d run down the hill, as after that meeting with Hubert
Eldon. But her sweetness was in the end irresistible to all who came
within the circle of its magic. You saw its influence in Letty, whose
eyes seemed never at rest save when they were watching Adela, who sprang
to her side with delight if the faintest sign did but summon her. You
saw its influence, moreover, when, the tea over, the children ranged
themselves on the lawn to hear her read. After the first few sentences,
everywhere was profoundest attention; the music of her sweetly modulated
voice, the art which she learnt only from nature, so allied themselves
with the beauty of the pages she read that from beginning to end not a
movement interrupted her.

Whilst she was reading a visitor presented himself at the Manor, and
asked if Mrs. Mutimer was at home. The servant explained how and where
Mrs. Mutimer was engaged, for the party was held in a quarter of the
garden hidden from the approach to the front door.

'Is Miss Mutimer within?' was the visitor's next inquiry.

Receiving an affirmative reply, he begged that Miss Mutimer might be
informed of Mr. Keene's desire to see her. And Mr. Keene was led to the
drawing-room.

Alice was reposing on a couch; she did not trouble herself to rise when
the visitor entered, but held a hand to him, at the same time scarcely
suppressing a yawn. Novel reading has a tendency to produce this
expression of weariness. Then she smiled, as one does in greeting an old
acquaintance.

'Who ever would have expected to see you!' she began, drawing away her
hand when it seemed to her that Mr. Keene had detained it quite long
enough. 'Does Dick expect you?'

'Your brother does not expect me, Miss Mutimer,' Keene replied.
He invariably began conversation with her in a severely formal and
respectful tone, and to-day there was melancholy in his voice.

'You've just come on your own--because you thought you would?'

'I have come because I could not help it, Miss Mutimer. It is more than
a month since I had the happiness of seeing you.'

He stood by the couch, his body bent in deference, his eyes regarding
her with melancholy homage.

'Mrs. Mutimer has a tea-party of children from New Wanley,' said Alice
with a provoking smile. 'Won't you go and join them? She's reading to
them, I believe; no doubt it's something that would do you good.'

'Of course I will go if you send me. I would go anywhere at your
command.'

'Then please do. T