others of the same kind in the book, which is not a new one, and I will not forget to have it in readiness against the day of your departure."

This time was now drawing very near; the day before, Eleanor had the pleasure of getting letters from her brother, in answer to those written after Mr Harcourt's death. They were full of the tenderest affection and concern for her troubles. He would, he said, ask her to come to him, but the climate was bad, and the life not one she would like; but he would gladly spare what would put her above the fear of want, though she would not be the rich lady he had left her. He sent at the same time an order on his bankers, with a promise of its being regularly repeated at stated times. Eleanor felt real pleasure as she read the letter; she was not quite forlorn while she had a brother, who though distant loved her still. It was the affection she prized, for she rejoiced that now she was able to write and tell him, she should not be obliged to burden his means, which were not large. He had, when he wrote, not received the letter telling him of her being at Redleigh, surrounded by so much kindness; and now she could further say she was amply provided for at present, if only she proved able to remain with Mrs Hervey. She longed to sit down and communicate it all instantly, but there would be time before the next mail to write from Holly Lodge, which would be better, and she therefore deferred it; but the sad

ness of her last day was much brightened by the letter she had received.

There had been no change in the weather, and the morning for her journey was intensely cold, with the snow deep on the ground. She was to travel alone, for Mr Hervey, who had much wished to accompany her, was detained at home by the illness of one of his parishioners. It was now, however, not her first journey unattended.

"I shall not be cold, Adela," said she, as the latter entered her room, where she was just finishing packing, and was preparing to put on her bonnet. "Look, I have a cloak all trimmed with fur to wear, and another lined with it to put round me, and keep my feet warm. I might go safely to Siberia, instead of Hastings;" and she laughed; she was anxious not to shew all she felt.

"They are beautiful, Eleanor, still I am glad your journey is something short of the Arctic regions. But stay, before you shut your box I must put in the book I promised you with the recipe. I have laid a marker in the place, and there is a pencil line against the one I mean; but there are many others you will find for yourself;" and she proceeded to pack carefully at the top of the trunk a small book, which was nicely done up in paper. Adela was always very neat.

"Thank you; now I am quite ready to set out, and here comes good Mr Hervey up the garden to say good bye! How kind! I have put

Edward's letter here," said she, opening her cloak, and shewing it tucked into the body of her dress, "and it seems to keep me quite warm; but dear Adela, what shall I say to you?"

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CHAPTER XIV.

Introduces an Old Lady and her Dog.

"He could not fiddle, but yet he could make a small town a great city." -BACON.

HE 18th of January. Holly Lodge is in its

THE

winter garb; the shining green leaves of the old trees which have given its name glisten in the snow. The robin on one of the boughs has a breast as red as the berries with which they are loaded; it is bitterly cold, but he got his breakfast this morning from the windows of the house near which he has his home. The sun is shining brightly enough to melt some of the fairy crystals round him, and he is feeling very comfortable; so he ruffles out his feathers, and repays his benefactress with his clear and cheerful winter song.

The mistress of Holly Lodge sits by her fire, and reflects on the events the day is to bring forth; she expects her companion before night, and the good lady draws from her ample pocket a letter,

bearing the Redleigh post mark. She will see again what Alfred says. Look at her while she reads. She has sat for her likeness before, and it was a true portrait. We recognise the rich black silk dress, and the nice fresh-looking cap, under which the grey hair is parted over a high and intellectual forehead; there is a keen look in the eyes, and the lines of the mouth denote great determination; all the features are regular, and there are relics of the good looks of which we have heard. The lady before us has been a beauty in her day, and an heiress to boot, in the stately days of beauty, when it never went abroad without its hoop and high-heeled shoes, its powder and its fans; her white hand and bright eyes were a frequent toast before she married, and it had been often said that Admiral Hervey's wife was "the handsomest woman in the navy."

She is endeavouring to draw from Alfred's letter some clue as to how she may expect to like the stranger who is coming. "Lost all her fortune," -"poor thing,"-" quite a lady," "that's just what I wished for;" "very handsome,"-" so much the worse, beauties always give themselves airs; I daresay she will be full of them;" (is the lady thinking of some one she has known ?) " and yet it is pleasant to look at a pretty thing;" "about twenty-four, he thinks"-" terribly young, these girls now are so flippant, and have no respect for their superiors, or a bit of reverence for any