sed to be called upon to give the health of a gentleman, and every
gentleman of a lady. It was always so at your grandfather's table,
Anne, where many a time when you were a baby in long-clothes I had the
pleasure of giving yours."

"Thank you," said Anne, smiling. She was evidently a great favourite
with the old gentleman.

"You should know, my dear daughter-in-law, that my acquaintance with
this lady dates almost from her birth. And for nineteen years I held
over her the right which I understand my eldest son"--he paused a
moment--"which Major Harper had the honour to hold over you. Her
grandfather left me his executor and sole guardian of his infant
heiress. I was a young man then, but I tried to deserve his trust. Did
I, Anne?"

Again she smiled--most affectionately.

"And I had the pleasure of seeing my ward at twenty-one the richest
heiress and the truest gentlewoman in the west of England. She did me
infinite credit, and I had fulfilled to my friend one of the most sacred
trusts a man can receive. Your excellent grandfather Anne--let us drink
his memory."

Reverently and in silence the old Squire raised the glass to his lips--a
glass filled with only water--he never took wine.

"You see, my dear young lady, how this old custom brings back all lost
or absent friends. We never forget them, and like to talk of them and
of old times. Thus, always at this hour, we gather round us innumerable
pleasant recollections, and remember all who are dear to us or to our
guests at Kingcombe Holm.--Now, Mrs. Harper, we wait your toast."

Agatha coloured, felt nervous and ashamed, glanced at her husband, but
met nothing except an encouraging smile. She thought--remembering
her own few ties--that she would gratify Nathanael by naming some one
nearest to him. So she looked up timidly, and gave "Uncle Brian."

Every one applauded--the Squire graciously acknowledging the compliment
to his brother.

"The youngest and only surviving brother of many, and as such, much
regarded by me," he explained to his daughter-in-law. "In spite of
the great difference in our ages, and some trifling opposition in our
characters, I cherish the highest esteem for my brother Brian." And
hereupon he asked for the letter received that day; which was duly read
aloud by his son--saving the wise omission of the postscript.

"Go to California?" said old Mr. Harper, knitting his brows. "I do not
like that--it is unbecoming a gentleman. Though he was