t they like, but if another's milk is in your child's
veins, he seems, in a sort of way, as much her bairn as your own.'

'Mother's milk makes a true born Englishman,' said the father; 'and I
make no doubt our young markiss will prove the same.'

'How I long to see him!' exclaimed one of the daughters.

'And so do I!' said her sister; 'and in his uniform! How beautiful it
must be!'

'Well, I don't know,' said the mother; 'and perhaps you will laugh at me
for saying so, but after seeing my Thomas in his state livery, I don't
care much for seeing anything else.'

'Mother, how can you say such things? I am afraid the crowd will be very
great at the fireworks. We must try to get a good place.'

'I have arranged all that,' said Thomas, with a triumphant look. 'There
will be an inner circle for the steward's friends, and you will be let
in.'

'Oh!' exclaimed his sisters.

'Well, I hope I shall get through the day,' said his mother; 'but it's
rather a trial, after our quiet life.'

'And when will they come on the terrace, Thomas?'

'You see, they are waiting for the corporation, that's the mayor and
town council of Montacute; they are coming up with an address. There! Do
you hear that? That's the signal gun. They are leaving the town-hall at
this same moment. Now, in three-quarters of an hour's time or so, the
duke and duchess, and the young markiss, and all of them, will come on
the terrace. So you be alive, and draw near, and get a good place. I
must look after these people.'

About the same time that the cannon announced that the corporation
had quitted the town-hall, some one tapped at the chamber-door of Lord
Eskdale, who was sealing a letter in his private room.

'Well, Harris?' said Lord Eskdale, looking up, and recognising his
valet.

'His Grace has been inquiring for your lordship several times,' replied
Mr. Harris, with a perplexed air.

'I shall be with him in good time,' replied his lordship, again looking
down.

'If you could manage to come down at once, my lord,' said Mr. Harris.

'Why?'

'Mr. Leander wishes to see your lordship very much.'

'Ah! Leander!' said Lord Eskdale, in a more interested tone. 'What does
he want?'

'I have not seen him,' said Mr. Harris; 'but Mr. Prevost tells me that
his feelings are hurt.'

'I hope he has not struck,' said Lord Eskdale, with a comical glance.

'Something of that sort,' said Mr. Harris, very seriously.

Lord Eskdale had a great sympathy with