e
had taken advantage of a service he had rendered the ladies, when
Sulky had been more intractable than usual, to join Fay in her walks
and rides. He was a handsome boy of about twenty, and he was honestly
smitten with the young heiress's sweet face; but Aunt Griselda, who
knew her brother's wish, had been greatly alarmed, and had thought of
shutting up her cottage and taking Fay to Bath for the winter before
Frank Lumsden came back to Daintree Hall for the Christmas vacation.

Aunt Griselda received Sir Hugh graciously, and prosed gently to him
of his father's death; but Hugh turned the conversation skillfully to
herself and Fay. He managed to extract a good deal of information from
the simple woman about her lovely little niece. Miss Mordaunt could be
garrulous on the subject of Fay's perfections--she looked upon Hugh
Redmond as the suitor whom her brother would have chosen. Before long
Hugh heard all about Frank Lumsden's enormities. Before he had visited
many times at the cottage Aunt Griselda had confided her perplexities
to his ear, and had asked his advice--of course he had commended her
wisdom in driving the unlucky Frank from the field.

"It would never do, you know; he is only a boy," Aunt Griselda
observed, plaintively; "and Fay will be so rich one of these days."

"Oh! it would never do at all," responded Hugh, hastily. The idea of
Frank Lumsden annoyed him. What business had all these impertinent
fellows to be staring at Fay in church? He should like to send them
all about their own business, he thought; for though hardly a week had
passed, Hugh was beginning to feel a strong interest in Fay.

He had not spoken to her again on that first visit; but after a time
she had joined them in the porch, and had sat down demurely by Aunt
Griselda, and had busied herself with some work. Hugh could not make
her speak to him, but he had a good look at her.

She had laid aside her broad-brimmed hat, and he saw the beautiful
little head was covered with soft curly brown hair, that waved
naturally over the temples. It was coiled gracefully behind, but no
amount of care or pains could have smoothed those rippling waves.

He wished more than once that he could have seen her eyes again, but
she kept them fixed on her embroidery; only when anything amused her a
charming dimple showed on one cheek. It was the prettiest dimple he
had ever seen, and he caught himself trying to say something that
would bring it again. Hugh