void the
term, if possible, but no synonym exists--W---- was, indisputably, an
"aristocratic" place.

Thus, after more than four years' absence, the summers of which had been
spent in travel among the beautiful mountain scenery of the North, the
young heiress returned to the home of her childhood.

For several months after her return she patiently, hopefully, faithfully
studied the dispositions of the members of various families with whom she
foresaw that she would be thrown, by her father's wishes, into intimate
relationship, and satisfied herself that, among all these, there was not
one, save Dr. Arnold, whose counsel, assistance, or sympathy she felt any
inclination to claim. In fine, W---- was not in any respect peculiar, or,
as a community, specially afflicted with heartlessness, frivolity,
brainlessness, or mammonism; the average was fair, reputable, in all
respects. But, incontrovertibly, the girl who came to spend her life among
these people was totally dissimilar in criteria of action, thought, and
feeling. To the stereotyped conventional standard of fashionable life she
had never yielded allegiance; and now stood a social free-thinker. For a
season she allowed herself to be whirled on by the current of dinners,
parties, and picnics; but soon her sedate, contemplative temperament
revolted from the irksome round, and gradually she outlined and pursued a
different course, giving to her gay companions just what courtesy required,
no more.

Hugh had prolonged his stay in Europe beyond the period originally
designated, and, instead of arriving in time to accompany his uncle and
cousin home, he did not sail for some months after their return. At length,
however, letters were received announcing his presence in New York, and
fixing the day when his relatives might expect him.

CHAPTER XVI

THE LOAN REPAID

The carriage had been dispatched to the depot, a servant stood at the end
of the avenue waiting to throw open the gate, Mr. Huntingdon walked up and
down the wide colonnade, and Irene sat before the fire in her own room,
holding in one palm the flashing betrothal ring which she had been forced
to wear since her return from New York. The few years of partial peace had
passed; she knew that the hour drew near when the long-dreaded struggle
must begin, and, hopeless of averting it, quietly waited for the storm to
break. Dropping the ring in her jewellery-box, she turned the key, and just
then her father'