n the pretty drawing-room Mrs.
Esthwaite plied Eleanor with questions relating to her voyage, her
destination, and above all, the England of which she had heard so much
and knew so little. Her curiosity was huge, and extended to the
smallest of imaginable details; and one thing followed another with
very little of congruous nature between them. And Eleanor answered, and
related, and described, and the while thought--where her letters were?
Nevertheless she gave herself kindly to her hostess's gratification,
and patiently put her own by; and the evening ended with Mrs. Esthwaite
being in a state of ecstatic delight with her new-found relation. Mr.
Esthwaite had kept silence and played the part of listener for the
larger portion of the evening, using his eyes and probably his judgment
freely during that time. As they were separating, he asked Eleanor
whether she could get up at six o'clock?

Eleanor asked what for?

"Do, for once; and I will take you a drive in the Domain."

"What Domain? yours, do you mean?"

"Not exactly. I have not got so far as that. No; it's the Government
Domain--everybody rides and drives there, and almost everybody goes at
six o'clock. It's worth going; botanical gardens, and all that sort of
thing."

Eleanor swiftly thought, that it was scarce likely Mr. Amos would have
her letters for her, or at least bring them, so early as that; and she
might as well indulge her host's fancy if not her own. She agreed to
the proposal, and Mrs. Esthwaite went rejoicing with her to her room.

"You'll like it," she said. "The botanical gardens are beautiful, and I
dare say you will know a great deal more about them than I do. O it's
delightful to have you here! I only cannot bear to think you must go
away again."

"You are very kind to me," said Eleanor gratefully. "My dear aunt
Caxton will be made glad to know what friends I have found among
strangers."

"Don't speak about it!" said Mrs. Esthwaite, her eyes fairly glistening
with earnestness. "I am sure if Egbert can do anything he will be too
glad. Now won't you do just as if you were at home? I want you to be
completely at home with us--now and always. You must feel very much the
want of your old home in England! being so far from it, too."

"Heaven is my home," said Eleanor cheerfully; "I do not feel the loss
of England so much as you think. That other home always seems near."

"Does it?" said Mrs. Esthwaite. "It seems such an immense way off, to