g habit.

'She certainly is a magnificent creature!' thought I, as I beheld that
tall, finely developed figure, and the reflection of the handsome face in
the mirror before me, with the glossy dark hair, slightly and not
ungracefully disordered by the breezy ride, the rich brown complexion
glowing with exercise, and the black eyes sparkling with unwonted
brilliance. On perceiving me, she turned round, exclaiming, with a laugh
that savoured more of malice than of mirth,--'Why, Helen! what have you
been doing so long? I came to tell you my good fortune,' she continued,
regardless of Rachel's presence. 'Lord Lowborough has proposed, and I
have been graciously pleased to accept him. Don't you envy me, dear?'

'No, love,' said I--'or him either,' I mentally added. 'And do you like
him, Annabella?'

'Like him! yes, to be sure--over head and ears in love!'

'Well, I hope you'll make him a good wife.'

'Thank you, my dear! And what besides do you hope?'

'I hope you will both love each other, and both be happy.'

'Thanks; and I hope you will make a very good wife to Mr. Huntingdon!'
said she, with a queenly bow, and retired.

'Oh, Miss! how could you say so to her!' cried Rachel.

'Say what?' replied I.

'Why, that you hoped she would make him a good wife. I never heard such
a thing!'

'Because I do hope it, or rather, I wish it; she's almost past hope.'

'Well,' said she, 'I'm sure I hope he'll make her a good husband. They
tell queer things about him downstairs. They were saying--'

'I know, Rachel. I've heard all about him; but he's reformed now. And
they have no business to tell tales about their masters.'

'No, mum--or else, they have said some things about Mr. Huntingdon too.'
'I won't hear them, Rachel; they tell lies.'

'Yes, mum,' said she, quietly, as she went on arranging my hair.

'Do you believe them, Rachel?' I asked, after a short pause.

'No, Miss, not all. You know when a lot of servants gets together they
like to talk about their betters; and some, for a bit of swagger, likes
to make it appear as though they knew more than they do, and to throw out
hints and things just to astonish the others. But I think, if I was you,
Miss Helen, I'd look very well before I leaped. I do believe a young
lady can't be too careful who she marries.'

'Of course not,' said I; 'but be quick, will you, Rachel? I want to be
dressed.'

And, indeed, I was anxious to be rid of the good woman, for I