t to be surpassed by the haughtiest in the Old Dominion.

"Well said, my little wife! And now, as this matter is decided, I must
see about taking additional places in the stage-coach. How many will be
wanted? What retinue has this foreign princess in distress," inquired
Lyon, rather sarcastically.

"There will be three places required, for the lady, child and nurse."

"Whe-ew! My dear Sybil, we are collecting a ready made family! Does the
child squall? or the nurse drink?" inquired Lyon, with a laugh, as
without waiting for a reply he rang the bell, and gave the order for
three more places to be taken inside the Staunton coach for the morning.

And soon after this the young pair retired to rest.

Very early the next morning Sybil Berners came out of her chamber,
looking fresh and bright as the new day itself. She wore a close-fitting
travelling dress of crimson merino, that well became her elegant little
figure and rich, dark complexion.

She glanced around the room to see that everything was in order. Yes;
the fire was bright, the hearth clean, the breakfast-table neatly set,
and the morning sun shining through the red-curtained windows and
glancing upon the silver tea-service.

With a smile of satisfaction, she tossed back her raven-black ringlets,
and passed from the room and through the hall, and rapped at the door of
her new acquaintance.

Mrs. Blondelle herself opened it, and stood there quite ready to
accompany her friend to breakfast.

Radiantly beautiful looked the fair young stranger this morning, in the
dark, bright-blue cloth habit that so highly enhanced the dazzling
splendor of her blooming complexion and the golden glory of her hair.

An instant Sybil paused in involuntary admiration, and then recovered
herself and greeted the lady with affectionate warmth.

"It is nearly eight o'clock, dear, and breakfast is quite ready. Will
you come now?" inquired Sybil, when these salutations were passed.

Rosa assented with a sweet smile, and Sybil led the way into her own
sitting-room.

Mr. Berners had come in during his wife's short absence, and he now
stood before the fire with the morning paper in his hand. He put it down
on the table, and came forward to meet his wife, and to welcome her
guest.

"Mrs. Blondelle, Mr. Berners," said Sybil, introducing the parties to
each other by the simplest formula.

And while they were bowing together, Sybil was watching mischievously to
see what effect the da