immed with black satin and jet. Helen glanced at her as
she rose from her chair and wondered how she came to have such a good
looking family. But she quickly became aware that the room contained two
other occupants. Two girls were seated at the piano trying some duets.
They were both tall and fair with blue eyes and pale complexions and
they wore rose coloured dresses. From Gladys' discription Helen knew why
they were the twins Ethel and Elsie.

Mrs. Lincarrol rose as they entered and having embraced her family
turned with a queer look in her eyes to Helen.

"So this is Helen Winston?" she said holding out her hand, "my niece I
think"

Helen did not quite know what to say so she merely smiled and she was
then introduced to Ethel and Elsie, both of whom she liked very much,
especially the former.

"Now I think you'd better go and see your father" exclaimed Mrs.
Lincarrol at last "you will find him in the library with Hugh, no doubt
Helen would like to make her uncle's acquaintance."

"I should" replied Helen.

So they all marched accross the hall and opening another door entered
the library.

"So here you all are again" cried a cheery voice from within and at the
same moment a tall well built man came forward. He was a contrast to his
wife in every way, being fairly stout, dark and brown eyed. He had a
kind though stern looking face. He greeted Helen very cordially with
none of the shifty glances his wife had made use of and then introduced
Hugh to her. He was only 17-1/2 with dark hair and eyes and very much
resembled Lionel.

"Well I'm glad to see you all back." cried Mr. Lincarrol, "but you all
look tired, I suppose the journey was long?"

"Not very" replied Minna who had hitherto kept a discreet silence, "but
I'm very hungry.

"Why of course you must be, ring the bell Hugh" cried Mr. Lincarrol
heartily "and I'll see you get something at once."

A very good meal was soon brought up and it was quickly disposed of.

"Well Helen I'm going to bed now" said Minna at last, "if you come now
I'll show you your room."

"Oh thank you" replied Helen and with that they both walked upstairs
together.

Lionel and Hugh soon followed their example and so Lawrence was left
alone with his father.

"A very nice girl Helen Winston seems" cried Mr. Lincarrol, "I admire
your taste Lawrence."

"I'm glad you do" answered Lawrence, "I was struck with her when I first
met her."

"Yes I certainly admire your choice" repl