and Raymond and Julius sprang off
their horses, introducing the three officers who followed their
example.

One was Rosamond's old acquaintance, the Colonel, a friend of her
father; but she had little attention to spare for them till she had
surveyed her husband, who looked nothing worse than exceedingly
dusty, and at fault without his spectacles.

Inquiries were made for Frank and Charlie. They were walking home.
They had worked gallantly. The flames were extinguished, but the
engines must go on playing on them for some time longer. No lives
lost, and very few casualties, but the paper-mills were entirely
destroyed, and about twenty tenements, so that great distress was to
be apprehended.

Such intelligence was being communicated as the party stood together
in a group, when there was a light tinkling of bells, and two ladies
in a light open carriage, drawn by two spirited ponies, dashed round
the knoll; and at the moment something must have gone wrong with
them, for there was a start, a pull, a call of "Raymond! Raymond!"

Throwing his bridle to Herbert Bowater, he sprang to the horses'
heads.

"Mr. Poynsett! Thank you! I beg your pardon," said the lady,
recovering herself; and Rosamond instantly perceived that she must
be Lady Tyrrell, for she was young-looking, very handsome, and in
slight mourning; and her companion was Miss Vivian. Julius, holding
his surviving glass to his eye, likewise stepped forward. "Thank
you, it was so stupid," the lady ran on. "Is not there something
wrong with the traces? I don't know how they got themselves
harnessed, but there was no keeping at home."

"I think all is right," said Raymond, gravely, making the
examination over to a servant. "Let me introduce my wife, Lady
Tyrrell."

The lady held out her hand. "I hope we shall be excellent
neighbours.--My sister.--You remember little Lena," she added to the
brothers. "She stole a march on us, I find. I heard of your
encounter on Friday. It was too bad of you not to come in and let
us send you home; I hope you did not get very wet, Lady Rosamond.--
Ah! Mr. Strangeways, I did not know you were there," she proceeded,
as the youngest of the officers accosted her; "come over and see us.
You're better provided now; but come to luncheon any day. I am sure
to be at home at half-past one; and I want so much to hear of your
mother and sisters." And with a universal bow and smile she
nourished her whip, her ponies jangle