tle colonel in the
Hussars, so she could afford to be quizzical on the subject of Sir
Harry's inches; but Carrie, who was at present unattached, was a
little curious about the future master of Gilsbank.

After this, Nan called at Fitzroy Lodge, and Dick went with her. Lady
Fitzroy, who was looking very pretty and delicate, welcomed Nan with
the greatest kindness. When Lord Fitzroy came in with the rest of the
gentlemen from hunting, he questioned Nan very closely about their new
neighbor, Sir Henry Challoner, and made a great many kind inquiries
after his favorite, Miss Phillis.

"So we are to have you all back, eh," he queried, pleasantly. "Well, I
call that good news. I am bound that Evelyn is as pleased to hear it
as I am."

"I am very much pleased," returned Lady Fitzroy graciously. "And you
must tell your mother so, with my love. Percival, will you ring for
some more hot water, please? I shall not be long: but I am going to
take Miss Challoner upstairs to see our boy."

Nan knew that a great privilege was being conferred on her as she
followed Lady Fitzroy into the grand nursery, where the tiny heir lay
in his bassinette.

"Is he not just like Fitzroy?" exclaimed the proud young mother, as
they stood looking down on the red crumpled features of the new-comer.
"Nurse says she has never seen such a striking likeness."

"He is a darling!" exclaimed Nan, who was, like other girls, a devout
baby-worshipper; and then they discoursed very eloquently on his
infantile beauties.

It was after this that Lady Fitzroy congratulated Nan on her
engagement, and kissed her in quite a sisterly way.

"Fitzroy and I do not think him half good enough for you," she said,
very prettily. "But no one who knows Mr. Mayne can fail to like him,
he is so thoroughly genuine and nice. Will the engagement be a long
one, Miss Challoner?"

"Not so very long," Nan returned, blushing. "Dick has to read for
honors; but, when he has taken his degree, his father has promised to
make things straight for us, while Dick reads for the bar."

"He is to be a barrister, then?" asked Lady Fitzroy, in surprise. "You
must not think me inquisitive, but I thought Mr. Mayne was so very
well off."

"So he is," replied Nan, smiling,--"quite rich, I believe; but Dick
would not like an idle life, and during his father's lifetime he can
only expect a moderate income."

"You will live in London, then?"

"Oh, yes; I suppose so;" was Nan's answer. "But we