's theory and his daughter's to
atoms at one blow.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Meantime the history of Raby House was the history of what French
dramatists call "a pious lie."

Its indirect effect in keeping Grace Carden apart both from Mrs. Little
and Jael Dence was unforeseen and disastrous; its immediate and direct
effect on Mrs. Little was encouraging to those concerned; what with
the reconciliation to her brother, the return to native air and beloved
scenes, the tenderness and firmness of Jael Dence, and the conviction
that her son was safe out of the clutches of the dreaded Unions, she
picked up flesh and color and spirit weekly.

By-and-by she turned round upon Jael Dence, and the nurse became the
pupil. Mrs. Little taught her grammar, pronunciation, dancing, carriage,
and deportment. Jael could already sing from notes; Mrs. Little taught
her to accompany herself on the pianoforte. The teacher was so vigilant,
and the pupil so apt and attentive, that surprising progress was made.
To be sure, they were together night and day.

This labor of love occupied Mrs. Little's mind agreeably, and, as
the pupil was equally resolute in making the teacher walk or ride on
horseback with her every day, the hours glided swiftly, and, to Mrs.
Little, pleasantly.

Her brother rather avoided her, by order of Jael Dence; but so many
probable reasons were given for his absences that she suspected nothing.
Only she said one day, "What a gad-about he is now. This comes of not
marrying. We must find him a wife."

When he was at home they breakfasted together, all three, and then Mrs.
Little sometimes spoke of Henry, and so hopefully and cheerfully that a
great qualm ran through her hearers, and Raby, who could not command
his features so well as Jael could, looked gloomy, and sometimes retired
behind his newspaper.

Mrs. Little observed this one day, and pointed it out to Jael. "Oh,"
said Jael, "take no notice. You know he wanted Mr. Henry to stay quietly
here and be his heir."

"And so did I. But his very name seems to--"

"He likes him well, for all that, ma'am; only he won't own it yet. You
know what Squire is."

"THE Squire you should say, dear. But, 'Mr. Raby' is better still. As a
rule, avoid all small titles: the doctor, the squire, the baronet, the
mayor."

Jael seized this handle, and, by putting questions to her teacher, got
her away from the dangerous topic.

Ever on the watch, and occupied in many ways with