factory one to us all."

"I was always against cousins marrying," Mr. Lindsay said,
doubtfully.

"Don't be absurd, Peter. I don't say that, in some cases, there is
not a good deal to be said against it; but where both the man and
the woman are healthy, and come of healthy families, no union can
be more likely to be happy."

"But I think I have heard you speak--"

"Never mind what you have heard me speak, sir; circumstances alter
cases, and this case is altogether an exceptional one.

"We certainly could not wish for a finer young fellow as Mary's
husband. He is a desirable partner, in every respect. He is himself
well off and, although I quite agree with you that, whatever it
costs, we must give the dear old place up, I grant that it would be
very pleasant to avoid so terrible a wrench.

"The one thing I don't like is that man of his. He moves about so
noiselessly that it is like having a ghost in the room."

"It is you who are absurd, now, Louisa," the squire said. "The man
has, over and over again, proved himself to be a most faithful
friend to him. I own that it is a little trying to see him standing
behind Harry's chair, without moving, except when his master wants
something; but after all, that is less fidgety than having footmen
dodging about you.

"Well, Louisa, I will take particular heed of what you have said,
and will be mum as a mouse, until we see how the cat jumps."

Mrs. Lindsay's prevision turned out correct. Harry remained a week
longer at Parley House. Then he heard that an estate was for sale,
two miles away, and drove over quietly to inspect it. Ten days
later he wrote from London, and said that he had bought the place.

"He is the most obstinate fellow that I ever knew!" Mr. Lindsay
exclaimed, as he read the letter.

"What is it, dear?"

"He has bought Hungerford's place, and never gave me the slightest
hint of his intentions."

"Well, I think it will be very nice to have him so near us," Mrs.
Lindsay said, decidedly.

"Oh, of course, and it will be so handy for--"

"Peter, will you take another cup of tea?" his wife said, sharply;
and Mr. Lindsay knew that he had nearly put his foot in it.

A week later Harry came down again--to see, as he said, what
required to be done to the house; and he needed no persuasion to
stay at Parley Hall. To decide upon matters, he needed a great deal
of advice, both from Mrs. Lindsay and Mary; and then, having put
the house into the hands of the b