are very glad to have her back," returned Mrs. Drummond, in her
repressive tones. She was just refilling her teapot from the urn, but
she found opportunity to shake her head at Susie. "People do not
generally look smart in their travelling-dress; but I think she looks
very nice. Had you not a commoner gown, my dear? That looks almost too
good for the purpose;" for Mrs. Drummond's sense of economy was a
little shocked by perceiving that Mattie's gown was a new one.

"It is very well made," observed Isabel, critically. "I am so glad,
Mattie, that you have given up that hideous plaid: it never suited
you."

"If I had been you, I would have travelled in it," persisted Mrs.
Drummond, who never could remember that Mattie was over thirty and
might possibly have opinions of her own.

Archie listened to all this with great amusement.

"Don't you think it is about time I started a pleasanter subject,
Mattie?" he asked, laughing. "Have you finished your tea, my dear? for
I do not want to spoil your appetite; but time is getting on, and----"
here he glanced at the clock.

Every one stared at this, for Archie had never spoken in exactly that
way to Mattie before; and, as he did so, Mattie's cheeks were burning.
But what was their surprise when Archie suddenly rose from his seat
and laid his hand kindly on Mattie's shoulder!

"She is too shy to tell you herself; I have come all these miles to do
it for her. Isabel, you need not look so consequential. Ellis is a
good fellow, I dare say, but our little Mattie has done better for
herself than even you. Mother, you have achieved a success in one of
your seven daughters: let me introduce to you the future Lady
Challoner!" And then, still keeping his hand upon her shoulder, he
looked blandly round on them all.

"Well, I am sure!" from Isabel, half pouting; but no one else spoke
except Mr. Drummond:

"What does this mean, Archie? Can't you speak for yourself, my girl?
Is this a joke? Does he mean something amusing?" asked the father; but
his lip quivered a little: if it should be true,--if it were no joke!

"It is just as Archie says!" replied Mattie, timidly, not daring to
raise her eyes. "Sir Harry asked me to marry him, and I said yes,
because--because he was always so good to me." And here Mattie laughed
a little hysterically. "And I did not think you would object,
father."

"Me object!" replied Mr. Drummond, oblivious of grammar just then.
"Why, my little Mattie, what news