now why I always seem waiting for something big to come and satisfy my
life. I remember when first Hugh spoke to me, and we were engaged, I
hoped I should be perfectly satisfied and happy, but in some ways he
has disappointed me. He is so--so humdrum and easily pleased, and
wrapped up in his profession. I wish he were more intellectual. I do
love him, of course I do, but he hasn't filled my life as I thought he
would. He doesn't understand some of my thoughts about things. I
often wonder why I can't be as easily pleased with everybody and
everything as Elfie is. Nannie would say it is because my religion is
not real. I don't feel I could rest in the Lord. He seems far away,
and there are so many difficulties, and sometimes I get to doubt
everything! I wish I had Nannie's faith.'

She sighed again, and her thoughts came back to her present
surroundings.

'I never shall like it here, I am sure; only it is no good to say so.
It is such a depressing house, with not a sound outside, except this
howling wind. I think it was a very doubtful venture coming down to a
place where we know no one. Perhaps in the summer it will be better.
I will try and not be discontented, but I feel to-night as if evil is
coming upon us, and this awful wind seems to moan like a human being in
the chimney. I think I will get into bed, and follow Gwen's advice.
Oh dear, I wish I wasn't so easily depressed!'

But a sound night's rest made impressionable Clare view things rather
differently the next day. The rain and wind had disappeared, and as
she looked out of her window the first thing, she saw a cloudless blue
sky, and the green meadows and pine woods in the distance, all lying in
still bright sunshine. She opened her casement, and the fresh spring
air fanned her cheeks, and brought her scents of the sweet country
round her. She came downstairs to breakfast radiant; not even Elfie's
sunny face could eclipse hers.

'It's delicious!' she exclaimed; 'I am longing to explore the garden.
Is it as well stocked with fruit and vegetables as the advertisement
led us to expect?'

'Yes, I think it is,' said Gwen; 'but of course everything has been
very neglected. Mrs. Tucker assures me a nephew of hers always worked
for Mr. Lester, and would be glad to come to us for the same wages.
What do you think, Agatha? Can we afford eight shillings a week?'

Agatha looked a little worried.

'Oh, there is plenty of time to think of the garden