ip in an old-established
house in Leeds, and was also doing well, and his salary was a great
boon to the straitened household. Grace, too, was doing her duty
vigorously, and no longer vexed her mother's soul by her drooping
looks of uncomplaining discontent,--that silent protest of many, that
is so irritating to the home-rule. True, it might be only the
quiescence of despair, but at least she veiled it decently under a
show of Spartan cheerfulness. The fox of bitterness might gnaw, but
she drew the mantle of her pride closer round her. She might suffer
and pine, like a caged lark in her narrow cage, but at least no one,
not even Archie, and least of all her mother, should guess the extent
of her sufferings. So there was peace in Lowder Street. A truce had
silently proclaimed itself between the two strong wills of the
household; and, touched by a submission that somehow appealed to her
generosity, Mrs. Drummond was secretly revolving schemes for her
daughter's future happiness.

"Mothers are mothers," as Nan had once sweetly said, and Mrs. Drummond
was no exception to the rule. She could be hard to her own flesh and
blood; she could exact obedience that was difficult to yield, and
sacrifices that cost tears in plenty; but she was a just woman, and,
when the right time came, she knew how to reward such obedience.

But there was still another drop that filled the maternal cup of
content almost to overflowing, and of this she spoke to Grace, as they
were together in the mother's room, folding up the bridal finery. The
little bride had just driven off, all tears and smiles. Archie and the
boys had started off for a long walk. Mattie was with her sisters in
the small ugly enclosure they called a garden; and Grace and her
mother had gone up to shake out the satin dress and lay it between
tissue-paper.

"I hope she will be happy, poor little dear!" observed Grace, touching
tenderly the Brussels-lace veil; for Isabel had been her first pupil
and charge. "I do think and believe Ellis is really very fond of
her."

"Without doubt he is. His manners were all your father and I could
wish. What a magnificent present, and how thoughtful, his bringing
those diamond ear-drops just the last moment! Isabel has such pretty
little ears. He is as proud of her as he can be. And really she looked
quite lovely. Take care how you fold that veil, Grace. It is a perfect
beauty."

"Yes, mother," returned Grace, meekly.

She was ready to dro