y as a duck
takes to the water. Pommy word, he's a lucky young dog."

And naturally and quietly Will did take his place in the household,
never pleasing his uncle more than when he sometimes unconsciously gave
an order to the servants, and so took upon himself the duties which
would have devolved upon him had he been his son instead of his nephew.

Gradually, too, Colonel Vaughan became accustomed to the change in the
"young fellow's" circumstances, and accepted the situation with
equanimity. Will left no stone unturned to ingratiate himself with the
old man, and was very successful in his attempts. So much so, that
when he and Gwenda would sometimes step out of the French window
together, and roam through the garden and under the oak trees side by
side, her uncle noticed it no more than he would have had Will been one
of the average young men of On-side society.

Meanwhile, for the two young people, the summer roses had a deeper
glow, the river a sweeter murmur, and the sky a brighter tint than they
had ever had before; and while Gwenda sat under the shade of the
gnarled oaks, with head bent over some bit of work, Will lying on the
green sward beside her in a dream of happiness, Mrs. Trevor watched
them from her seat in the drawing-room with a smile full of meaning,
and Dr. Owen with a look of pleased content.

"You must find it a very pleasant change from hard study to come out
here sometimes," said Gwenda, drawing her needle out slowly.

"Yes, very," said Will; "I never bring a book with me, and I try to
banish my studies from my mind while I am here."

"Do you find that possible? I am afraid I have a very ill-regulated
mind, as an interesting subject will occupy my thoughts whether I like
it or not."

"Well, of course," said Will, plucking at the grass, "there are some
subjects which never can be banished. There is one, at all events,
which permeates my whole life; which gilds every scene with beauty, and
which tinges even my dreams. Need I tell you what that is, Miss
Vaughan?"

Gwenda's head bent lower, and there was a vivid glow on her cheek as
she answered:

"Your life here must be so full of brightness, the scenes around you
are so lovely, it is no wonder if they follow you into your dreams.
But--but, Mr. Owen, I will not pretend to misunderstand you."

"You understand me, and yet you are not angry with me? Only tell me
that, Miss Vaughan, and I shall be satisfied; and yet not quite
satisfied