ions; but whenever I had, I spent it with Milly Darrell, and on these rare afternoons I was perfectly happy. I had grown to love her as I did not

if I had not felt touched by her regard. She soon grew indescribably dear to me. She was of my own age, able to sympathize with every thought and fancy of mine; the frankest, most open

ll sorts of pretty things,-handsomely-bound books upon hanging shelves, pictures, Dresden cups and saucers, toilet-bottles and boxes, which Miss Darrell had brought from home. Over the mantelpiece there was a large photograph of her

any class; but she had lessons from nearly half-a-dozen different masters-German lessons, Italian lessons, drawing lessons, music and singing le

r sorrow in a bright hopeful way that was peculiar to her, always making excuses for the dilatory correspondent. She loved him intensely, and keenly felt

from a cousin of Milly's; a young man who occupied an important position in her father's house of business, and of whom she had some

den. Milly had her drawing materials on the table before her, but had not been using them. I was busy with a piece of fancy-work which Miss Susan Ba

her feet, flushe

papa!' she c

xcite yourself like that. It isn't

ed Milly

d air; 'my cousin Julian. I am coming to him, of cours

ethink to your hair, mis

if the dearest friend they had in the world was waiting for them in the drawing-room. My

tleman,' said Sarah; and then d

lone, Milly,' I said; but she told m

whom she received rather coldly, as I thought. But I had not long to think abo

Julian-Mi

s very good-looking, fair and pale, with regular well-cut features, and rather fine blue eyes; but I fancied those clear blue eyes had a cold look, and that there was an expression of iron will about the mouth and powerful prominent chin. The upper part of the face was thoughtfu

was half deferential, half playful; but once, when I looked up suddenly from my work, I seemed to catch a

conscious of it; she went on talking gail

,' she said. 'Do you think there i

pe. I think it is almost c

n, how g

uld be a surprise for

at you may not qui

t ch

ather told

e to place, and not much about them. He has w

it's rather like him to have said nothing abou

le cry, and gre

arried agai

his pocket, and laid it before her, po

arrell, Esq., of Thornleigh, Yorkshire, to Augusta, daugh

slowly, watching Milly

dear child,' he said. 'It was only to be expected t

him!' she cri

st

ome between us. No, Julian, I am not jealous. I do not grudge him his happiness,

ularly to assure you of his unaltered affection, when I broke the news of thi

ll never hear any expression of regret from me; and I will t

in a week or two. Come, my dear Milly, don't look so serious. I trust this marriage may turn out for your

'It is not possible for him to be anything but that; but I can neve

all your life, Milly. It is to be hoped that somebody else will ha

ll marry,' she said, looking a

g like th

life with papa. I have never thought it poss

nd he sat silent for some minutes, folding

our admirers at Thornleigh,' he said

nleigh? Have I really

ould name ha

I want you to tell me all y

t money, and four-and-twenty years of age. She was travelling as companion to an elderly lady when your father met her in

enty! only four y

er's age makes a second marriage, he is apt to marry

-match,' Milly rep

d her father had once been all the world to each other. She had told me so often o

departed. He was to sleep at Fendale, and go back to North Shields next morning. He was his uncle's right hand

him,' she said, when we were ta

him very muc

are almost like brother and sister; only Julian is one of those