e Mrs. Maxwell appeared to
invite me into the other room to lunch. That lady's cool, distant
manners rather chilled me at first; but I did my best to propitiate her,
and not entirely without success, I think, even in that first short
visit; for when I talked cheerfully to her, she gradually became more
kind and cordial, and when I departed she bade me a gracious adieu,
hoping ere long to have the pleasure of seeing me again.

'But you must not go till you have seen the conservatory, my aunt's
winter garden,' said Helen, as I advanced to take leave of her, with as
much philosophy and self-command as I could summon to my aid.

I gladly availed myself of such a respite, and followed her into a large
and beautiful conservatory, plentifully furnished with flowers,
considering the season--but, of course, I had little attention to spare
for them. It was not, however, for any tender colloquy that my companion
had brought me there:--

'My aunt is particularly fond of flowers,' she observed, 'and she is fond
of Staningley too: I brought you here to offer a petition in her behalf,
that this may be her home as long as she lives, and--if it be not our
home likewise--that I may often see her and be with her; for I fear she
will be sorry to lose me; and though she leads a retired and
contemplative life, she is apt to get low-spirited if left too much
alone.'

'By all means, dearest Helen!--do what you will with your own. I should
not dream of wishing your aunt to leave the place under any
circumstances; and we will live either here or elsewhere as you and she
may determine, and you shall see her as often as you like. I know she
must be pained to part with you, and I am willing to make any reparation
in my power. I love her for your sake, and her happiness shall be as
dear to me as that of my own mother.'

'Thank you, darling! you shall have a kiss for that. Good-by. There
now--there, Gilbert--let me go--here's Arthur; don't astonish his
infantile brain with your madness.'

* * * * *

But it is time to bring my narrative to a close. Any one but you would
say I had made it too long already. But for your satisfaction I will add
a few words more; because I know you will have a fellow-feeling for the
old lady, and will wish to know the last of her history. I did come
again in spring, and, agreeably to Helen's injunctions, did my best to
cultivate her acquaintance. She received me very kind