message from the ladies of Blue Cliffs to Miss Lytton.

Emma thanked him and availed herself of his offer by sending a letter,
as we have seen.

And then she went about the house, attended by old Moll, selecting and
arranging rooms for her new-expected guests.

The next afternoon she was quite surprised by another call from Craven
Kyte. He was shown into the parlor, where she sat at work with Electra.

"You have come back quickly; but we are glad to see you," she said, as
she arose to shake hands with him.

"Yes, miss," he answered, after bowing to her and to Electra; "yes,
miss, I reached Perch Point last night, and I left it early this
morning. In going I called at Lytton Lodge and delivered your letter,
miss."

"The family at the lodge are well, I hope."

"All well, miss. And as I passed by the gate this morning the man
Taters, who was at work on the lawn, told me that Mr. Alden and Miss
Laura Lytton would leave for this place at noon."

"Then they will be here to-night," said Electra.

"Yes, miss."

"Will you stay and spend the afternoon and evening with us, Mr. Kyte?
Shall I ring and have your horse put up?" inquired Miss Cavendish.

"No, thank you, miss. I must get back to Wendover to-night. Fact is, I'm
on the wing again," said the young man, stammering and blushing.
"Business of importance calls me to--to Charlottesville, miss. So if you
should have a letter or a message to send to--to Mrs. Grey I should be
happy to take it."

Emma Cavendish and Electra Coroni looked at each other in comic
surprise.

"Why, you must be an amateur postman, Mr. Kyte! To fetch and carry
letters seems to be your mission on earth," laughed Electra.

"So it has often been said of me, miss. And if you or Miss Cavendish
have any to send, I should be happy to take them," answered the young
man, quite seriously.

"I have none," said Electra.

"Nor I, thank you," added Emma; "but you may, if you please, give my
love to Mrs. Grey, and tell her we shall feel anxious until we hear of
her safe arrival and improved health."

"I will do so with much pleasure," said Mr. Kyte, rising to take leave.

As soon as the visitor had left them the two young ladies exchanged
glances of droll amazement.

"As sure as you live, Emma, the business of importance that takes him to
Charlottesville is Mrs. Mary Grey! He's taken in and done for, poor
wretch! I shouldn't wonder a bit if he sold out his share in the fancy
dry-goods store at