ished, save by a shrug; while
Mary made another wry face. She had that grand contempt for sordid
wealth which is common to young people who have never known the want of
money.

'I hope Lesbia will marry some one better than Mr. Smithson,' she said.

'I hope so too, dear; and yet do you know I have an idea that Lesbia
means to accept Mr. Smithson, or she would hardly have consented to go
to his house for the Henley week. Here is a letter from Georgie Kirkbank
which you will have to answer for me to-morrow--a letter full of
raptures about Mr. Smithson's place in Berkshire, Rood Hall. I remember
the house well. I was there nearly fifty years ago, when the Heronvilles
owned it; and now the Heronvilles are all dead or ruined, and this city
person is master of the fine old mansion. It is a strange world, Mary.'

From that time forward Mary and her grandmother were on more
confidential terms, and when, two days later, Fellside was startled into
life by the unexpected arrival of Lord Maulevrier and Mr. Hammond, the
dowager seemed almost as pleased as her granddaughter at the arrival of
the young men.

As for Mary, she was almost beside herself with joy when she heard their
voices from the lawn, and, rushing to the shrubbery, saw them walk up
the hill, as she had seen them on that first evening nearly a year ago,
when John Hammond came as a stranger to Fellside.

She tried to take her joy soberly, though her eyes were dancing with
delight, as she went to the porch to meet them.

'What extraordinary young men you are,' she said, as she emerged
breathless from her lover's embrace. 'The idea of your descending upon
us without a moment's notice. Why did you not write or telegraph, that
your rooms might be ready?'

'Am I to understand that all the spare rooms at Fellside are kept as
damp as at the bottom of the lake?' asked Maulevrier.

'I did not think any preparation was necessary; but we can go back if
we're not wanted, can't we, Jack?'

'You darling,' cried Mary, hanging affectionately upon her brother's
arm. 'You _know_ I was only joking, you _know_ how enraptured I am to
have you.'

'To have _me_, only me,' said Maulevrier. 'Jack doesn't count, I
suppose?'

'You know how glad I am, and that I want to hide my gladness,' answered
Mary, radiant and blushing like the rich red roses in the porch. 'You
men are so vain. And now come and see grandmother, she will be cheered
by your arrival. She has been so good to me just