tle more, perhaps, than was right. Mr. "when Mrs. Lucy is rested, and it is con Danvers and the Doctor, however, knew venient for her, we would be much obliged no better, and were very grateful for such if she will come to the parlor and allow attention as Mrs. Clark chose to bestow us to ask some questions about Mrs. Elmsupon them. Mr. Danvers rose politely and worth and Mrs. Murray!" put down his book as the housekeeper approached him.

"If you please, Mr. Danvers if you will be so good, Dr. Leonard, I have a favor to ask of you gentlemen!"

Both gentlemen assured her she had only to mention what she wished to have her request granted.

Mrs. Clark was sure Mrs. Lucy would only be too proud to come immediately and give the gentlemen any satisfaction in her power. A short time after Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Lucy made their entrance into the study-the latter considerably excited by the unexpected interview, very fashionable and elegant in what she called her "Paris dress and cap."

Mr. Danvers placed chairs for them.

"I have a friend just arrived from France-in Europe, gentlemen! Mrs. Lucy that was- that is, I mean though she says she is going to marry that Furrin Like all true Southern gentlemen, the Courier of Mr. Murray's when he comes tenants of the Rectory had the utmost over next fall, the respectable woman, I reverence and courtesy towards all women, mean, who went over with poor dear Mrs. and were as polite and deferential to the Elmsworth-Miss Emmeline that was!" poor washerwoman as they would have Mrs. Clark put her apron to her eyesbeen to a Duchess. [I have seen a Southshe did love the Dasenants! "Mrs. Lucy ern gentleman of the purest blood and a has just returned with a gentleman's fami- poor emigrant woman to walk the stage of ly to New Orleans, and has come up to a steamboat and carry her little child for see me for a day or two. She came up her, as he stood accidentally near her, and here about an hour ago-off the boat-and saw how overburdened she was; and went to the Hall, expecting to find me; there were no smiles upon the faces of the you know how it was, gentlemen, when crowd of men assembled upon the gangshe got there-poor thing!" Mrs. Clark way-no jéers at the act of politeness. It. sobbed. "So she came on here. She has is a matter of course among Southern men, been at Nice (Mrs. Clark pronounced Nice to help any, every woman, if she is in long as an adjective,) all winter, she says, need of their strong arm or hand, indethough, to be sure, that is a strange name pendent of color even.] for a place. If you gentlemen have no objection, I could take Mrs. Lucy in my room, and make a shake down for my old man in the spare bed room, if Mrs. Lucy can stay!"

but

The gentlemen assured her that they had not the slightest objection to her making Mrs. Lucy as comfortable as possible, and would be glad to have her stay as long as she liked.

After Mrs. Lucy got a little over her nervousness, by dint of answering the questions in regard to her voyage and recent arrival, reassured by the gentle amiability of Mr. Danvers, she plunged in medias res, and set off full tilt in a narrative of all her personal trials, privations and vexations since she quitted Dasenant Hall. Her inquisitors were too glad to learn in this way all that had occurred, to interrupt her minute detail by word or look. Of course Mr. Elmsworth and Count Serimia, Mr. Murray and Antonio filled important places in her long, parenthetical, episodical narration. For the first time the gentlemen learned what persecu- · That was just what Mrs. Clark wanted, tions their darling had endured from Elmsso she accepted the proposition graciously, worth and Serimia. From their previous and thanked the gentlemen for their con- knowledge, of Agnes' life, they were enasideration. bled to gather up the broken links scat"And Mrs. Clark," said Dr. Leonard,tered by Mrs. Lucy in her ignorance, and

"Perhaps, Mrs. Clark," said gentle Mr. Danvers, perhaps Mrs. Lucy might prefer having the spare room herself, so as not to disarrange you and poor John. Pray use the house as suits your convenience."

the 'croupier -I suppose that's the bar keeper of the gaming house where the English nobleman was killed. Mr. Antonie stayed a short time in Paris, then went to join Mr. and Mrs. Murray, and I came away. Mr. Antonio is coming over in the fall to New Orleans."

make one united chain of the events and some of their outlandish talk, but La Maincidents which had led to Agnes' sudden, dre, that was the good woman that I unaccountable marriage. They appre- stayed with, that kept house for Mr. Anciated the generosity of Mr. Murray, the tonio, she nodded her head and said yes in steadfast consistency of Agnes. Dr. Leon Italian. She did not speak any, English, ard threw away his cigar, and stood with but I learned some French and Italian folded arms leaning inside of the study while I was gone. [Mrs. Lucy gave the door, his heart burning with sorrow and long Latin i to all her French and Italian.] indignation.. Mr. Danvers bowed his head La Madre' means 'mother.' She wasn't upon his hand. Mrs. Clark was sobbing Mr. Antonio's mother, nor no relation to outright. When Mrs, Lucy concluded the him; but see brought up his sister, and so recital of what she herself had witnessed they called her 'nother' for fondness. up to the time of her own discharge and Mr. Antonio speaks English though; he is the substitution of Fanchon, an artful a very nice man, Mr. Antonio! I saw the minx," as she called her, she went on to man he brought over; he was an old man tell how, when she returned to Paris from "Nice," she had gone to visit La Madre, and had met with Antonio, who had just gotten back from Sicily with "the missing witness," whom he had discovered se creted on Serimia's estate, and had bribed to escape and accompany him back to Paris. She repeated all he had told her, which brought her story up to the hour of Agnes' marriage at Naples. "Antonio said the fury of Serimia," or "Il Conty," as she called him, "was beyond descrip-a Papish" was extremely distasteful to tion when he found Agnes had escaped; but, he never suspected Antonio's complicity, but trusted him to the last. Oh! sirs," observed Mrs. Lucy, "them Italians is frightful cunning; though Mr. Antonio is a good man, and a honest one-and a Christian, though a Papisher! But a woman ain't obliged to be a Papish because she may happen to marry one," said she, casting a side-long glance upon Mrs. Clark, who shook her head ominously at the announcement of Antonio's faith.

Mrs. Clark cleared her throat significantly. With all her gratitude to Antonio for his fidelity to her "dear Miss Emmeline" and to Agnes, the fact of his being

her. She feared Mrs. Lucy was periling her soul in such a union. But Mrs. Lucy was obstinate in her predilection.

Dr. Leonard smiled at the little byplay he saw going on between the two good

women.

Mrs. Clark made a sign to Mrs. Lucy. The latter rose hastily, made a profound courtesy to the gentlemen, and sailed out of the room, followed by the admiring Mrs. Clark.

"Yes! Agnes would never write that to us!"

"Noble creature! Danvers, our adopted daughter has never failed us yet!" Dr. Leonard wiped his eyes.

"Mr. Antonio," continued Mrs. Lucy, "This accounts for all," said Dr. Leon"rubbed his hands and laughed when heard to Mr. Danvers, as the last vestige of told us how he waited on Il Conty, and the ribands and flounces disappeared out how he manœuvred until he got off the of the door. man he went there to look for. He said Mr. Murray had sent Mr. Elmsworth a copy of the marriage certificate, and Mr. Elmsworth stamped and swore and tore it to pieces, he was so dreadful angry. Mr. Antonio got his discharge from Mr. Elmsworth, and he got off with the man in a fishing smack to the mainland, and then brought him to Paris, and the police had taken his evidence, and Il Conty would be hung if they could catch him in France. Mr. Antonio said it was the 'rendetta,'

"No, she is what we hoped she would be-a large-hearted, true Christian wo. man.'

That night Dr. Leonard wrote a long letter to Robert Selman, ending it with this sentence:

"I write this in justice to Agnes and to

you that you may not lose your faith in morning God would bless Robert, and woman-that you may rightly estimate Robert's wife.

her noble nature!"

The Murrays returned to Louisiana. Mr. Murray longed for Ail-lec: Agnes would have preferred remaining abroad, but she did not say so she knew her hus

This letter must have crossed, on its way, one from Robert, telling of his mar riage with Amita, the only daughter of a Brazilian nobleman, Don Pedro de Guz-band had duties as a planter and a citizen, man. One line only showed Robert's true so they returned home. The family at feeling: "Please inform Mrs. Alfred Mur- Rosedale were delighted to see the long ray." closed doors of Ail-lec thrown wide for

Dr. Leonard did that was the only the reception of friends and neighbors mention ever made of the cousins to each once more. Rosedale was a much gayer other in his correspondence with either of place now than formerly; merry childish them.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

voices rang through its pleasant chambers, and Tom Adams, though a husband and father, was as joyous and light-hearted as ever. Elizabeth-now Mrs. Tom Adams→ the proud mother of the daring three year

The Murrays remained abroad three old boy, (who made the house echo with years, traveling everywhere throughout his shrill fife and toy drum, and kept his the East and Europe. Agnes studied and grandmother, who adored him, in constant improved herself in languages, in the terror lest he should break his head in his knowledge of fine art-becoming familiar tumbles from his hobby-horse, which he with the glorious master-pieces of human always persisted in riding at full canter genius assembled in that favored portion around with a coach whip.) as well as of of the earth-her whole nature develop- the crowing blue-eyed babe rejoicing in ing under these high influences, as she the name of "Agnes Elizabeth Adams," cultivated in every possible way the ad- was as fair, and looked almost as young as vantages afforded her by travel and intense ever. Tom declared her handsomer than study. She found herself happiest when ever. Perhaps she was—a bit stouter, and most occupied. Mr. Murray, though no with the sweeter, though more anxious exartist, had a cultivated taste for art, and a pression of maternity and wifely care on most passionate admiration of the genius that soft, fair face. Tom was still dreadand talents of his gifted wife. It was fully in love with his wife, and had no happiness enough for him to sit by her trouble at all with his hair; Elizabeth hour after hour, watching the skilful fingers combed it for him regularly. He was a as they plied the magic pencil-to see the very happy fellow. Mrs. Hudson grew large eyes dilate with enthusiasm, as the young again in this atmosphere of youth, meaning of a great work of art would be- love and joyousness. Perhaps one reason come clearer and clearer to her to listen of her improved health was the quantity to the vibrating voice, as it poured forth in of exercise she was compelled to take in eloquent words the interpretation of such trotting after little Tom, who insisted upon works to his sympathizing ear, or to hear his grandmother's accompanying and the rendering of the great musicians by sharing in all his obstreperous amuseher magnificent voice. And day by day, ments. She was the veriest slave to that hour by hour, Agnes learned to appreciate boy! Elizabeth expostulated vainly, though this silent, deep companionship-this she could not help laughing at finding good friendship so pure, so disinterested, so ar- Mrs. Hudson officiating sometimes as dent, which her husband proffered her. coach horse to Tom's little wagon, She was very, very grateful, and began to seeing him pop his great whip, with a turn towards her husband with a calm"Gee up, grandma!" But there was no content. If a thought of "Love's young use in talking to Mrs. Hudson. Little Tom dream ever came over her, it was ban- was omnipotent in her heart-a despotic ished, except when she prayed night and little tyrant!

ور

and

something about her now very like her aunt, Mrs. Selman !"

"Rosedale was a charming place to visit," as Tom Adams' sister Emily said to her husband, Phil. Mathews, after a stay "Agnes is changed," observed Mrs. of a few days with these good people Hudson, thoughtfully. "Such a change as Our old friend Emily rejoiced too in the is produced necessarily by care, experience possession of an infant daughter, and the and suffering-the difference between the only approach to a quarrel now a days young, enthusiastic, worldly girl, and the between herself and Elizabeth was as to calm, disciplined, watchful Christian wowhich baby was brightest and biggest-man-a change for the better !"

say so.

each mother thinking her owu the most But, dear Mrs. Hudson, with all due wonderful, though they were too polite to deference, one cannot associate the idea of The Murrays had invited them'suffering, care,' and Mrs. Alfred Murray! all to spend the day at Ail-lec. The What lot could possibly be brighter or Rosedaleites had returned home, and were more enviable than her's from the very beall assembled around the fire after tea, ginning? It is surely a waste of sympathy discussing the incidents of the day. Tom to bestow it upon the wife of Alfred MurAdams had thrown himself in a very com- ray!" fortable attitude on the sofa; Elizabeth sat near her husband on a low chair, sew ing. Tom had one arm on the back of her chair, and was lazily drawing her long golden curls through his fingers. Phil. Mathews sat near the centre-table, where the lamp was placed, with a newspaper in his hand, which he intended to read, but had not begun yet. Emily was watching Mrs. Hudson's skilful knitting of a pretty sock for Elizabeth's youngest.

"Ail-lec is a superb place," observed Emily, "and Agnes is handsomer than ever."

"I tell you what," said Tom, "Mrs. Murray is a far grander woman than Miss Graham used to be."

Mrs. Hudson was silenced, but not convinced. It was hard to show when, where or why Agnes Murray ever could have had sorrows in her apparently brilliant lot, but she knew such characters as Agnes now was, could only have been wrought out by the severest discipline-that

"Many a blow and biting sculpture Polished well those stones elect,"

but she did not say so-only smiled and showed Emily how to narrow the heel of the little sock.

"Emily!" exclaimed Phil, "do you remember the night that Robert Selman came home from Europe? You and Elizabeth and Miss Graham all attended a soirée at my mother's?"

66

Yes, indeed! how lovely Agnes looked that night!”

"What do you mean, Tom? I am sure we saw no difference," indignantly retort ed Elizabeth. "She was the same dear old Agnes to us! Wasn't she, Emily ?" "Just the same," replied Mrs. Mathews. "What lovely things she brought the ba-ham then." bies from Europe!"

"She was radiantly beautiful Mr. Murray was there too, but I thought he stood very little chance of marrying Miss Gra

"No accounting for a woman's fancies," put in Tom; "Murray is a fine fellow, but he is old enough to be her father."

"It was rather a sudden affair after all. "Well," persisted Tom; "you may have Every body knew of course that Mr. Murseen no change, but I did. She is as kind ray was in love with Agnes, but I never as ever. To be sure, it was very kind thought she cared for him," observed Elizof her to remember my wish for an Eng- abeth musingly. lish saddle. And that Greener gun Murray brought me is splendid! but she seemed to me quieter, statelier, somehow." "Tom is right," said Phil. Mathews. "Agnes was much wiser in that respect "Mrs. Alfred Murray is a statelier person than Elizabeth, Tom," rejoined Emily than Miss Graham; but still, not unbe- laughingly. "She married a sensible man.' comingly so, I think. It is the difference Tom nodded his head to his brother-inbetween a married woman and a young law. "That's at you Phil, over my shoul girl-only womanly dignity! There isders."

"What became of Dr. Selman?" asked good little Mary Grant you knew, Emily." Emily, turning to her husband.

"She is a very nice girl. I wonder what has become of Agnes' two 'old beaux,' Elizabeth, the physician and the clergyman?"

"They were here only a week ago to see her. I believe they live still at Dasenant Rectory. They are as devoted as ever to Agnes."

"How fond Agnes was of them and of her cousin Robert. Don't you remember at school, Elizabeth?”

"He went to South America, where he still is. Nobody knows why, except that he was tired of this country and saddened by the sudden decease of his parents. He married out there, one of those Spanish women. I met Evelyn in New Orleans. Harry Evelyn who was in Europe at the same time that Robert and I were one of the cleverest fellows in the world is Harry—a trifle too soft-hearted for a physician. He went to South America at the time Selman did indeed, I think Selman accompanied him out there. Evelyn, who is poor, went out there for his health-to seek his fortune, and to study yellow fever in its native place. Evelyn only came home this fall; he got tired of it; Selman stayed." The two young mothers hurried out of 'Is he not very wealthy?" asked Emily. the room, followed by Mrs. Hudson, leavImmensely so. He has all the Dase-ing their "lords and masters" to take a nant estate now, you know!"

66

"Yes. She seemed just to live in every way to please them. She idolized her cousin then."

"Well! the world and time has changed us all. I hear the babies crying-we had better go."

smoke.

"Phil," said Tom, "do you remember Fra Bartolommeo's proverb: 'Quale cosa è più lieve che la la piunra? la polvere. E quale più che la polvere! il vente. E quale

"Is that meant for your wife or mine?" asked Phil smiling.

"Neither, God bless them. Phil, did Agnes Graham love Alfred Murray 'in the merrie days when we were young?'"

"What sort of a woman did he marry?" "I don't think he married happily-very hastily Evelyn said after a very short acquaintance with the lady. She was the daughter of a Brazilian grandee-very più che il vento? la femmina. E quale più haughty-very vain-very pretty-grace- che la femmina? Nalla.'" ful, like all those Creole women-with very little education. She knew how to dance, walk, play with her fan-was devoted to tertullias and the last new comb and mantilla. She was no companion for Selman, who is a man of fine abilities and highly accomplished. Evelyn said it was the most unaccountable match; he was perfectly thunderstruck when Selman invited him to attend his wedding. Evelyn seemed to think Selman had a hard time of it his wife was pettishly exactingdesperately jealous and bad-tempered. Evelyn said it was really wonderful the patience with which Selman bore all her silly ways. The poor foolish thing died though, at the birth of her first child-two years after her marriage."

“A blessed riddance,” ejaculated Tom. "Tom! you are perfectly dreadful tonight," remonstrated Elizabeth, shocked at his cold cruelty.

"Did the baby die?" asked Emily. "Yes, both mother and child. Evelyn tried to persuade Selman to return to Louisiana when he did-but Selman refused to do so. Evelyn himself has married that

"I don't know, Tom, but she loves him now, Tom," said Phil gravely. "I once loved Agnes Graham, but in my heart of hearts I now love your sister Emily!"

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Year after year glided smoothly away at Ail-lec. The most bountiful hospitality reigned within its walls-peace and calm content dwelt there. Mr. Murray almost idolized his wife-whose sole study was her husband's happiness. They were entering upon the sixth year of their life at Ail-lec, when Mr. Murray was taken ill with a severe cold, which settled into pneumonia. A few days of watching and anxiety, and Agnes Murray was a widow ; her husband died blessing her for the happiness she had given him.

Six months afterwards she sat in the