r Hugh," and the stately housekeeper folded her plump
hands and looked complacently at the pretty face before her. "A
thousand welcomes both to you and her ladyship, Sir Hugh, and a long
life and a happy one to you both."

But the housekeeper, as she ended her little speech with an elaborate
courtesy, was marveling in her kindly heart what on earth had
possessed her master to bring this lovely child to be the mistress of
Redmond Hall.

"Thank you, very much," returned Fay, timidly, and her sweet face
flushed as she spoke. "I trust we shall soon become good friends. I
know how you all love my dear husband, and I hope in time that you
will be able to love me too for his sake."

"There can be no doubt of that, I should think, Mrs. Heron," returned
Sir Hugh, moved in spite of himself; and at his tone the shy fingers
closed more tightly round his. Those who were standing by never forgot
Fay's look, when the girl-wife raised her beautiful eyes to her
husband's face.

"And now," continued Sir Hugh, "you are very tired, Fay, but our good
Mrs. Heron will show you your rooms, that you may rest and refresh
yourself after your long journey. This is your maid, I believe,"
turning to a fresh, bright-looking girl behind him; then, as Fay
obediently left him, "What time will dinner be served, Ellerton?"

"At a quarter to eight, Sir Hugh."

"Very well; I hope there are lights and a fire in the study."

"Yes, Sir Hugh, and in the damask drawing-room as well." But his
master did not seem to hear him, as he walked slowly across the hall
on his way to his dressing-room.

CHAPTER XII.

IN THE BLUE NESTIE.

....This perhaps was love--
To have its hands too full of gifts to give
For putting out a hand to take a gift,
To have so much, the perfect mood of love
Includes, in strict conclusion, being loved;
As Eden dew went up and fell again,
Enough for watering Eden, obviously
She had not thought about his love at all.
The cataracts of her soul had poured themselves,
And risen self-crown'd in rainbow; would she ask
Who crown'd her?--it sufficed that she was crown'd.

E. B. BROWNING.

Redmond Hall was a curious old house; it had been built originally in
Gothic style, but an aspiring Redmond, who was ignorant of the laws of
architecture and not possessed with the spirit of uniformity, had
thrown out windows and added wings that savored strongly of the