feel privileged to invite
such guests, such companions as I deem congenial, irrespective of the fiats
of would-be social autocrats, and the social ostracism of certain cliques."

She was silent a moment, but met his keen look without the slightest
embarrassment, and yet when she spoke he knew, from her eyes and voice,
that she fully comprehended his meaning.

"Of course, it is a matter which you must determine for yourself. You are
the best judge of what conduces to your happiness; but I am sorry, very
sorry, Uncle Eric, that, in order to promote it, you feel it necessary to
remove from our domestic circle. I shall miss you painfully."

He looked pained, puzzled, and irresolute; but she smiled, and swept her
fingers over the bars of her bird-cage, toying with its golden-throated
inmate.

"Have you any engagement for this morning?"

"None, sir. What can I do for you?"

"If you feel disposed, I shall be glad to have you accompany me to town; I
want your assistance in selecting a set of china for my new home. Will you
go?"

A shadow drifted over the colourless tranquil face, as she said sadly--

"Uncle Eric, is it utterly useless for me to attempt to persuade you to
relinquish this project, and remain with us?"

"Utterly useless, my dear child."

"I will get my bonnet, and join you at the carriage."

Very near the cottage formerly occupied by Mrs. Aubrey stood a small brick
house, partially concealed by poplar and sycamore trees, and surrounded by
a neat, well-arranged flower-garden. This was the place selected and
purchased by the cripple for his future home. Mr. Huntingdon had opposed
the whole proceeding, and invited his brother-in-law to reside with him;
but beneath the cordial surface the guest felt that other sentiments rolled
deep and strong. He had little in common with his sister's husband, and
only a warm and increasing affection for his niece now induced him to
settle in W----. Some necessary repairs had been made, some requisite
arrangements completed regarding servants, and to-day the finishing touches
were given to the snug little bachelor establishment. When it was apparent
that no arguments would avail to alter the decision, Irene ceased to speak
of it, and busied herself in various undertakings to promote her uncle's
comfort. She made pretty white curtains for his library windows, knitted
bright-coloured worsted lamp-mats, and hemmed and marked the contents of
the linen-closet. The dining-room