soft young man, who has followed her about all

day?"

"Really, I have not thought about it. I dare say I shall, if she asks me."

"Oh! is she to have any one she likes?" "Certainly, poor child, she would scarcely wish to have any one she did not.”

"Ah! you're a strange mother. Here's that old idiot coming again.”

My dear madam, I have induced the young folks to see the advantage of the healthful dance you suggest, and though it is a long time since I have committed such a frivolity, I venture to request that you will honour me with your hand." "Good gracious me, no!"

"Oh! yes, Jane, do," said Mrs. Wilmont, much amused. "It'll do you good. I'll dance, too, if I'm wanted, in 'Sir Roger.'"

And so in another moment, it having been ascertained that 'Sir Roger' was amongst Mr. Thomas, the farmer's, repertoire of tunes, the

dancing began, Aunt Jane, with a strange, grim, shy smile, leading off with Mr. Eustace Brown.

Even poor Lady Bouverie seemed amused watching them, and at its conclusion the girls gathered round Mrs. Wilmont, and declared they had had the pleasantest day they had ever had, and they knew it was all through her and Blanche, they brought joy and gladness wherever they went.

The moon was sailing now in the broad sky, lighting the old ruins with its pale, soft light, and whilst the carriages were getting ready, two or three of them went to see the effect on the old castle, thinking that, like Melrose, those who would see it aright" must visit it by the pale moonlight."

Blanche was most anxious to do so, but she took hold of her mother's arm, and begged her to come with her.

"Why, Blanche, are you afraid?" she asked. "Not in the least, mother, of the moon or the ruins, but of Charlie Bouverie; he is so silly."

"Then you have no intention of becoming Mrs. Charles, and being mistress of Knaresbrook?" said her mother.

"No, indeed. You know what I told you. I am a home-bird always now."

Her mother pressed the arm resting on hers, and made no answer.

Mr. Brown volunteered to drive Mrs. and Miss Wilmont and Aunt Jane home, which offer they accepted; and when the waggonette was ready, Mr. Brown desired his servant to drive, for as there was plenty of room inside, he should get in. He placed himself next to Aunt Jane and in the sweet dreamy moonlight, as they drove along, Blanche was continually roused from her thoughts by the words, most emphatically pronounced,—

"That's a very sensible remark."

Lady Bouverie was, of course, greatly annoyed that Mr. Brown had picked out the Wilmonts instead of her girls, but she consoled herself by