dark chasm in the past, never, although my weak heart desires it, never will I in any way favour a union 'twixt him and Ennis.

Yester - even Charles accompanied me to Riversdale Court to join Lady Denzell and Ennis at their pleasant early tea.

How delightsome that ancient apartment the Oriel Drawing-room always is, with its divers adornments and comforts, in especial the presence of the comely Lady Denzell and beautiful Ennis. Methought this evening the cheery spot showed more than usually bright and attractive.

The tea equipage was on the table, and abundant dainties, in the manipulation whereof Mistress Patterson is wondrous skilful, presented a tempting appearance.

Lady Denzell, in her rich black silk, and snowy cap and cuffs, and her placid, kindly countenance full of hospitable thoughts, was, after her winsome, old-fashioned way, making ready the former; and Ennis sat her on a low seat in the oriel window. She was as usual dressed in white, her only ornament a gay little posy, which rested on the bosom of her

dress, and fastened thereto by a large pearl brooch. She was reading aloud to her grandmother as we entered, and ran forward with the open book in her hand to greet us, and, as was her wont, to warmly press her sweet soft lips to my cheek.

The golden beams of the setting sun slanted into the room through the western window, gilding this thing and that; its magic touches rendering yet more charming this lovesome home scene of domestic comfort and luxury. One bright ray glinted round and about Ennis, as she stood beside us; and with her every movement it played hide and seek, as it were, amid the shining braids and curls of her bonny brown hair, and strove curiously to examine into the beauteous lineaments of her face, downbent after her shy, pretty fashion.

"We shall not be quite alone this evening," said she; "Monica Dormer is coming. Mamma and I met her to-day when we were driving out. She and her sister were riding, and mamma invited them to our early tea. Catherine was engaged, she said, but Monica promised to

come."

In my heart I regretted this addition to our

pleasant party, but I said nought, saving a not much contented, "Oh!"

Truly, Monica Dormer is a sprightly and most comely little maiden, albeit I like not her company for Ennis. She is some years older— hath had two seasons in London and one in Paris, and is altogether of a quite different fashion to that simple, pure-minded child. It perplexeth me that Mistress Monica should be so opposite in character to all her family. Lord and Lady Dormer are right worthy and excellent people, much loved of Lady Denzell; and their fine, noble-hearted son is like unto them; aye, and even Mistress Catherine resembleth her parents more than she doth her sister. So it is also, Monica only is small; for a dignified height and bearing distinguisheth the Dormers.

Charles was silent, but, I perceived, neither did he desire the presence of the lively maiden Monica.

"Oh, there she is!" saith Ennis, as her blithesome voice, in converse with old Jeffry, was heard approaching.

"This is charming!" said the damsel, when presently, all interchanges of greeting over,

she flitted within the bow of the oriel window, and like a gay butterfly settled down on a cushion stool. This position placed her opposite to Charles, who, with hands behind him and stooping head, stood, after his manner, watching and listening.

"I really think this is the most delightful room in the whole county; do not you, Mr. Beechley?" she continued, her unrestful eyes glancing at my brother, and hither and thither, over every object and thing in the room, then back again to the masculine point of attraction.

"Yes, I think it is," said Charles, unhesitatingly, and sending a swift, covert look at Ennis, who had seated herself beside Monica, and was gazing admiringly at her coquettish little friend. What marked contrast they presented to each other these two fair creatures!

"Did you reach Mathon Hall in time for luncheon this afternoon, as you hoped to do?" questioned Ennis.

"Oh, yes, luckily. They expected Kitty, you know, so rather waited for her, though uncertain when she would arrive."

"Then Catherine is gone on a visit to the

Mannerings?" inquired Ennis. intend staying long?"

"Does she

"About a week. What a nice girl Cassy Mannering is; do, not you think So, Mr. Beechley?" quoth Mistress Monica, turning to Charles. "She is so very gentle and quiet, and has such a sweet expression. I consider her pretty, even though I know it is not the fashion to do so," added the maiden angler, casting her line; "just the sort of girl to take your fancy, Mr. Charles, is she not?"

"What makes you think I am an admirer of such extreme gentleness?" quoth Charles.

"Are you not?" she made answer, with a rippling laugh. "Well, I suppose my reason is, because you are so grave and quiet yourself."

66

But, according to the principle of attraction, which in such cases is supposed to exist between opposites, your reason is not a good one, fair lady," rejoined Charles, a pleasant smile-alas! so rare of late years-lighting up his countenance, and rendering him for the nonce comely more than common. "Do you consider me so very grave and quiet, Enny?" said he; and into his voice and look there came a something —a mournful, tender ring-a depth; and into

-a