e piece was
finished, and then, observing that her companions had left the room,
she turned and met the dark, handsome eyes,--not of William Bender,
but of one who, with a peculiar smile, offered her his hand, saying,
"I believe I need no introduction to Miss Howard, except a slight
change in the name, which instead of being _Stuart_ is Moreland!"

Mary never knew what she said or did. She only remembered a dizzy
sensation in her head, a strong arm passed round her, and a voice
which fully aroused her as it called her "Mary," and asked if she were
faint. Just then Ida entered the room, announcing tea, and asking her
if she found "Mr. Stuart" much changed? At the tea-table Mary sat
opposite George, and every time she raised her eyes, she met his fixed
upon her, with an expression so like that of the picture in the golden
locket which she still wore, that she wondered she had not before
recognized George Moreland in the Mr. Stuart who had so puzzled and
mystified her. After supper she had an opportunity of seeing why
George was so much beloved at home. Possessing rare powers of
conversation, he seemed to know exactly what to say, and when to say
it, and with a kind word and pleasant smile for all, he generally
managed to make himself a favorite, notwithstanding his propensity to
tease, which would occasionally show itself in some way or other.
During the evening William Bender called, and soon after Henry Lincoln
also came in, frowning gloomily when he saw how near to each other
were William and his sister, while he jealously watched them, still
keeping an eye upon George and Mary, the latter of whom remembered her
young sister, and treated him with unusual coldness. At last,
complaining of feeling _blue_, he asked Ida to play, at the same time
sauntering towards the music room, where stood his sister's piano.
"Upon my word," said he, "this looks natural. Who bought it?" and he
drummed a few notes of a song.

"Mr. Moreland bought it. Wasn't he kind?" said Jenny, who all the
evening had been trying for a chance to thank George, but now when she
attempted to do so he prevented her by saying, "Oh don't--don't--I can
imagine all you wish to say, and I hate to be thanked. Rose and I are
particular friends, and it afforded me a great deal of pleasure to
purchase it for her--but," he added, glancing at his watch, "I must be
excused now, as I promised to call upon my ward."

"Who's that?" asked Jenny, and George replied that i