ifetime
ago, ague was as prevalent as in our worst districts. The same means
which destroyed it there, will do so here; the work is half accomplished
already, for this very road on which we are driving was, twenty years
ago, little better than a bog along which it was not safe for a horse to
pass."

"Wonderful energy your people must have, certainly. Where are we going
next?"

Mrs. Bellairs was provoked. She was an ardent lover of her country; and
to talk of its advantages and disadvantages with an interested companion
was to her a keen pleasure; the intense indifference of Mr. Percy's
reply, therefore, made her regard him for a moment with anything but
goodwill. She gave Bob a sharp "flick" with her whip, and paused a
minute before answering; when she did speak, it was with a little
malice.

"I suppose you have not yet had time to call on Maurice Leigh? I can
take you there now if you like. I often go to see old Mr. Leigh."

"Thank you. I saw young Leigh just now at William's office."

"I am going to the Cottage then, that is, Mrs. Costello's."

They were almost at the turning of the lane as she spoke, and directly
after came in sight of the pretty low house, standing in a perfect nest
of green. They stopped at the gate; and Margery, a decent middle-aged
woman, immediately came out to open it. She took hold of the pony like
an old acquaintance, and fastened him to a post in such a way that he
could amuse himself by nibbling the grass which grew along the
little-frequented path; then smoothing down her white apron, ushered
the visitors into the parlour. The room was very dark, the Venetian
shutters being closed and blinds drawn down to keep out the glare and
heat of the day, but the flicker of a white dress on the verandah showed
where the two ladies were to be found. Mrs. Bellairs stepped out, and
was greeted by a cry of delight from Lucia.

"Oh, you are good! Is Bella here?"

"Bella is gone to the Scotts', but Mr. Percy is with me."

Lucia grew demure instantly, as the second guest came forward. "Mamma is
there," she said, and made room for them to pass along the verandah.

Mrs. Bellairs presented her companion to her friend, and more chairs
were brought out, that the new-comers might enjoy the cool breeze and
shade. Mr. Percy might have preferred a seat near Lucia; fortune,
however, placed him beside her mother, and, like a wise man, he applied
himself to make the best of his position. How little trouble