e greatly excelled. This
evening she did not wish to go, but was overruled by her father and Aunt
Dorothy. The evening was warm and cloudy, and Juliet often looked
upwards and prophesied a storm.

"It will not come on before night," said her companion. "I remember
Anthony and I, when boys, were overtaken on this very spot by a
tremendous tempest." It was the first time he had suffered the name of
his cousin to pass his lips in the presence of Juliet. It brought the
color into her cheeks, and in a timid voice she inquired if he knew what
had become of Anthony?

"He had a second cousin, it seems, a Mr. Wildegrave, who is residing in
his father's parish; Anthony has found a temporary home with him."

Why did Juliet turn so pale? Did the recollection of the fair amiable
girl she had met and loved at ---- trouble her? She spoke no more during
their long ride. On their way home, they entered a dark avenue, that led
to the Lodge, and passed through Norgood Park.

"I hate this road," said Godfrey. "I have never travelled it since the
old place passed into the hands of strangers."

"It was thoughtless in me to propose this path, Mr. Godfrey; let us
return by the road."

She checked her horse as she spoke, when her attention was aroused by a
female figure, seated in a dejected attitude beneath an old oak tree.
Her hair hung wildly about her shoulders; and her head was buried
between her knees.

Godfrey instantly recognised the person; and looking up at the heavy
dark clouds, which had for some time been encroaching upon the rich
saffron hues in the west, he said hastily turning his horse, "You are
right, Miss Whitmore we are going to have a storm, and you have chosen a
dangerous path. Let us get from under these trees as fast as we can."

"Stay a few minutes. I want to speak to this poor woman."

"It is only some gipsy girl who has been sleeping under the tree. See,
it begins to rain. Do you not hear the large drops pattering upon the
leaves? If you do not put your horse on, you will get very wet."

"I am not afraid of a few drops of rain. The person seems in distress--I
must speak to her."

At this moment the girl slowly rose from her seat, and revealed the
faded, attenuated features of Mary Mathews.

"Mary!" exclaimed Juliet, shocked and astonished at the recognition;
"what are you doing here? The rain is falling fast. Had you not better
go home?"

"Home!" said the girl gloomily. "I have no home. The wide world