in chosen portions as goodly and
pleasant food. She seemed to receive the secrets of every one's life and
to betray none.

Agatha now learnt why there had been such a mystery of regret,
reverence, and love hanging over the very mention of the eldest Miss
Harper.

When the tumult of this strange day had resolved itself into silence,
Agatha, believing her husband fast asleep, lay pondering over
it, wondering why he had not asked her what she thought of his
family--wondering, above all, what was the strange weight upon him which
he tried so hard to conceal, and to appear just the same to every one,
especially to her. Her coming life rose up like a great maze, about
which all the characters now apparently mingled therein wandered mistily
in and out. Among them, those which had gained most vivid individuality
in a fancy not prone to catch quick interests, affecting her alternately
with a sense of pensive ideal calm, and cheerful healthy human liking,
were Elizabeth Harper, the "Missus," and Duke Dugdale.

Likewise, as an especial pleasure, she had discovered the one to whom
she clung as to a well-known friend among all these strangers, lived
within eight miles of Kingcombe Holm.

"And"--she kept recurring to a fact spread abroad in the house just
before bed-time, and apparently diffusing universal satisfaction--"and
Anne Valery is sure to be here to-morrow."

CHAPTER XIII.

On the morning--her first morning at Kingcombe Holm--Mrs. Harper woke
refreshed to a bright day. All the terraced outline of the hills was
pencilled distinctly against the bluest of blue skies, which hung like
a tent over the shut-up valley. She stood at the window looking at it,
while Mary Harper made the breakfast and Eulalie curiously examined
Agatha's dress, supposed to be the latest bridal fashion from London.
Nathanael sat writing letters until breakfast was ready, and then took
his father's place at the foot of the table.

"Elizabeth bade me ask you," said Mary, addressing him, "if you had any
letters this morning from Frederick? You know she likes to look at all
family letters--they amuse her. Shall I take this one?"

Nathanael put his hand upon a heap, among which was plainly
distinguishable Major Harper's writing. "No, Mary--not now. If
necessary, I will read part of it to Elizabeth myself."

Agatha, who had before vainly asked the same question, was annoyed by
her husband's reserve. His silence in all his affairs, especially th