news to Nan, and to get everything ready for
the honoured guests who will then arrive. I expect this is a surprise to
you, my dear, so I forgive the excited words you have just made use of.
You will doubtless have reason to rejoice yet at my decision. You are
too young to be at the head of a great establishment like this, Hetty. I
am doing wisely in removing such a burden from such young shoulders."

"I have never felt it a burden," said Hester in a choked voice.

"No; you have been good, very good, and now you will reap your reward.
My marriage will probably take place in October, and my wife and I will
return to the Grange for Christmas. Next season we shall probably have a
house in town, when my dear Laura will present you and Antonia at one of
the drawing-rooms."

Hester made no remark.

"I think that is all, my love," said Sir John; "you can now return to
your friends. I have several letters to attend to."

"May I tell Mrs. Willis, and--and the others?" asked Hester.

"You may tell everyone; it is no secret."

Sir John took out his cigar case as he spoke, and Hester, with a sinking
heart, turned away.

Annie, full of trouble on her account, dreading inexpressibly the moment
when Mrs. Willis should ask her for the ring, was sauntering up and
down, lost in anxious thought in front of the house.

She caught sight of Hester coming slowly towards her.

"Good gracious, Hetty, whatever is the matter?" she exclaimed. "I never
saw your pale face with peonies on it before, and your eyes look as if
you had been crying. I cannot imagine what has come to everyone,"
continued Annie; "the whole place seems to be in a ferment. Nora, I
know, has been crying about something, and Molly's face looks positively
blotchy."

"Oh, I should like to see Molly; is she here?" exclaimed Hester.

"Yes, she's on the lawn talking to Nora, and Guy is with them, and Mrs.
Willis joined them half an hour ago. I was running up to them, but Nora
shrieked out to me to keep away. What can be the matter? There seems to
be an earthquake everywhere."

"So there is as far as I am concerned," replied Hester. "There is an
awful earthquake, and I don't know at the present moment whether I am
standing on my head or my heels."

"Dear me, you are on your heels," replied Annie; "but you look rather
top-heavy, so do be careful."

"My father is going to marry again in October," continued Hester, "and
my future stepmother is coming here on Saturday, a