ment, setting forth the sale not only of the estate, but of furniture, wine, pictures, plate -everything. He laid the paper upon his knec, then exclaimed-"To-morrow I leave for London."

"My love, what makes you thus hastily decide on so long a journey. Surely Mr. Clinchiere's bankruptcy can in no way be associated with your interests."

"The interest lies more with yourself and your own family."

"How, my dear Sir Murdoch ?”

"My uncle has left me a great amount of funded property. I like broad acres better than consols. In the one there is something tangible-real-to take interest in; in the other it is a sort of imaginary possession, as evinced by slips of paper and mere figures. To come to the point; I will haste to town, and convert stocks into Elleringay Manor. A descendant of its ancient owners shall again dwell upon it."

Katherine was for a moment struck dumb. "You pause, my love. Does the project not meet with your approbation ?"

"Yes-yes, Murdoch, it does indeed. I am only lost in wonderment at the mere probability of such a circumstance, if you have the good fortune to be the purchaser.”

"I won't lose it for a few thousands." "How can the old lawyer have wasted his property."

"I don't care one fig," smilingly replied Sir Murdoch, "by what means he has so soon got through his means. I only know he is a confounded old scoundrel-a legal Barabbas."

"I fear he will have much to answer for. He was cold and cruel to a fallen family," said Katherine.

CHAPTER VII.

"On that proud day he little cared
For husbandry or tillage;

To blither tasks did Simon rouse

The sleepers of the village!"

WORDSWORTH.

SIR Murdoch on the following day left for London, and he lost no time in ascertaining all particulars relative to the cause of Elleringay coming into the market. The assignees were anxious, if possible, to sell the entirety of the property to one individual, and in order to get rid of the business and clear up the affairs, they were prepared to let any person who would come forward and negociate for the whole, have it at a bargain! Sir Murdoch conferred with an agent, the

bargain was made. By an odd mutation of events that time-honoured possession was now destined to be enjoyed by one of Godfrey De Bohun's own grandchildren.

Never did more joyful epistle reach Castle Duncraig than that which informed Lady Douglas of her husband being the proprietor of Elleringay Manor. She shed some testifying drops of joy, and could scarcely believe her vision as she read the delightful tidings. To go back to her early home, to tread the fields her infant feet had trod was a heartcheering reflection. She devoutly thanked Providence for this special favour of so many bounties.

When Sir Murdoch had paid the purchase money and his mind spontaneously turned towards the west, he resolved to be the bearer of the good news to Godfrey, respecting whom, as well as his family, little has been said during the last few chapters.

When he reached Griffstaye the shadows of evening had so far set in that old Simon did not recognize him as he entered the wicket of the garden. He wound his arms

in a short military cloak, and passed along the gravel walk. The comfortable blaze of the parlour fire, as before, lit up that small, yet cozy apartment, and the cheering smiles of happy faces fell in welcome picture, ere he was perceived. He knocked. The noise of just-heard voices ceased. The bolt slid back, and he was at once by the domestic recognized.

The name of Murdoch instantly rang through the house. Godfrey with more than accustomed nimbleness sprang from his capacious arm chair, Mrs. De Bohun kissed her son-in-law, and so did all the girls. Murdoch was a son and brother-a kind of second Moreton, whom Heaven had given to be a consolation in their now low estate.

"And how is Kate and — and little Murdy ?" asked three or four voices simultaneously.

"Well and happy."

By this time the fact of Sir Murdoch's presence had reached the kitchen, where a couple of Cambrian maids were astounded by the truthfulness of a real Sir being beneath