"the
crooked things will straighten of themselves if we give them time. What
is written is written. I know that I shall find out all about myself one
day--like little Paul Dombey, 'I feel it in my bones.'"

Mr. Legard was thrown a good deal upon Miss Everard's resources for
amusement; for, of course, Sir Rupert's time was chiefly spent at Jocyln
Hall, and Mr. Legard bore this with even greater serenity than the
other. Miss Everard was a very charming little girl, with a laugh that
was sweeter than the music of the spheres, and hundreds of bewitching
little ways; and Mr. Legard undertook to paint her portrait, and found
it the most absorbing work of art he had ever undertaken. As for the
young baronet, spending his time at Jocyln Hall, they never missed him.
His wooing sped on smoothest wings--Colonel Jocyln almost as much
pleased as my lady herself; and the course of true love in this case ran
as smooth as heart could wish.

Miss Jocyln, as a matter or course, was a great deal at Thetford Towers,
and saw with evident gratification the growing intimacy of Mr. Legard
and May. It would be an eminently suitable match, Miss Jocyln thought,
only it was a pity so much mystery shrouded the gentleman's birth.
Still he was a gentleman, and with his talents, no doubt, would become
an eminent artist; and it would be highly satisfactory to see May fix
her erratic affections on somebody and thus be doubly out of her (Miss
Jocyln's) way.

The wedding preparations were going briskly forward. There was no need
of delay, all were anxious for the marriage--Lady Thetford more than
anxious, on account of her declining health. The hurry to have the
ceremony irrevocably over had grown to be something very like monomania
with her.

"I feel that my days are numbered," she said, with feverish impatience,
to her son, "and I cannot rest in my grave, Rupert, until I see Aileen
your wife."

So Sir Rupert, more than anxious to please his mother, hastened on the
wedding. An eminent physician, summoned down from London, confirmed my
lady's own fears.

"Her life hangs by a thread," this gentleman said, confidentially, to
Sir Rupert; "the slightest excitement may snap it at any moment. Don't
contradict her--let everything be as she wishes. Nothing can save her,
but perfect quiet and repose may prolong her existence."

The last week of September the wedding was to take place; and all was
bustle and haste at Jocyln Hall. Mr. Legard was to stay fo