own came the heavy masses of hair. She twisted
them hastily into a coil, fastened them securely, and received her hat from
him, with a cool--

"Thank you, sir. When did you hear from Electra?"

They walked on to the cemetery gate, and he answered--

"I have heard nothing for some weeks. Have you any message? I am going to
New York in a few days to try to persuade her to return to W---- with me."

"I doubt the success of your mission; W---- has little to tempt an artist
like your cousin. Be kind enough to tender her my love, and best wishes for
the realization of her artistic dreams."

They had reached the gate where Erebus waited, when Russell took off his
hat.

"You have a long walk to town," said Irene, as Russell arranged her horse's
reins.

"I shall not find it long. It is a fine piece of road, and the stars will
be up to light it."

He held out his hand to assist her; she sprang easily to the saddle, then
leaned toward him, every statue-like curve and moulding of her proud ivory
face stamping themselves on his recollection as she spoke.

"Be so good as to hand me my glove; I dropped it at your feet as I mounted.
Thank you. Good evening, Mr. Aubrey; take my best wishes on your journey
and its mission."

"Good-bye, Miss Huntingdon." He raised his hat, and, as she wheeled off,
the magnetic handsome face followed, haunted her. Erebus was impatient, out
of humour, and flew up the next steep hill as if he, too, were haunted.

On through gathering gloom dashed horse and rider, over the little gurgling
stream, through the gate, up the dark, rayless avenue to the doorstep. The
billiard-room was a blaze of light, and the cheerful sound of mingled
voices came out at the open window, to tell that the gentlemen had not yet
finished their game. Pausing in the hall, Irene listened an instant to
distinguish the voices, then ascended the long easy staircase. The lamp
threw a mellow radiance on the steps, and as she reached the landing Hugh
caught her in his arms, and kissed her warmly. Startled by his unexpected
appearance, she recoiled a step or two and asked, rather haughtily--

"When did you get home?"

"Only a few moments after you left the house. Do change your dress quickly,
and come down. I have a thousand things to say."

She waited to hear no more, but disengaged herself and went to her room.

When she went down she met her father at the dining room door.

"Come, Queen; we are waiting for you."

He look