hich rendered it even dangerous for the old countess
to entertain her guests in person.

For the first time in her life, Lady Hope was in her true element. The
weight of an intolerable restraint had been lifted from her. She was
mistress of one of the most splendid establishments in all England, not
even for a time, for would it not descend unbroken to a step-daughter
who worshipped her? Was not the will which settled this already made,
and she as good as mistress there during her whole life? She had thought
Oakhurst a noble possession, but it dwindled into insignificance when
compared with the splendor of Houghton Castle. Very seldom in the world
had the ambition of an aspiring woman been so suddenly and completely
gratified. It had been all like a dream to her, but now she felt the
reality, with an exultation of spirit that took ten years from her
person, and a weird burden from her heart. This great happiness sprang
out of two grand passions--love and ambition.

The first was gratified in this--Lord Hope was a changed man--a shadow
had been swept from his path--hidden shame had changed to unchecked
pride. The woman he had married, because of an overpowering love, was
now in a position to fascinate society with her beauty, and win its
homage with her genius. They had come out from the shadow and were in
the broad sunshine.

All his old fondness returned; she could tell it by the elasticity of
his step, by the proud uplifting of his head, by the very tones of his
voice.

She had thirsted for greatness, and it was hers. She had pined for the
old love, and it had come back to her. No wonder the carriage of this
woman was lofty, and her voice full of music. No wonder that the rich
coloring of her youth returned, and her eyes took back their velvety
softness.

At this period Rachael Closs was at the pinnacle of her hopes. She could
scarcely understand that this lofty position had not always belonged to
her. To dispense almost regal hospitality came to her as the most
natural thing on earth, and as each day brought some noble guest to the
castle, she received them with more finished grace and a deeper
consciousness of power.

Of course, at this time, Lady Clara was most frequently with her
stepmother, for the old countess would have it so, and Caroline took her
place very frequently in the tower room, where she felt herself to be
more than welcome. Indeed, the old lady seemed almost as fond of her as
she was of the