was something new indeed in the annals of the family!
Shy she was, however, beyond possibility of doubt, hardly daring to look
in Mr Rayner's direction, and refusing outright to address him by his
Christian name for the edification of the listeners.

"What is there to be frightened at? I am not frightened! Herbert, do
you take sugar, Herbert? Will you have two lumps, Herbert?" cried
Lettice saucily, and everyone smiled, pleased to see the lovely face
lighted up by the old merry smile, and to hear a joke from the lips
which had drooped so sadly.

"Will you put me in a story, Herbert, if I'm very good, and promise not
to tease?" said Norah, determined not to be outdone; and the new brother
looked at her with admiring eyes.

"I think I rather enjoy being teased, do you know; it is so very new and
satisfactory! But I shall certainly make a heroine of you some fine
day, Norah, when I have manufactured a hero worthy of the occasion!"

Norah's laugh rang out merrily, but as she turned her head to look at
the distant mountains, a little film of moisture dimmed her eyes.
Impossible to see two people so happy together as Herbert and Hilary,
and not think of the long years which must pass before such a joy came
to herself. But Rex was true--he would not change; he was worth all the
waiting--

"Well, Helen," said Mr Bertrand to his faithful old friend as the young
people moved off at last and left them alone together. "Well, Helen,
and what do you think of this latest development? Are you satisfied?
Have I been wise?--Do you think he is the right man for her?"

Miss Carr looked at him with a little flash of disdain.

"I think," she said slowly, "that Hilary has improved so wonderfully
during the last few years, that there is now some chance of her being
_almost_ good enough for him! My dear Austin, he is a king among men!
Hilary may be a proud woman that his choice has fallen upon her. They
will be very happy."

"I trust, I think they will! It seems strange that it should be Hilary,
who was always so careful of her own interests, who should have chosen
to marry a delicate, crippled fellow who must be more or less of a care
all his days; but I believe it will make a splendid woman of her, draw
out all the tenderness of her nature, and soften her as nothing else
could have done. Yes! I am thoroughly happy about it, more especially
as it has the honour of your distinguished approval. These engagements
come thick