onfused to dwell on any subjects but
those of the moment; but he had appeared to take pleasure in the
unobtrusive, though decided religious habits of young Randolf.

There she must rest for the present, and trust to the influence of home,
perhaps to that of the shadow of death. At least he was the child of
many prayers, and had not Lucilla returned to her changed beyond her
hopes? Let it be as it would, she could not but sleep in gratitude that
both her children were again beneath her roof.

She was early dressed, and wishing the backwoodsman were anywhere but in
Owen's room. However, to her joy, the door was open, and Owen called her
in, looking so handsome as he lay partly raised by pillows, that she
could hardly believe in his condition, except for his weak, subdued
voice.

'Yes, I am much better this morning. I have slept off the headache, and
have been enjoying the old sounds!'

'Where is your friend?'

'Rushed off to look at St. Paul's through the shaking of doormats, and
pay his respects to the Thames. He has none of the colonial _nil
admirari_ spirit, but looks at England as a Greek colonist would have
looked at Athens. I only regret that the reality must tame his raptures.
I told him to come back by breakfast-time.'

'He will lose his way.'

'Not he! You little know the backwood's power of topography! Even I
could nearly rival some of the Arab stories, and he could guide you
anywhere--or after any given beast in the Newcastle district. Honor, you
must know and like him. He really is the New World Charlecote whom you
always held over our heads.'

'I thought you called him Randolf?'

'That is his surname, but his Christian name is Humfrey Charlecote, from
his grandfather. His mother was the lady my father told you of. He
saved an old Bible out of the fire, with it all in the fly-leaf. He
shall show it to you, and it can be easily confirmed by writing to the
places. I would have gone myself, if I had not been the poor creature I
am.'

'Yes, my dear,' said Honora, 'I dare say it is so. I am very glad you
found so attentive a friend. I am most thankful to him for his care of
you.'

'And you accept him as a relation,' said Owen, anxiously.

'Yes, oh, yes,' said Honor. 'Would you like anything before breakfast?'

Owen answered with a little plaintiveness. Perhaps he was disappointed
at this cold acquiescence; but it was not a moment at which Honor could
face the thought of a colonial