"my whole heart leaped to him. And now you know
all; and here we are at the Lodge."

The pony-phaeton went with great speed up a broad gravel-drive, bordered
with rare evergreens, and stopped at a handsome house with a portico in
front, and a long conservatory at the garden side,--one of those houses
which belong to "city gentlemen," and often contain more comfort and
exhibit more luxury than many a stately manorial mansion.

Mrs. Braefield evidently felt some pride as she led Kenelm through
the handsome hall, paved with Malvern tiles and adorned with Scagliola
columns, and into a drawing-room furnished with much taste and opening
on a spacious flower-garden.

"But where is Mr. Braefield?" asked Kenelm.

"Oh, he has taken the rail to his office; but he will be back long
before dinner, and of course you dine with us."

"You're very hospitable, but--"

"No buts: I will take no excuse. Don't fear that you shall have only
mutton-chops and a rice-pudding; and, besides, I have a children's party
coming at two o'clock, and there will be all sorts of fun. You are fond
of children, I am sure?"

"I rather think I am not. But I have never clearly ascertained my own
inclinations upon that subject."

"Well, you shall have ample opportunity to do so to-day. And oh! I
promise you the sight of the loveliest face that you can picture to
yourself when you think of your future wife."

"My future wife, I hope, is not yet born," said Kenelm, wearily, and
with much effort suppressing a yawn. "But at all events, I will stay
till after two o'clock; for two o'clock, I presume, means luncheon."

Mrs. Braefield laughed. "You retain your appetite?"

"Most single men do, provided they don't fall in love and become doubled
up."

At this abominable attempt at a pun, Mrs. Braefield disdained to laugh;
but turning away from its perpetrator she took off her hat and gloves
and passed her hands lightly over her forehead, as if to smooth back
some vagrant tress in locks already sufficiently sheen and trim. She was
not quite so pretty in female attire as she had appeared in boy's
dress, nor did she look quite as young. In all other respects she was
wonderfully improved. There was a serener, a more settled intelligence
in her frank bright eyes, a milder expression in the play of her parted
lips. Kenelm gazed at her with pleased admiration. And as now, turning
from the glass, she encountered his look, a deeper colour came into the
clear delicac