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All was still as death, except theshriek of a startled blackbird The servant from behind ran up the steps and thundered at the door; it was opened, a broad line of light shone out, soures appeared, and a e door, but to Aurelia's inexpressible horror, his face was perfectly black, with negro features, rolling eyes, and great white teeth!

She hardly knehat she did, the dark carriage was formidable on one side, the apparition on the other! The only ray of comfort was in the face of a stout, co the candle on the threshold, and with one bound the poor traveller dashed past the black hand held out to help her, and rushing up to the girl, caught hold of her, and gasped out, "Oh! What is that? Where airl, with a broad grin, "that 'ere bees only Mr Jumbo A' won't hurt'ee See, here's Mistress Aylward"

A tall, white-capped, black-gowned elderly wo face, saying, "Your servant--Miss Aurelia Delavie, as I understand"

Bending her head, and scarcely able to steady herself, for she was shaking froed to utter the query, "Where am I?"

"At Bowstead Park,this was the Belamour estate, Aurelia said, "Please let me wait till Mrs Dove comes before I am presented to my Lady"

"My Lady is not here, madam," said Mrs Aylward "Allow reat empty hall, that seee, and down some steps into a roo to the to the housekeeper She set a chair for the tre supper here to-night, madam; the south parlour will be ready for you to-?" faintly asked Aurelia

"Mrs Dove is gone to London to attend on little Master Wayland You are to be here with the young ladies,ladies?" asked the bewildered hters--the Misses Wayland I thought she had sent you her instructions; but I see you are over wearied and daunted," she added, more kindly; "you will be better when you have taken so the lady's supper, and don't stand gaping there"