than was wise.
The fact that she had recovered from that folly does not render the
memory of the recovery less painful. The awakening from a troubled dream
is full of anguish.

Rising from a sleepless bed, she goes down next morning to find Mrs.
Connolly standing on the lowest step of the stairs, as if awaiting her,
booted and spurred for the journey.

"I tould him to order the thrap early, me dear, for I knew ye'd be
anxious," says the kind woman, squeezing her hand. "An' now," with an
anxious glance at her, "I hope ye ate yer breakfast. I guessed ye'd like
it in yer room, so I sint it up to ye. Well--come on, dear. Mr.
Beauclerk is outside waitin'. I explained it all to him. Said ye were
tired, ye know, an' eager to get back. And so all's ready an' the horse
impatient."

In spite of the storm yesterday, that seemed to shake earth and heaven,
to-day is beautiful. Soft glistening steams are rising from every hill
and bog and valley, as the hot sun's rays beat upon them. The world
seems wrapped in one vast vaporous mist, most lovely to behold. All the
woodland flowers are holding up their heads again, after their past
smiting from the cruel rain; the trees are swaying to and fro in the
fresh morning breeze, thousands of glittering drops brightening the air,
as they swing themselves from side to side. All things speak of a new
birth, a resurrection, a joyful waking from a terrifying past. The grass
looks greener for its bath, all dust is laid quite low, the very lichens
on the walls as they drive past them look washed and glorified.

The sun is flooding the sky with gorgeous light; there are "sweete smels
al arownd." The birds in the woods on either side of the roadway are
singing high carols in praise of this glorious day. All nature seems
joyous. Joyce alone is silent, unappreciative, unhappy.

The nearer she gets to the Court the more perturbed she grows in mind.
How will they receive her there? Barbara had said that Lady Baltimore
would not be likely to encourage an attachment between her and
Beauclerk, and now, though the attachment is impossible, what will she
think of this unfortunate adventure? She is so depressed that speech
seems impossible to her, and to all Mr. Beauclerk's sallies she scarcely
returns an answer.

His sallies are many. Never has he appeared in gayer spirits. The fact
that the girl beside him is in unmistakably low spirits has either
escaped him, or he has decided on taking no notice of