ave twice sent orphans from this village to
their care, and in each case I believe that there could not have been a
happier result."

"You'll be charmed if you go over the house at Winstead, Mr. Lepel,"
said Mrs. Rumbold coaxingly. "Do go over and see yourself what it is
like. Such a lovely house, half covered with purple clematis and
Virginia creeper, and a dear little chapel, and beautiful grounds! And
the expense is quite trifling--twelve or sixteen pounds a year, I
believe, for each of the dear little orphans!"

"If you speak so highly of it, I am sure I may take it on trust,"
answered Hubert, with a smile. He was growing weary of the discussion.
"Take the child and do the best for her, will you, Mrs. Rumbold? My
cousin and I will supply all funds that may be needed."

"I am sure that's very good of you, Mr. Lepel. The child couldn't be
happier anywhere than she will be at Winstead. Alfred will write at once
about it--will you not, Alfred?"

Alfred bowed assent.

"I suppose it will take a few days to settle," said Hubert, looking from
one to the other. "In the meantime----"

"Oh, in the meantime she can stay here!" said Mrs. Rumbold expansively.
"She will be no trouble, poor thing! I can put up a little bed for her
in one of the attics."

"She's not very clean, I'm afraid, Mrs. Rumbold. She looks exceedingly
black."

"I expect that the black's all on the surface," said the Rector's wife.
"You needn't laugh, Alfred; Mr. Lepel knows what I mean, I'm sure. The
child's been in the workhouse for more than a fortnight, and has left it
only for the last day or two; she is just dusty and grimy with the heat
and exercise, and will be glad of a bath, poor thing! I'll make her look
beautiful before she goes to Winstead, you'll see."

"Then I may leave her in your charge? It is exceedingly good of you,"
said Hubert, rising to take his leave. "I don't know what I should have
done with her but for you."

"My dear Mr. Lepel, I am sure the goodness is all on your side!" cried
Mrs. Rumbold. "I should not have thought of a gentleman like you, one of
your family, troubling himself about a ragged miserable child like this
little Westwood girl. I'm sure she ought to be eternally grateful to you
all!"

"Oh, by-the-bye," said Hubert, turning round as he was nearing the door,
"you have reminded me of something that I may as well mention now, Mrs.
Rumbold! Oblige me by not telling any one that I--we have anything to do
with p