up against her pillows, she
tore open the letter and began to read. She was surprised to see that
it was dated from Meredith Manor.

"MY DEAR ANETA"--it ran--"I have been staying with the dear
Cardews for the last week. We have been having a very pleasant
time; although, of course, the house is vastly different without
Cicely and Merry. But the dear Cardews are so sensible that they
never would regret anything that was for the real benefit of
their children.

"Your letter assuring me that the children were happy at school
gave me great delight, and when I told the Cardews they were
equally pleased. Altogether, this school-venture seems likely to
turn out most satisfactory, and the dear children will be
properly equipped for the brilliant life which lies before
them.

"But now I have a curious piece of information for you. You
told me about Miss Howland and her mother's second marriage to
one of the Martyns of The Meadows. Well, dear, we went there
yesterday, and I happened incidentally to speak on the subject;
and, whatever may be the position of Miss Howland's stepfather,
he certainly is no relation to our dear friends the Martyns.
They have no uncles or cousins in England at all. All their
people come from Australia, and they assured me that such a
marriage as I have described has, in the first place, never
reached their ears, and, in the next, is impossible, for they
have no marriageable relations in the country. I mention this to
show that your friend has made a mistake. At the same time, it
is strange of her to say that her mother, has married into such
a well-known and distinguished family. I can add no more
now.--Yours, with love, and in haste,

LUCIA LYSLE."

Aneta thought over this letter for some time. Her face was very grave
as she tried to put two and two together. She rose from her bed,
dressed herself with her usual immaculate neatness, and came down to
supper, which took place each evening at half-past seven.

All the girls were present, and each and all were in the best of
good-humor. Maggie was radiant. Why not? She had performed a difficult
task discreetly, and she had five lovely golden sovereigns in her
drawer upstairs. She could put the required money into the bag for the
school-treat, and she would have plenty over to buy chocolates and
little things that she might require for hersel