Page 288 (1/2)

Instead of entering by the door in the centre, he turned the corner

of the house, where the eastern gable disclosed aopening on a

sloping lawn full of bright flower-beds The roons of parish work, but with a refined

orderliness reigning over the various little orna feminine habitation; and Alick exclaie bowl of fresh roses, beautifully arranged

"Traces of Bessie," said Mr Clare; "she brought the,

and spent nearly an hour in arranging theht talk I have hardly been able to keep out of the room since, they

make it so delicious"

"Do you often see her?" asked Alick

"Yes, dear child, she is ood-natured and attentive, and I take it

et on with his lordship?"

"I don't coood deal laid up with

sciatica, but he see that

they have been all this ti in town

for the season She thought it better for him"

"And where is Mr Lifford?" asked Alick

"Gone to M---- till Saturday"

"Unable to face the bride"

"I fear Ranger is not equally shy," said Mr Clare, understanding a

certain rustle and snort to i his

chin hard upon Rachel's knee, while she declared her content with the

handsome creature's black depth of eye; and the cat executed a promenade

of tenderness upon Alick

"How are the peacocks, Alick?" added Mr Clare; "they, at least, are

inoffensive pets I dreaded the shears without your superintendence, but