uld not
love my wife so well as you do me."

"It is time to prepare for that when she comes," said Clary. "I think I
shall live along with you, dear Fred, as long as I require an earthly
home."

Something like a sad smile passed over the pensive face of the fair
child, for a child she still was, in stature and simplicity.

"And so you shall, my darling. I have no idea of bringing home a new
mistress to Millbank; and long may you live to enjoy your birds, and
lambs, and dogs, and cats, and all the numerous pets that you have taken
upon yourself to adopt and cherish."

"Ah! Fred, that reminds me of a pair of lovely Barbary doves I got
to-day from some unknown friend. They came from London by the coach, in
a pretty green cage, with no note or message; but simply directed to
'Miss Wildegrave.' I must bring them to show you; they are such loves."

Away ran Clary to fetch her new pets. Frederic looked after her, and
laughed. "I sent for the doves, Anthony, as a little surprise. How
delighted she is. She is a fragile creature, Cousin Hurdlestone; and I
much fear that she will not require my care long. My mother died in
giving her birth; and, since the death of my sister Lucy, who was a
mother to Clary, the child has drooped sadly. She was always
consumptive, and during the last two months I can perceive a great
change in her for the worse."

"I do not wonder at your anxiety. Oh, that I had such a sister to love!"

"Love! she was made to love. So gentle, affectionate, and confiding. It
would break my heart to lose her."

"You must not anticipate evil. And, after all, Cousin Wildegrave, is
death such a dreadful evil to a fair young creature, too good and
amiable to struggle with the ills of life? If I were in her place, I
think I could exclaim, 'that it was a good and blessed thing to die!'"

"You are right," whispered the sweet low voice of Clarissa Wildegrave.
"Death is our best friend. I see, Mr. Hurdlestone, that you and I are
related--that we shall love each other, for we think alike."

This would have been a strange speech, could it have been taken in any
other sense than the one in which it was meant; and Anthony, as he took
the dove, the emblem of purity, from the fair hand of Clary, thought
that a beautiful harmony existed between the bird and its mistress.

"I am sure we shall love each other, Miss Wildegrave. Will you accept me
as a second brother?"

"I don't want two brothers, Mr. Hurdlestone. I love Fr