects in the army, because he thought it would be more helpful to me for him to takethis line, and he has passed so well, Janet. He has got the silvermedal, and his essay was the prize one. "

"And-—" Janet stood up and walked to the window, as she said "and youhave told him—-"

"Yes. But, Janet, it was too late. Some hints of your father's hadbeen followed up, and the main discovery worked out, though notperfected. "

Janet's eyes glistened for a moment as they used to do in angryexcitement, and she asked, "Could he bear it?"

"He was chiefly concerned lest I should be disappointed. Then hereminded me that the benefit to mankind had come all the sooner. "

"Ah!" said Janet with a gasp, "there's the difference!" She did notexplain further, but said, "It has not poisoned his life!"

Then seeking in her bag, she took out a packet. "I wish you to knowall about it, mother, " she said. "I wrote this to send home byElvira, but then my heart failed me. It was well, since she lost mynote. I kept it, and when I did not hear from you, I thought I wouldleave it to be posted when all was over with me. I should like youto read it, and I will tell you anything else you like to know. "

There came the interruption of the hotel luncheon, after which a roomwas engaged for Janet, and the use of a private parlour secured forthe afternoon and evening. Jock came and went. He was very muchexcited about the frightful reports he heard of the ravages of yellowfever in the south, and went in search of medical papers and reports. Janet directed him where to seek them. "I was just starting to offermyself as an attendant, " she said. "I shall still go, to-morrow. "

"You? Oh, Janet, not now!" was her mother's first exclamation. 

"You will understand when you have read, " quietly said Janet. 

All that afternoon, according to her manifest wish, her mother wasreading that confession of hers, while she sat by replying to eachquestion or comment, in the repose of a confidence such as had notexisted for fifteen years. 

"Magnum Bonum, " wrote Janet. "So my father named it. Alas! it hasbeen Magnum Malum to me. I have thought over how the evil began. Ithink it must have been when I brooded over the words I caught at myfather's death-bed, instead of confessing to my mother that I hadoverheard them. It might be reserve and dread of her grief, but itwas not wholly so. I did not respect her as I ought in my childishconceit. I was an old-fashioned girl. Grandmamma treated her like apetted eldest child, and I had not learnt to look up to her with anyloyalty. My uncle and aunt too, even while seeming to uphold herauthority, betrayed how cheaply they held her. "

"No wonder, " said Caroline. "I was a very foolish creature then. "

"I saw you differently too late, " said Janet. "Thus unchecked by anysober word, my imagination went on dwelling on those words, whichrepresented to me an arcanum as wonderful as any elixir of life thatalchemists dream of, and I was always figuring to myself the honourand glory of the discovery, and fretting that it was destined to oneof my brothers rather than myself. Even then, I had some notion ofexcelling them, and fretted at our residence at Kenminster because Iwas cut off from classes and lectures. Then came the fortune, and Isaw at the first glance that wealth would hinder all the others, evenRobert, from attempting to fulfil the conditions, and I imaginedmyself persevering and winning the day. As to the concealment of thewill, I can honestly say that, to my inexperienced fancy, it appearedutterly unlike my father's and grandmother's, and at the moment I hidit, I only thought of the disturbance and discomfort, which scruplesof my mother's would create, and the unpleasantness it would makewith Elvira, with whom I had just been quarrelling. When as I grewolder, and found the validity of wills did not depend on the paperthey were written upon, I had qualms which I lulled by thinking thatwhen my education was safe, and Elvira safely married to Allen, Iwould look again and then bring it to light, if needful. My mother'srefusal to commit the secret to me on any terms entirely alienatedme, I am grieved to say. I have learnt since that she was quiteright, and that she could not help it. It was only my ignorance thatrebelled; but I was enraged enough to have produced the will, andperhaps should have done so, if I had not been afraid both of losingmy own medical training, and of causing Robert to take up that line, in which I knew he could succeed better than anyone. "

"Janet, this must be fancy!"

"No, mother. There's no poison like a blessing turned into a curse. This is the secret history of what made me such a disagreeable, morose girl. 

"Then came the opportunity that enabled me to glance at the book ofmy father's notes. Barbara's eyes made me lock the desk in haste andconfusion. It was really and truly accident that I locked the bookout instead of in. As you know, Barbara hid away the davenport, andI could not restore the book, when I had pored over it half thenight, and found myself quite incompetent to understand the details, though I perceived the main drift. I durst not take the book out ofthe house, and the loss of my keys cut me off from access to it. Meantime I studied, and came to the perception that a woman alonecould never carry out the needful experiments, I must have a man tohelp me, but I was too much warped by this time to see how my motherwas thus justified. I still looked on her as insanely depriving meof my glory, the world of the benefit for a mere narrow scruple. Then I fell in with Demetrius Hermann. How can I tell the story?How he seemed to me the wisest and acutest of human beings, the veryman to assist in the discovery, and how I betrayed to him enough bymy questions to make him think me a prize, both for my secret and myfortune. He says I deceived him. Perhaps I did. Any way, we arequits. No, not quite, for I loved him as I should not have thoughtit in me to love anyone, and the very joy and gladness of thesensation made me see with his eyes, or else be preposterously blind. I think his southern imagination made his expectations of the secretunreasonable, and I followed his bidding blindly and implicitly in mytwo attempts to bring off Magnum Bonum, which I had come to believemy right, unjustly withheld from me. The second attempt, as youknow, ended in the general crash. 

"Afterwards, all the overtures were made by my husband. I would notshare in them. I was too proud and would not come as a beggar, orsee him threaten and cringe as unhappily I knew he could do, norwould I be seen by my mother or brothers. I knew they would begin topity me, and I could not brook that. My mother's assurance ofexposure, if he made any use of the stolen secret, made Demetriuschoose to go to America. 

"He said it all came out before my military brother. Did that changeLucas's destination?" said Janet, looking up. 

"Ask him?"

"No, indeed, " said Jock, when he understood. "I turned doctor as thereadiest way of looking after mother. "

"Did you understand nothing?"

"Only that she had some memoranda of my father's, that the sc—- thatHermann wanted. I never thought of them again till she told me. "

Mrs. Brownlow started at the next few words. 

"My child was born only two days after we landed at New York. "

But a quick interrogative glance kept her silent. "She was verysmall and delicate, and her father was impatient both of her weaknessand mine. I think that was when I began to long for my mother. Hemade me call her Glykera, after his mother. I had taught him to bebitter against mine. "

"O mother, if you could have seen her, " suddenly exclaimed Janet, "she was the dearest little thing, " and she drew from her bosom alocket with a baby face on one side, and some soft hair on the other, put it into her mother's hand and hid her face on her shoulder. 

"Oh! my poor Janet, you have suffered indeed! How long did you keepthe little darling?"

"Two years. You will hear! I was not quite wretched while I hadher. Go on, mother. There's no talking of it. "

"We tried both practising and lecturing, feeling our way meantimetowards the Magnum Bonum. We found, however, in the larger citiesthat people were quite as careful about qualifications as at home, and that we wanted recommendations. I could have got some practiceamong women if Demetrius would have rested long enough anywhere, buthe liked lecturing best. I had been obliged to perceive that he hadvery little real science, and indeed I had to give him the facts andhe put them in his flowery language. While as to Magnum Bonum, hehad gained enough to use it in a kind of haphazard way, foreverything. I trembled at what he began doing with it, when in thecourse of our wanderings we got out of the more established regionsinto the south-west. In Texas we found a new township, calledBurkeville, without a resident medical man, and the fame of hislectures had gone far enough for him to be accepted. There we set upour staff, and Demetrius-—it makes me sick to say so—-tried toestablish himself as the possessor of a new and certain cure. I waspersuaded that he did not know how to manage it, I tried to make himunderstand that under certain conditions it might be fatal, but hethought I was jealous. He had had one or two remarkable successes, his fame was spreading, he was getting reckless, and I could notwatch as carefully as I sometimes did, for my child was ill, andneeded all my care. The favourite of all the parish was theminister's daughter, a beautiful, lively, delicate girl, loved andfollowed like a sort of queen by the young men, of whom there weremany, while there were hardly any other young women, none to comparewith her. Demetrius had lost some patients, it was a sickly season, and I fancy there was some mistrust and exasperation against himalready, for he was incompetent, and grew more averse to consultingme when his knowledge was at fault. I need not blame him. Everyoneat home knows that I do not always make myself agreeable, and I hadenough to exacerbate me, with my child pining in the unhealthyclimate, and my father's precious secret used with the roughignorance of an empiric. I knew enough of the case of this AnnieField to be sure that there were features in it which would make thatform of treatment dangerous. I tried to make him understand. Hethought me jealous of his being called in rather than myself. Well—-she died, and such a storm of vengeance arose as is possible in thoselawless parts. I knew and heeded nothing of it, for my littleGlykera was worse every day, and I thought of nothing else, but itseems that reports unfavourable to us had come from some one of thecities where we had tried to settle, and thus grief and rage hadalmost maddened one of Annie's lovers, a young man of Irish blood, aleader among the rest. On the day of her funeral all the ruffianismin the place was up in arms against us. My husband had warning, Isuppose, for I never saw or heard of him since he went out thatmorning, leaving me with my little one moaning on my lap. She wasgrowing worse every hour, and I knew nothing else, till my door wasburst open by a little boy of eight or ten years old, crying out, 'Mrs. Hermann, Mrs. Hermann, quick, they are coming to lynch you!come away, bring the baby. If father can't stop them, there's noplace safe but our house. '

"And indeed upon the air came the sound of a great, horrible, yellingroar unspeakably dreadful. It seems never to have been out of myears since. I do not know whether an American mob would haveproceeded to extremities with a lonely woman and dying child, butthere was an Irish and Spanish element of ferocity at Burkeville, andthe cold, hard Englishwoman was unpopular, besides that, I wassupposed to share in the irregular practice that had had such fataleffects. But with that horrible sound, one did not stop to weighprobabilities. I gathered up my child in her bed-clothes, andfollowed the boy out at the back door, blindly. And where do youthink I found myself? where but in the minister's house? His wife, whose daughter had just been carried out to her grave, rose up fromweeping and praying, to take me into the innermost chamber, wherenone could see me, and when she saw my darling's state, to give meall the help and sympathy a good woman could. Oh! that was my firsttrue knowledge of Christian charity. 

"Mr. Field himself was striving at the very grave itself to turn awaythe rage of these men against those whom they held his daughter'smurderers, but he was as nothing against some fifty or sixtygathered, I suppose, some by real or fancied wrongs, some from merelove of violence. Any way, when he found himself powerless againstthe infuriated speeches of the young Irish lover, he put his littleboy over the graveyard wall, and sent him off to take me to the lastplace where the mob would look for me, the very room where Anniedied. Those howls and yells round the empty house, perhaps, too, theshaking of my rapid run, hastened the end with my precious child. Ido not believe she could have lived many hours, but the frightbrought on shudderings and convulsions, and she was gone from me bynine that evening. They might have torn me to pieces then, and Iwould have thanked them! I cannot tell you the goodness of theFields. It could not comfort me then, but I have wondered over itoften since. " (There were blistered, blotted tear marks here. )"They knew it was not safe for me to remain, for there had been wildtalk of a warrant out against us for manslaughter. They would havehad me leave my little darling's form to their care, but they saw Idreaded (unreasonably I now think) some insult from those ruffiansfor her father's sake. Mr. Field said I should lay my little one toher rest myself. They found a long basket like a cradle. We laidher there in her own night-dress, looking so sweet and lovely. Mr. Field himself went out and dug the little grave, close to Annie's, and there by moonlight we laid her, and the good man put one of themany wreaths from Annie's grave upon hers, and there we knelt and heprayed. I don't know what denomination his may be, but a Christian Iknow he is. Cruel as the very sight of me must have been, they keptme in bed all the next day; and the minister went to see what hecould save for me. Finding no one, the mob had wreaked theirvengeance on our medicine bottles and glasses, smashed everything, and made terrible havoc of all our books, clothes and furniture. Almost the only thing Mr. Field had found unhurt was mother's littleGreek Testament, which I had carried about, but utterly neglectedtill then. Mr. Field saw my name in it, brought it to me, and kindlysaid he was glad to restore it; none could be utterly desolate whosestudy lay there. I was obliged to tell him how you had sent it afterme with that entreaty, which I had utterly neglected, and you canguess how he urged it on me. "

"You have gone on now, " said her mother, looking up at her. 

Janet's reply was to produce the little book from her handbag, showing marks of service, and then to open it at the fly leaf. ThereCaroline herself had written "Janet Hermann, " with the reference toSt. Luke xv. 20. She had not dared to write more fully, but the goodminister of Burkeville had, at Janet's desire, put his own initials, and likewise written in full:

"Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears, for thywork shall be rewarded, saith the Lord, and they shall come againfrom the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saiththe Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border. "

"He might have written it for me, " said Caroline. "My child-—one atleast is come to me. "

"Or you have gone into her far country to seek her, " said Janet. 

"Can I write to this good man?" asked Caroline. "I do long to thankhim. "

"O yes. I wrote to him only the day before yesterday. "

There was but little more of the narrative. "At night he borrowed awaggon, and drove me to a station in time to take the early train forthe north-east, supplying me with means for the journey, and givingme a letter to a family relation of his, in New York State. I wasmost kindly sheltered there for a few days while I looked out foradvertisements. I found, however, that I must change my name, forthe history of the Burkeville affair was copied into all the papers, and there were warnings against the two impostors, giving my maidenname likewise, as that in which my Zurich diploma had been made out. This cut me off from all medical employment, and I had to think whatelse I could do, not that I cared much what became of me. Seeing anotice that an assistant was wanted to colour and finish photographs, I thought my drawing, though only schoolroom work, might serve. Iapplied, showed specimens, and was thought satisfactory. I sent myaddress to Mr. Field, who had promised to let me know in case myhusband made any attempt to trace me, or if I could find my way backto him, but up to this time I have heard absolutely nothing. The fewwhite days in my life are, however, when I get a cheering, comfortingletter from him. How I should once have laughed their phraseology toscorn, but then I did not know what reality meant, and they are theonly balm of my life now, except mother's little book, and what theyhave led me to. 

"But you see why I cannot come with Elvira. Not only do I not dareto meet my mother, but it might bring down upon her one whom shecould not welcome. Besides, it is clearly fit that I should striveto meet him again; I would try to be less provoking to him now. "

"I see, my dear, " said Caroline. "But why did you never draw on Mr. Wakefield all this time?"

"I never thought we ought to take that money, " said Janet. "I couldmaintain myself, and that was all I wanted. Besides I was ashamed tobid him use a false name, and I durst not receive a letter under myown, nor did I know whether Demetrius might go on applying. "

"He did once, saying that you were unwell, but Mr. Wakefield declinedto let him be supplied with out your signature. "

Janet eagerly asked the when and the where. 

"I am glad, " said her mother, "to find that you change of name wasnot in order to elude him, as feared at first. "

"No, " said Janet, "he never knew he was cruel, but he had made amistake altogether in me. I was a disappointment to begin with, owing to my own bad management, you see, for if I had brought off thebook, and destroyed the will, his speculation would have succeeded. And then, for his comfort, he should have married a passive, ignorant, senseless, obedient oriental, and he did not know what todo with a cold, proud thing, who looked most hard when most wretched, who had understanding enough to see his blunders, and remains ofconscience enough to make her sour. Poor Demetrius! He had theworst of the bargain! And now—-" She turned the leaf of themanuscript, and showed, with a date three days back:

"Mr. Field has written to me, sending a cutting of an advertisementof a month back of a spiritualist from Abville, which he thinks maybe my husband's. I am sure it is, I know the Greek idiom put intoEnglish. It decides me on what I had thought of before. I shalloffer my services as nurse or physician, or whatever they will let mebe in that stress of need. I may find him, or if he have fled, Imay, if I live, trace him. At any rate, by God's grace, I may thusendeavour to make a better use of what has never yet been used forHis service. 

"And in case I should add no further words to this, let me concludeby telling my dear, dear mother that my whole soul and spirit areasking her forgiveness, and by sending my love to my brothers, andsister, whom I love far better now than ever I did when I was withthem. And to Elvira too—-perhaps she is my sister by this time. 

"Let them try henceforth to think not unkindly of "JANET HERMANN. "

This had been enclosed in an envelope addressed to Mrs. JosephBrownlow, to the care of Wakefield and Co. , solicitors. 

"You see I cannot go back with you, mother dear, " she said, "thoughyou have come to seek me. "

"Not yet, " said Caroline, handing the last page to Jock, who had comeback again from one of his excursions. 

"Look here, Janet, " said Jock, "mother will not forbid it, I know. If you will wait another day for me to arrange for her, I will gowith you. This is a place specially mentioned as in frightful needof medical attendance, and I already doubted whether I ought not tovolunteer, but if you have an absolute call of duty there, thatsettles it. Mother, do you remember that American clergyman whodined with us? I met him just now. He begged me with all his heartto persuade you to come and stay with his family. I believe he isgoing to bring his wife to call. I am sure they would take care ofyou. "

"I don't want care. Jock, Jock, why should I not go and help? Doyou think I can send my children into the furnace without me?"

Jock came and sat down by her with his specially consoling caress. "Mother dear, I don't think you ought. We are trained to it, yousee, and it is part of our vocation, besides, Janet has a call. Butyour nursing would not make much difference, and besides, you don'tbelong only to us-—Armine and Babie need their home. And supposepoor Bobus came back. No, I am accountable to them all. They didn'tsend me out in charge of my Mother Carey that I should run her intothe jaws of Yellow Jack. I can't do it, mother. I should mind myown business far less if I were thinking about you. It would be justlike your coming after me into a general engagement. "

"Lucas is quite right, " said Janet. "You know, mother, this is aspecial kind of nursing, that one does not understand by the light ofnature, and you are not strong enough or tough enough for it. "

"I flattered myself I was pretty tough, " said her mother, withtrembling lip. "What sort of a place is it? Could not I-—even ifyou won't let me nurse-—be near enough to rest you, and feed you, anddisinfect you? That is my trade, Jock will allow, as a doctor's wifeand mother. And I could collect things and send them to the sick. Would not that be possible, my dears?"

Jock said he would find out. And then he told them he had found aChurch with a daily service, to which they went. 

And then those three had a wonderfully happy evening together. 

CHAPTER XLI. GOOD OUT OF EVIL. 

 How the field of combat layBy the tomb's self; how he sprang from ambuscade—-Captured Death, caught him in that pair of hands. Browning. 

"John, " said Sydney, as they were taking their last walk together asengaged people on the banks of their Avon, "There's something I thinkI ought to tell you. "

"Well, my dearest. "

"Don't they say that there ought not to be any shadow of concealmentof the least little liking for any one else, when one is going to bemarried, " quoth Sydney, not over lucidly. 

"I'm sure I can safely acquit myself of any such shadow, " said John, laughing. "I never had the least little liking for anybody butMother Carey, and that wasn't a least little one at all!"

"Well, John, I'm very much ashamed of it, because he didn't care forme, as it turned out; but if he had, as I once thought, I should haveliked him, " said Sydney, looking down, and speaking with greatconfusion out of the depths of her conscience, stirred up by much'Advice to Brides, ' and Sunday novels, all turning on the lady'serror in hiding her first love; and then perhaps because the effecton John was less startling than she had expected, she added withanother effort, "It was Lucas Brownlow. "

"Jock!" cried John. "The dear fellow!"

"Yes-—I did think it, when he was in the Guards, and always aboutwith Cecil. It was very silly of me, for he did not care onefraction. "

"Why do you think so?" said John hoarsely. 

"Well, I know better now, but when he made up his mind to leave thearmy, I fancied it was no better than being a recreant knight, and Ibegged and prayed him to go out with Sir Philip Cameron, and as nearas I dared told him it was for my sake. But he went on all the same, and then I was quite sure he did not care, and saw what a goose I hadmade of myself. Oh! Johnny, it has been very hard to tell you, but Ithought I ought, and I hope you'll never think of it more, for Lucasjust despised my foolish forwardness, and you know you have every bitof my heart and soul. What is the matter, John? Oh! have I doneharm, when I meant to do right?"

"No, no, my darling, don't be startled. But do you mean that youreally thought Jock's disregard of your entreaties came fromindifference?"

"It was all one mixture of pain and anger, " said Sydney. "I can'tdefine it. I thought it was one's duty to lead a man to becourageous and defend his country, and of course he thought me such afool. Why, he has never really talked to me since!"

"And you thought it was indifference, " again repeated John, with aniteration worthy of his father. 

"O John, you frighten me. Wasn't it? Did you know this before?"

"No, most certainly not. I did know thus much, that in giving up thearmy Jock had given up his dearest hopes; but I thought it was somefine fashionable lady, whom he was well rid of, though he didn't knowit. And he never said a word to betray it, even when I came homebrimful and overflowing with happiness. And you know it was hisdoing that my way has been smoothed. Oh! Sydney, I don't know how tolook at it!"

"But indeed, John dear, I couldn't help loving you best. You savedme, you know, and I feel to fit in, and understand you best. I can'tbe sorry as it has turned out. "

"That's very well, " said John, trying to laugh, "for you couldn't betransferred back to him, like a bale of goods. And I could not havehelped loving you; but that I should have been a robber, Jock's worstenemy!"

"I can't be sorry you did not guess it, " said Sydney. "Then I nevershould have had you, and somehow-—"

"And you thought him wanting in courage, " recurred John. 

"Only when I was wild and silly, talking out of the 'Traveller'sJoy. ' It was hearing about his going into that dreadful place thatstirred it all up in my mind, because I saw what a hero he is. "

"God grant he may come safe out of it!" said John. "I'll tell youwhat, Sydney, though, it is a shame, when I am the gainer: I thinkyour romance went astray; more faith and patience would have waitedto see the real hero come out, and so you have missed him and got theordinary, jog-trot, commonplace fellow instead. "

"Ah! but love must be at the bottom of faith and patience, " saidSydney, "and that was scared away by shame at my own forwardness andfoolishness. And now it is all gone to the jog-trot! I want nobetter hero!"

"What a confession for the maiden of the twelfth century!"

"I'm very glad you don't feel moved to start off to the yellowfever. "

"Do you know, Sydney, I do not know what I don't feel moved tosometimes, I cannot understand this silence!"

"But you said the telegram that he was mending was almost better thanif he had never been ill at all. "

"So I thought then; but why do we not hear, if all is well withthem?"

Three weeks since, a telegram had been received by Allen, containingthe words, "Janet died at 2. 30 A. M. Lucas mending. "

It had been resolved not to put off the wedding, as muchinconvenience would have been caused, and poor Janet was only cousinto John, and had been removed from all family interests so long, evenMrs. Robert Brownlow saw no impropriety, since Barbara went toBelforest for a fortnight, returning to Mrs. Evelyn on the afternoonof the wedding-day itself to assist in her move to the Dower House. Esther, who had never professed to wish for a hero, had been so muchdisturbed by the recent alarms of war, that she was only anxious thather guardsman should safely sell out in the interval of peace; and hehad begun to care enough about the occupations at Fordham to wish tobe free to make it his chief dwelling-place. 

The wedding was as quiet as possible. Sydney was disappointed of theonly bridesmaid she cared much about, and Barbara felt a kind ofrelief in not having a second time to assist at the destruction of abrother's hopes. She was very glad to get back to Fordham, reportingthat Allen and Elvira were so devotedly in love that a third personwas very much de trop; though they had been very kind, and Elvira hadmourned poor Janet with real gratitude and affection. Still they didnot take half so much alarm at the silence as she did, and she wasrelieved to be with the Evelyns, who were becoming very anxious. Thebridegroom and bride could not bear to go out of reach of intell-igence, and had limited their tour to the nearest place on the coast, where they could hear by half a day's post. 

No news had come except that seven American papers had been forwardedto Barbara, giving brief accounts of the pestilence in the southerncities. The numbers of deaths in Abville were sensibly decreased, one of these papers said. The arrival of an English physician, Dr. Lucas Brownlow, and his sister had been noticed, and also that thesister had succumbed to the disease, but that he was recovering. These were all, however, only up to the date of the telegram, and thesole shadow of encouragement was in the assurances that any reallyfatal news would have been telegraphed. Mrs. Evelyn and Barbara werevery loving companions during this time. Together they looked overthose personal properties of Duke's which rather belonged to hismother than his heir. Mrs. Evelyn gave Barbara several which hadspecial associations for her, and together they read over his papersand letters, laughing tenderly over those that awoke drollremembrances, and perfectly entering into one another's sympathies. 

"Yet, my dear, " said Mrs. Evelyn, "I do not know whether I ought tolet you dwell on this: you are too young to be looking back on agrave when all life is before you. "

"Nay, " said Babie, "it was he that showed me how to look right onthrough life! You cannot tell how delightful it is to me to bebrought near to him again, now I can understand him so much betterthan ever I did when he was here. "

"Yet it was always his fear that he might sadden your life. "

"Sadden? oh no! It was he who put life into my hands, as somethingworth using, " said Babie. "Don't you know it is the great glory andquiet secret treasure of my heart, that, as Jock said that firstnight, I have that love not for time but eternity. "

And their thoughts could not but go back to the travellers inAmerica, and all the possibilities, for were not whole families sweptoff by the disease, without power of communication?

However, at last, four days after the wedding, Barbara received aletter. 

 "Ashton Vineyard, Virginia. September 30th. 

"MY DEAREST BABIE, -—I have left you too long without tidings, but Ihave had little time, and no heart to write, and I could not bear tosend such news without details. Of the ten terrible days at AbvilleI may, if I can, tell you when we meet. I was in a sort of countryhouse a little above the valley of the shadow of death, preparingsupplies, and keeping beds ready for any of the exhausted workers whocould snatch a rest in the air of the hill. I scarcely saw my poorJanet. She had made out that her husband had been one of the firstvictims, before she even guessed at his being there. She only cameonce to tell me this, and they would not even allow me to come downto the Church, where all the clergy, doctors and sisters who could, used to meet, every morning and evening. 

"On the tenth day she brought home Jock, smitten down after incessantexertion. Everyone allows that he saved more cases than anyone, though he says it was the abatement of the disease. Janet declaresthat his was a slight attack. If that was slight! She attended tohim for two days, then told me the crisis was past and that he wouldlive, and almost at the same time her strength failed her. The lastthing she said consciously to me was, 'Don't waste time on me. Iknow these symptoms. Attend to Jock. That is of use. Only forgiveand pray for me. ' Very soon she was insensible, and was gone beforetwenty-four hours were over. The sister whom they spared to help me, said she was too much worn out to struggle and suffer like most, indeed as Jock had done. 

"That Sister Dorothea, a true divine gift, a sweet and fair vision ofpeace, is a Miss Ashton, a Virginian. She broke down, not with thedisease, only fatigue, and I gave her such care as I could spare frommy dear boy. When her father, General Ashton, came to take her home, he kindly insisted on likewise carrying us off to his beautiful home, on a lovely hillside, where we trusted Jock's strength would berestored quickly. But perhaps we were too impatient, for the journeywas far too much for him. He fainted several times, and the lastmiles were passed in an unconscious state. There has come back onhim the intermittent fever which often succeeds the disease; and whatis more alarming is the faintness, oppression, and difficulty ofbreathing, which he believes to be connected with the slightaffection of heart remaining from his rheumatic fever atSchwarenbach. Then it is very difficult to give him nourishmentexcept disguised with ice, and he is altogether fearfully ill. Isend such an account of the case as I can get for John or Dr. Medlicott to see. How I long for our kind home friends. This placeis unhappily very far from everywhere, a lone village in the hills;the nearest doctor twelve miles off. The Ashtons think highly ofhim; but he is old, and I can't say that I have any confidence in histreatment. Jock allows that he should do otherwise, but he says hehas no vigour or connection of ideas to be fit to treat himselfconsistently, and that he should only do harm by interfering with Dr. Vanbro; indeed I fear he thinks that it does not make muchdifference. If patience and calmness can bring him through, he wouldlive, but my dear Babie, I greatly dread that I shall not bring himback to the home he made so bright. He seldom rouses into talkingmuch, but lies passive and half dozing when the feverish restlessnessis not on him. He told me just now to send his love to you all, especially to the Monk and Sydney, with all dear good wishes to themboth. No one can be kinder than the Ashtons; they are always tryingto help in the nursing, and sending for everything that can bethought of for Jock. Sister Dorothea and Primrose are as good andloving as Sydney herself could be, and there is an excellentclergyman who comes in every day, and prays for my boy in Church. Ask them to do the same at Fordham, and at our own Churches. As longas I do not telegraph, remember that while there is life there ishope. "Your loving Mother C. "

This letter was sent on to John. Two days later a fly drove up tothe Dower House, and Sydney walked into the drawing-room alone. 

Where did she come from?

>From Liverpool. John was gone to America. 

"I wanted to go too, " she said, tears coming into her eyes; "but hesaid he could go faster without me, and he could not take me to theseAshtons, or leave me alone in New York. "

"It was very noble and good in you to let him go, Sydney, " criedBabie. 

"It would have broken his heart for ever, " said Sydney, "if he hadnot tried to do his utmost for Jock. He says Jock has been more thana brother to him, and that he owes all that he is, and all that hehas, to him and Mother Carey, and that even-—if-—if he were too late, he should save her from coming home alone. You think he was right, mamma?"

"Right indeed, and I am thankful that my Sydney was unselfish, anddid not try to keep him back. "

"O mamma, I could never have looked him in the face again if I hadhindered him! And so we went up to London, and luckily Dr. Medlicottwas at home, and he was very eager that John should go. He says hedoes not think it will be too late, and they talked it over, and gotsome medicines, and then John let me come down to Liverpool with himand see him on board, and we telegraphed the last thing to Mrs. Brownlow, so that it might be too late for her to stop him. "

While that message was rushing on its way beneath the Atlantic it wasthe early morning of the ebb tide of the fever, and the patient wasresting almost doubled over with his head on pillows before him, either slumber or exhaustion, so still, that his mother had yieldedto urgent persuasion, and lain down in the next room to sleep in thedreamless repose of the overworn watcher. 

For over him leant a sturdy, dark-browed, dark-bearded figure, towhom she had ventured to entrust him. Some fourteen hours before, Robert had with some difficulty found them out at Ashton Vineyard, having been irresistibly drawn by Jock's telegram to spend in theStates an interval of leisure in his work, caused by his appointmentas principal to another Japanese college. He had gone to the bankwhere Jock had given an address, and his consternation had been greaton hearing the state of things. All this, however, he had leftunexplained, and his mother had hardly even thought of asking wherehe had dropped from. For Jock was in the midst of one of hiscruellest attacks of the fever, and all she had been conscious of wasa knock and summons to the door, where Primrose Ashton gentlywhispered, "Here is some one you will be glad to see, " and Robert'slow deep voice, almost inaudible with emotion, asked, "May I seehim?"

"He will not know you, " she said, with the sad composure of one whohas no time to grieve. But even in the midst of the babbling moan offevered weakness, there was half a smile as of pleased surprise, andan evident craving for the strong support of his brother's arm, andby-and-by Jock looked up with meaning and recognition in his eyes, though quite unable to speak, in that faint and exhausted stateindeed that verged nearer to death after every attack. 

This had passed enough for her to know there would be a respite forperhaps a good many hours, and she had yielded to the entreaty orcommand of Bobus, that she would lie down and sleep, trusting to himto call her at any moment. 

Presently, as morning light stole in, Jock's eyes were open, gazingat him fondly, and he whispered, "Dear old Bob, " then presently, "Open the window. "

The sun was rising, and the wooded hillside opposite was all onegorgeous mass of autumn colouring, of every shade from purple togolden yellow, so glorious that it arrested Bobus's attention even atthat instant. 

"Beautiful, isn't it?" asked the feeble voice. 

"Wonderful, as we always heard. "

"Lift me a little. I like to see it. Not fast—-or high-—so. "

Bobus raised the white wasted form, and rested the head against hissquare firm shoulder. "Dear old Bob! This is jolly! I'm notcramping you?"

"O no, but should not you have something?"

"What time is it?"

"6. 30. "

"Too soon yet for that misery;" then, after some silence, "I'm soglad you are come. Can you take mother home?"

"I would; but you will. "

"I don't think so. "

"Now, Jock, you are not getting into Armine's state of mind, givingyourself up and wishing to die?"

"Not at all. There are hosts of things I want to do first. There'sthat discovery of father's. With what poor Janet told me ofHermann's doings, and what I saw at Abville, if I could only get anhour of my proper wits, I could put the others up to a wrinkle thatwould make the whole thing comparatively plain. "

"Should not you be better if you dictated it, and got it off yourmind?"

"So I thought and tried, but presently I saw mother looking queer, and she said I was tired, and had gone on enough. I made her read itto me afterwards, and I had gone off into a muddle, and saidsomething that would have been sheer murder. So I had better leaveit alone. Old Vanbro mistrusts every word I say because of theHermann connection, and indeed I may not always have talked sense tohim. Those things work out in God's own time, and the Monk is on thetrack. I'd like to have seen him, but I've got you. "

This had been said in faint slow utterances, so low that Bobus couldhardly have heard a couple of feet further off, and with intervalsbetween, and there was a gesture of tender perfect content in thecontact with him that went to his heart, and, before he was aware, agreat hot tear came dropping down on Jock's forehead and caused anexclamation. 

"I beg your pardon, " said Bobus. "Oh! Jock, you don't know what itis to find you like this. I came with so much to ask and talk of toyou. "

Jock looked up inquiringly. 

"You were right to suppress that paper of mine, " continued Bobus, "Iwouldn't have written it now. I have seen better what a people arewithout Christianity, be the code what it may, and the civilisation, it can't produce such women as my mother, no, nor such men as you, Jockey, my boy, " he muttered much lower. 

"Are you coming back, dear old man?" said Jock, with eyes fixed onhim. 

"I don't know. Tell me one thing, old man: I always thought, whenyou took to using your brains and getting up physical science, thatyou must get beyond what satisfied you as a soldier. Now, have thetwo, science and religion, never clashed, or have you kept themapart?"

"They've worked in together, " said Jock. 

"You don't say so because you ought, and think it good for me?"

"As if I could, lying here. 'All Thy works praise Thee, O God, andThy saints do magnify Thee. '"

Bobus was not sure whether this were a conscious reply, or onlywandering, and his mother here came in, wakened by the murmur ofvoices. 

The brothers could not bear to lose sight of one another, though Jockwas too much exhausted by this conversation, and, by the sicknessthat followed any endeavour to take food, to speak much again. Thus, when the Rector came, Bobus asked whether he must be sent out of theroom, Jock made an earnest sign to the contrary, and he stayed. 

There was of course nothing to concern him, especially in the briefreading and prayer; but his mother, looking up, saw that he wasfinding out the passage in the little Greek Testament. 

Janet's lay on a little table close by the bedside. The two copieshad met again. The work of one was done. Was the work of the otherdoing at last?

However that might be, nothing could be gentler, tenderer, or moreconsiderate towards his mother than was Bobus, and her kind friendsfelt much relieved of their fears for her, since she had such a sonto take care of her. 

Towards the evening, the negro servant knocked at the door, and Bobustook from him a telegram envelope. His mother opened it and read:

"Friar Brownlow to Mrs. Brownlow. I embark to-day. "

A smile shone out on Jock's white weary face, and he said, "Good oldMonk! If I can but hold out till he comes, I shall get home againyet. I should like to do him credit. "

 "Ashton Vineyard, October l2th. 

"MY DEAREST CHILD, —-You know the main fact by telegram, and now I canwrite, I must tell you all in more order. We thought our darkesthour was over when the dear John's telegram came, and the hope helpedus up a little while. To Jock himself it was like a drowning manclinging to a rope with the more exertion because he knew that a boatwas putting off. At least so it was at first, but as his strengthfaded, his brain could not grasp the notion any longer, and hegenerally seemed to be fancying himself on the snow with Armine, still however looking for John to come and save them, and sometimes, too, talking about Cecil, and being a true brother in arms, afaithful servant and soldier. The long severe strain of study, work, and all the rest which he has gone through, body and mind, coming ona heart already not quite sound, throughout the past year, was, Johnthinks, the real reason of his being unable to rally when the feverhad brought him down, after the dreadful exertion at Abville. Dearfellow, he never let us guess how much his patience cost him. Ithink we had looked to John's arrival as if it would act like magic, and it was very sore disappointment when his treatment was producingno change for the better, but the prostration went on day after day. Poor Bobus was in utter despair, and went raging about, declaringthat he had been a fool ever to expect anything from Kencroft, and atlast he had to be turned out of the sick-room. For I should tell youthat the one thing that kept me up was the entire calm gravecomposure that John preserved throughout, and which gave him theentire command. He never showed any consternation or dismay, noruttered an augury, but he went quietly and vigilantly on, in a mannerthat all along gave me a strange sense of confidence and trust, thatall that could be done was being done, and the issue was in higherhands. He would not let anyone really help him but Sister Dorothea, with her trained skill as a nurse. I don't think even I should havebeen suffered in the room, if he had not thought Jock might be moreconscious than was apparent, for he had not himself received onetoken of recognition all those three days. Poor Bobus! the littlegleam of light that Jock had let in on him seemed all gone. I do notknow what would have become of him but for the good Ashtons. He hadbeen persuaded for a time that what was so real to Jock must be true;but when Jock was no longer conscious, he had nothing to help him, and I am afraid he spoke terrible words when Primrose talked ofprayer and faith. I believe he declared that to see one like hisbrother snatched away when just come to the perfection of his earlymanhood, with all his capacity and all his knowledge in vain, convinced him either that this universe was one grim, pitilessmachine, grinding down humanity by mere law of necessity, or if theywould have it that there was supernatural power, it could only bemalevolent; and then Primrose, so strong in faith as to venture whatI should have shrunk from as dangerous presumption, dared him to goon in his disbelief, if his brother were given back to prayer. 

"She pitied him so much, the sweet bright girl, she had so pitied himall along, that I believe she prayed as much for him as for Jock. 

"Of course I did not know all this till afterwards, for all wasstillness in that room, except when at times the clergyman came inand prayed. 

"The next thing I am sure of, was John's leaning over me, and his lowsteady voice saying, 'The pulse is better, the symptoms aremitigating. ' Sister Dorothea says they had both seen it for somehours, but he made her a sign not to agitate me till he was securethat the improvement was real. Indeed there was something in thatequable firm gentleness of John's that sustained me, and prevented mybreaking down. Even then it was another whole day before my darlingsmiled at me again, and said, 'Thanks' to John, but oh! with such alook. 

"When Bobus heard his brother was better, he gave a sob, such as Ishall never forget, and rushed away into the pine-wood on thehillside, all alone. The next time I saw him he was walking in thegarden with Primrose, and with such a quieted, subdued, gentle lookupon his face, it put me in mind of the fields when a great storm hasswept over them, and they are lying still in the sunshine afterwards. 

"Since that day, when John said we might send off that thankworthytelegram, there has been daily progress. I have had one of myheadaches. That monarch John found it out, and turned me out. Icould bear to go, for I knew my boy was safe with him. He made meover to Primrose, who nursed me as tenderly as my Babie could havedone, and indeed, I begin to think she will soon be as near and dearto me as my Sydney or Elvira. She has a power over Bobus that no oneelse ever had, and she is very lovely in expression as well asfeatures, but how will so ardent a Christian as she is receive onestill so far off as my poor Robert, though indeed I think he has atleast come so far as the cry, 'Help Thou mine unbelief. '

"So now they have let me come back to my Jock, and I see visibly hisimprovement. He holds out his hand, and he smiles, and he speaks nowand then, the dreadful oppression is gone, and all the dangeroussymptoms are abating, and I cannot tell how happy and thankful weare. 'Send my love, and tell Sydney she has a blessed Monk, ' hesays, as he wakes, and sees me writing. 

"That dear Monk says he will not go home till he can carry home hispatient. When that will be I cannot tell, for he cannot sit up inbed yet. Dear Sydney, how I thank her! John says it was not histreatment, but, under Divine Providence, youthful nature that had hadher rest, and begun to rally her strength. But under that blessing, it was John's steady, faithful strength and care that enabled therestoration to take place. "My dear child's loving "MOTHER CAREY. "

CHAPTER XLII. DISENCHANTED. 

Whatever page we turn, However much we learn, Let there be something left to dream of still. Longfellow. 

It was on a very cold day of the cold spring of 1879 that threeladies descended at the Liverpool station, escorted by a military-looking gentleman. He left them standing while he made inquiries, but his servant had anticipated him. "The steamer has beensignalled, my Lord. It will be in about four o'clock. "

"There will be time to go to the hotel and secure rooms, " said onelady. 

"Oh, Reeves can do that. Pray let us come down to the docks and seethem come in. "

No answer till all four were seated in a fly, rattling through thestreet, but on the repetition of "Are we going to the docks?" hisLordship, with a resolute twirl of his long, light moustache, replied, "No, Sydney. If you think I am going to have you making ascene on deck, falling on your husband's breast, and all that sort ofthing, you are much mistaken! I shall lodge you all quietly in thehotel, and you may wait there, while I go down with Reeves, andreceive them like a rational being. "

"Really, Cecil, that's too bad. He let me come on board!"

"Do you think I should have brought you here if I had thought youmeant to make yourself ridiculous?"

"It is of no use, Sydney, " said Babie; "there's no dealing with thestern and staid pere de famille. I wonder what he would have likedEssie to do, if he had had to go and leave her for nearly two monthswhen he had only been married a week?"

"Essie is quite a different thing-—I mean she has sense and self-possession. "

"Mamma, won't you speak for us?" implored Sydney. "I did behave sowell when he went! Nobody would have guessed we hadn't been marriedfifty years. "

"Still I think Cecil is quite right, and that it may be better forthem all to manage the landing quietly. "

"Without a pack of women, " said Cecil. "Here we are! I hope youwill find a tolerable room for him and no stairs. "

As if poor Mrs. Evelyn were not well enough used to choosing roomsfor invalids!

Twilight had come, the gas had been turned on, and the three anxiousladies stood in the window gazing vainly at endless vehicles, whenthe door opened and they beheld sundry figures entering. 

Sydney and Barbara flew, the one to her husband, the other to hermother, and presently all stood round the fire looking at oneanother. Mrs. Evelyn made a gesture to a very slender and somewhatpale figure to sit down in a large easy chair. 

"Thank you, I'm not tired, " he briskly said, standing with acaressing hand on his friend's shoulder. "Here's Cecil can't quitebelieve yet that I have the use of my limbs. "

"Yes, " said John, "no sooner did he come on board, than he made arush at the poor sailor who had broken his leg, and was going to becarried ashore on a hammock. He was on the point of embracing him, red beard and all, when he was forcibly dragged off by Jock himselfwhom he nearly knocked down. "

"Well, " said Cecil, as Sydney fairly danced round him in revengefulglee, "there was the Monk solicitously lifting him on one side, andMother Carey assisting with a smelling-bottle on the other, so whatcould I suppose?"

"All for want of us, " said Sydney. 

"And think of the cunning of him, " added Babie; "shutting us up herethat he might give way to his feelings undisturbed!"

"I promised to go and speak about that poor fellow at the hospital, "cried John, with sudden recollection. 

"You had better let me, " said Jock. 

"You will stay where you are. "

"I consider him my patient. "

"If that's the way you two fought over your solitary case all the wayhome, " said Babie, "I wonder there's a fragment left of him. "

"It was only three days ago, " said John, "and Jock has been a new manever since he picked the poor fellow up on deck, but I'm not going tolet him stir to-night. "

"Let me come with you, Johnny, " entreated Sydney; "it will be sonice! Oh, no, I don't mind the cold!"

"Here, " added her brother, "take the poor fellow a sovereign. "

"In compensation for the sudden cooling of your affection, " saidJock. "Well, if it is an excuse for an excursion with Sydney I'llnot interfere, but ask him for his sister's address in London, for Ipromised to tell her about him. "

"Oh, " cried Babie, at the word 'London, ' "then you have heard fromDr. Medlicott?"

"I did once, " said John, "with some very useful suggestions, but thatwas a month ago or more. "

"I meant, " said Babie, "a letter he wrote for the chance of Jock'sgetting it before he sailed. There's the assistant lectureshipvacant, and the Professor would not like anyone so much. It is hisown appointment, not an election matter, and he meant to keep it opentill he could get an answer from Jock. "

"When was this?" asked Jock, flushing with eagerness. 

"The 20th. Dr. Medlicott came down to Fordham for Sunday, to ask ifit was worth while to telegraph, or if I thought you would be wellenough. It is not much of a salary, but it is a step, and Dr. Medlicott knows they would put you on the staff of the hospital, andthen you are open to anything. "

Jock drew a long breath and looked at his mother. "The very thingI've wished, " he said. 

"Exactly. Must he answer at once?"

"The Professor would like a telegram, yes or no, at once. "

"Then, you wedded Monk, will you add to your favours by telegraphingfor me?"

"Yes. Of course it is 'Yes'. How soon should you have to begin, Iwonder?"

"Oh, I'm quite cheeky enough for that sort of work. If you'lltelegraph, I'll write by to-night's post. "

"I'll go and do the telegraphing, " said Cecil; "I don't trust thosetwo. "

"As if John ever made mistakes, " cried Sydney. 

"In fact, I want to send a telegram home. "

"To frighten Essie. She will get a yellow envelope saying you accepta lectureship, and the Professor urgent inquiries after his baby. "

"Sydney is getting too obstreperous, Monk, " said Cecil. "You hadbetter carry her off. I shall come back by the time you have writtenyour letters, Jock. "

"Those two are too happy to do anything but tease one another, " saidMrs. Evelyn, as the door shut on the three. "My rival grandmother, as Babie calls her, was really quite glad to get rid of Cecil; shedeclared he would excite Esther into a fever. "

"He did alarm Her Serenity herself, " said Babie, laughing. "When shewould go on about grand sponsors and ancestral names, he told herthat he should carry the baby off to Church and have him christenedJock out of hand, and what a dreadful thing that would be for thepeerage. I believe she thought he meant it. "

"The name is to be John, " said Mrs. Evelyn—-"John Marmaduke. He hassecured his godmother"-—laying a hand affectionately on Babie-—"but Imust not forestall his request to his two earliest and best friends. "

"Dear old fellow!" murmured Jock. 

"Everybody is somewhat frantic, " said Barbara. 

"Jock's varieties of classes were almost distracted and besieged thedoor, till Susan was fain to stick the last bulletins in the windowto save answering the bell; then no sooner did they hear he wasbetter than they began getting up a testimonial. Percy Stagg wroteto me, to ask for his crest for some piece of plate, and I wrote backthat I was sure Dr. Lucas Brownlow would like it best to go insomething for the Mission Church; and if they wanted to give himsomething for his very own, suppose they got him a brass plate forthe door?"

"Bravo, Infanta; that was an inspiration!"

"So they are to give an alms-dish, and Ali and Elfie give the rest ofthe plate. Dr. Medlicott says he never saw anything like the feelingat the hospital, or does not know what the nurses don't mean to getup by way of welcome. "

"My dear Babie, you must let Jock write his letters, " interposed hermother, who had tears in her eyes and saw him struggling withemotion. "In spite of your magnificent demonstrations, Jock, youmust repair your charms by lying down. "

She followed him into his room, which opened from the sitting-room, and he turned to her, speaking from a full heart. "Oh, mother! Itseems all given to me, the old home, the very post I wished for, andall this kindness, just when I thought I had taken leave of itall. " He sobbed once or twice for very joy. 

"You are sure it suits you?"

"If I only can suit it equally well! Oh, I see what you mean. Thatis over now. I suppose the fever burnt it out of me, for it does nothurt me now to see the dear old Monk beaming on her. I am glad shecame, for I can feel sure of myself now. So there's nothing atpresent to come between me and my Mother Carey. Thanks, mother, I'lljust fire off my two notes; and establish myself luxuriously beforeCecil comes back! I say, this is the best inn's best room. PoorMrs. Evelyn must have thought herself providing for Fordham. Oh yes, I shall gladly lie down when these notes are done, but this is not achance to be neglected. Now, Deo gratias, it will be my own fault ifMagnum Bonum is not worked out to the utmost; yes, much better thanif we had never gone to America. Even Bobus owns that all things_have_ worked together for good!"

His mother, with another look at the face, so joyous though still sowasted and white, went back to the other room, with an equally happythough scarcely less worn countenance. 

"I hope he is resting, " said Mrs. Evelyn. "Are you quite satisfiedabout him?"

"Fully. He may not be strong for a year or two, and must be carefulnot to overtask himself, but John made him see one of the greatestphysicians in New York, to whom Dr. Medlicott had sent letters ofintroduction-—as if they were needed, he said, after Jock's work atAbville. He said, as John did, there was no lasting damage to theheart, and that the attack was the consequence of having been broughtso low; but he will be as strong and healthy as ever, if he will onlybe careful as to exertion for a year or so. This appointment is thevery thing to save him. I know his friends will look after him andkeep him from doing too much. Dr. ---— was quite grieved that he hadno notion how ill Jock had been, or he would have come to Ashton. Any of the faculty would, he said, for one of the 'true chivalry of1878. ' And he was so excited about the Magnum Bonum. "

"Do you think you and he can bear to crown our great thanksgivingfeast?"

"My dear, my heart is all one thanksgiving!"

"Cecil's rejoicing is quite as much for Jock's sake as over his boy. He told me how they had been pledged as brothers in arms, and tracesall that is best in himself to those days at Engelberg. "

"Yes, that night on the mountain was the great starting-point, thanksto dear little Armine. "

"I am writing to him and to Allen, " said Barbara from a corner. 

"My love a thousand times, and we will meet at home!"

"Then our joy will not feel incongruous to you?" said Mrs. Evelyn. 

"No, I am too thankful for what I know of my poor Janet. She is minenow as she never was since she was a baby in my arms. I scarcelygrieve, for happiness was over for her, and hers was a noble death. They have placed her name in the memorial tablet in Abville Church, to those who laid down their lives for their brethren there. Ibegged it might be, 'Janet Hermann, daughter of Joseph Brownlow'-—forI thank God she died worthy of her father. In all ways I can say ofthis journey, my children were dead and are alive again, were lostand are found. "

"Ah! I was sure it must be so, if such a girl as Miss Ashton couldaccept Robert. "

"I am happier about him than I ever thought to be. I do not say thathis faith is like John's or Armine's, but he is striving back throughthe mists, and wishing to believe, rather than being proud ofdisbelieving, and Primrose knows what she is doing, and is aiding himwith all her power. "

"As our Esther never could have done, " said Mrs. Evelyn, "except byher gentle innocence. "

"No. She could only have been to him a pretty white idol of his ownsetting up, " said Babie. 

"Now, " added her mother, "Primrose is fairly on equal grounds as toforce and intellect. She has been all over Europe, read and thoughtmuch, and can discuss deep matters, while the depth of her religiousprinciple impresses him. They fought themselves into love, and thenshe was sorry for him, and so touched by his wretchedness and longingto take hold of the comfort his reason could not accept. I wish youcould have seen her. This photograph shows you her fine head; butnot the beautiful clear complexion, and the sweetness of those darkgrey eyes!"

"I liked her letter, " said Babie, "and I am glad she was such adaughter to you, mother. Allen says he is thankful she is not aJapanese with black teeth. "

"He wrote very nicely to her, and so did Elfie, " said her mother. "And Armine wrote a charming little note, which pleased Primrose bestof all. "

"Poor Armine has felt all most deeply, " said Babie. "Do you rememberwhen he thought it his mission to die and do good to Bobus? Well, hewas sure that, though, as he said, his own life then was too shallowand unreal for his death to have done any good, Jock was meant toproduce the effect. "

"And he has—-"

"Yes, but by life, not death! Armie could hardly believe it. Youknow he was with us at Christmas; and when he found that Bobus was tobe led not by sorrow, but by this Primrose path, it was quite funnyto see how surprised he was. "

"Yes, " said Mrs. Evelyn, "he went about moralising on the variousremedies that are applied to the needs of human nature. "

"It made into a poem at last, such a pretty one, " said Babie. "Andhe says he will be wiser all his life for finding things turn out sounlike all his expectations. "

"I have a strange feeling of peace about all my children, " saidCaroline. "I do feel as if my dream had come true, and life, truelife, had wakened them all. "

"Yes, " said Mrs. Evelyn, "I think they all, in their degree, may besaid to have learnt or be learning the way to true Magnum Bonum. "

"And oh! how precious it has been to me, " said the mother. "How theguarding of that secret aided me through the worst of times!"

THE END.