as is its wont. The green turf of the ample park was becoming more and more verdant; and in the lawns and pleasure-grounds, delicate floral gems were modestly springing -those voiceless but beauteous heralds to brighter skies and live-long days.

Well, one fine sunny morning in spring at Elleringay, Inglis had taken little breakfast, and was, as he had very unaccountably been ever since his return from London, in melancholy mind.

Scarcely had he got half across the park, as setting out on a solitary walk, when a domestic speedily followed him to announce the presence of two strangers who had arrived at the Hall, and were exceedingly anxious to see him. When the servant delivered the message his young master turned pale and agitated; indeed, his confusion was so very apparent as to be at once observed by the domestic, and cause in the breast of that faithful functionary no slight degree of concern.

"Who are they ?-their names? Areare they the gentlemen whom you have seen at the Manor House before? Are they

are they the Count and Mr. Fitzgerald, or do

"They appear perfect strangers. I have never seen them at the Hall before, sir," replied the messenger, somewhat interruptingly, as if laudably desirous of at once answering the quickly asked questions, and thereby relieving his master's embarrassment.

Inglis turned upon his heel and lost no time in retracing his steps. On regaining the mansion Letitia met him at the threshold; she looked earnestly for an instant—as in her husband's face the feelings of terror were depicted, which she immediately perceived-and was about to say something, when James instantly put on a delusive smile, as if he read her looks, and wished to appease her fears.

"I have a speedy return, you see, Tish," laughingly observed Inglis, his features then instantly subsiding into their previous gravity.

"An old saying, but luck never comes with turning back."

"So fabulous old women have averred." "James, my love," said Letitia endearingly, "there are two persons (not gentlemen), and very civil, who say they have important business with you, and that this demands your immediate presence. Papa has seen them, but they won't tell him what they want, where they came from, nor indeed anything about themselves. He told them you had only gone for a walk, and if they would either wait, or call again, you would most certainly return in the course of a couple of hours. Their reply was that they could not possibly wait so long, that they were in a pressing hurry, and hoped Papa would accommodate them by despatching a servant to meet you, or inform them of the path you had taken, and that

"Is that you James-is that you? I thought I heard your voice," loudly spoke Squire Clynchiere, as with nimble step he came into that spacious, cold, stone entrance hall previously described, where Letitia had already met her husband, and was, in all a woman's impatience informing him of such unusual visitants.

"Yes, it is I," answered James, nervously; and whose acknowledgement of the fact was most indisputably a superfluous rejoinder, insomuch as he was before the bodily eye of his worthy father-in-law, as he termed him, ere he spoke.

"They are in the little back sitting-room, and I hope they have something worth communicating, for they won't tell me a word, and appear precious close relative to the purport of their errand."

Inglis proceeded along the corridor which conducted from the main entrance, and as he passed along, Gideon looked at Letitia, and the latter returned her father's embarrassed glance. A moment's pause ensued. Both seemed desirous of making some observation, but neither knew what to say.

"James looks ill this morning, Tishy; know you, my girl, what it is?-does he yet indulge in stimulants?

In a morning he is so agitated, and 'tis only after dinner when he has taken his wine, that he is like himself."

"I know not what cloud has come over

him. I would give a world could I make him happy."

"I am sure you would my child,-I am convinced you would," replied Gideon, paternally. "From some cause or other, there is a gnawing sorrow at his heart."

"I have seen it, Tish,—I have, as well as you, my girl."

These individuals who had such weighty business with Inglis, were, from their dress and manners, by no means easy of ken. The tall man's features were agreeable, rather than otherwise, and the sharp lines, the flashing quick eye, and flexible mouth, evinced a keen and penetrating intellect. He wore a snuff-brown top-coat, which was buttoned up to his chin, had on dark pantaloons, and Blucher boots. His companion was not only of different build, but a different man. He was half a head lower than the former, and doubtless a character-an original, however, much to be avoided. His face was full of cunning and vileness, and those deep-set, thickly-shaded eyes-that broad, irregular nose, coarse, thick lips, and retreat