nning up of a
flag on the loftiest turret of the Castle.

Mr. Rivers had been his tutor, and his Lordship always hastened to
renew his intimacy with his old friend and instructor, for whom he had
a warm regard, running into the Rectory in his old, boyish,
unceremonious way, and frequently inviting the Rector and his wife to
dine at the Castle.

During one of these pleasant dinner-parties, Lord Glenmore, turning to
Mrs. Rivers, said: "I know from happy experience that you and your good
husband are always ready to lend a helping hand when one is in need.
Now Laura and I want a little help. We have had a rather embarrassing
arrival at the Castle,--the motherless little son and daughter of my
brother, Colonel Montford. They were sent over from India, at our
suggestion, but we hardly know what to do with them. They are shy and
homesick, and thus far have had little to say to any one but their
dusky old Ayah, their Indian nurse. Now, children can get on best with
children, and so, my dear madam, I beg that you will lend us
yours,--those charming little daughters, staid Margaret and roguish
Maud, and that fine lad Robert. As for wee Master Alfred, my baby
godson, I make no demand on him for the present. We think that if they
could spend a day at the Castle now and then, they would help to break
the ice between us and our unsocial little relations!"

Mr. and Mrs. Rivers willingly consented to their friends' request, and
the next day was fixed upon for the first visit, both Lord and Lady
Glenmore promising to do all in their power to entertain their young
guests.

Early on a lovely autumn morning the children at the Rectory were made
ready for the important visit. As soon as Lord Glenmore's carriage
appeared in sight, they ran into the nursery, their faces bright with
joyous anticipations, to bid their mamma good by. She was sitting with
the baby on her lap, and they all bent down to kiss "the dear little
fellow," ere they went.

"Why, mamma," said Margaret, "how hot Ally's lips are! is n't he well?"

"I am afraid not quite well," Mrs. Rivers replied; "he seems feverish.
Now, my dears, I hope you will be very good and gentle all day. You,
Margaret, must take good care of your sister, and Maud," she added, as
she bent forward to tie in a smoother knot the strings of the little
girl's hat, "you must not run quite wild with merriment. Robert, don't
put yourself on your dignity with young Montford, on account of his