frescoes decorating the walls are designed;
the great winding stairs, so richly carpeted--all enhanced in beauty by
the soft light reflected upon them from a massive chandelier of stained
glass, inspire him with a feeling of awe. The stillness, and the air of
grandeur pervading each object that meets his eye, reminds him of the
halls of those mediaeval castles he has read of in his youth. The servant
returns, and makes his bow. "My leady," he says, in a strong
Lincolnshire brogue, "'as weated ye an 'our or more."

The visitor, evincing some nervousness, rises quickly to his feet,
follows the servant up the hall, and is ushered into a parlor of regal
dimensions, on the right. His eye falls upon one solitary occupant, who
rises from a lounge of oriental richness, and advances towards him with
an air of familiarity their conditions seem not to warrant. Having
greeted the visitor, and bid him be seated (he takes his seat, shyly,
beside the door), the lady resumes her seat in a magnificent chair. For
a moment the visitor scans over the great parlor, as if moved by the
taste and elegance of everything that meets his eye. The hand of art has
indeed been lavishly laid on the decorations of this chamber, which
presents a scene of luxury princes might revel in. And though the soft
wind of whispering silks seemed lending its aid to make complete the
enjoyment of the occupant, it might be said, in the words of Crabbe:

"But oh, what storm was in that mind!"

The person of the lady is in harmony with the splendor of the apartment.
Rather tall and graceful of figure, her complexion pale, yet soft and
delicate, her features as fine and regular as ever sculptor chiselled,
her manner gentle and womanly. In her face, nevertheless, there is an
expression of thoughtfulness, perhaps melancholy, to which her large,
earnest black eyes, and finely-arched brows, fringed with dark lashes,
lend a peculiar charm. While over all there plays a shadow of languor,
increased perhaps by the tinge of age, or a mind and heart overtaxed
with cares.

"I received your note, which I hastened to answer. Of course you
received my answer. I rejoice that you have persevered, and succeeded in
finding the object I have so long sought. Not hearing from you for so
many weeks, I had begun to fear she had gone forever," says the lady, in
a soft, musical voice, raising her white, delicate hand to her cheek,
which is suffused with blushes.

"I had myself almost g