, with much natural dignity of
carriage, and a face never beautiful, but always singularly attractive
from its mild and earnest character. Looking at her, one felt assured
that here was a right womanly woman, gentle, just, and true; possessed
of a well-balanced mind, a self-reliant soul, and that fine gift which
is so rare, the power of acting as a touchstone to all who approached,
forcing them to rise or fall to their true level, unconscious of the
test applied. Her presence was comfortable, her voice had motherly tones
in it, her eyes a helpful look. Even the soft hue of her dress, the
brown gloss of her hair, the graceful industry of her hands, had their
attractive influence. Sylvia saw and felt these things with the
quickness of her susceptible temperament, and found herself so warmed
and won, that soon it cost her an effort to withhold anything that tried
or troubled her, for Faith was a born consoler, and Sylvia's heart was
full.

However gloomy her day might have been she always brightened in the
evening as naturally as moths begin to flutter when candles come. On the
evening of this day the friendly atmosphere about her, and the
excitement of Warwick's presence so affected her, that though the gayety
of girlhood was quite gone she looked as softly brilliant as some late
flower that has gathered the summer to itself and gives it out again in
the bloom and beauty of a single hour.

When tea was over, for heroes and heroines must eat if they are to do
anything worth the paper on which their triumphs and tribulations are
recorded, the women gathered about the library table, work in hand, as
female tongues go easier when their fingers are occupied. Sylvia left
Prue and Jessie to enjoy Faith, and while she fabricated some trifle
with scarlet silk and an ivory shuttle, she listened to the conversation
of the gentlemen who roved about the room till a remark of Prue's
brought the party together.

"Helen Chesterfield has run away from her husband in the most
disgraceful manner."

Mark and Moor drew near, Adam leaned on the chimney-piece, the workers
paused, and having produced her sensation, Prue proceeded to gratify
their curiosity as briefly as possible, for all knew the parties in
question and all waited anxiously to hear particulars.

"She married a Frenchman old enough to be her father, but very rich. She
thought she loved him, but when she got tired of her fine establishment,
and the novelties of Paris, she fo