re Hartman was to be a guest.

CHAPTER XXI.

AT THE PARSONAGE.

Mr. Lyle lived in a pretty white cottage, covered nearly to the roof
with fragrant creeping vines, and standing in the midst of a beautiful
flower-garden.

Here he lived his bachelor life quite alone but for the occasional sight
of the old negro couple that were waiting on him--Aunt Nancy, who did
all his housework, and Uncle Ned, who worked in the garden.

He found the faithful old couple prepared to receive him and his guest.

A tempting repast, combining the attractions of dinner and tea, was
ready to be placed upon the table just as soon as the gentlemen should
have made their toilets after their long journey.

Mr. Lyle led his guest into a fresh, pretty room, with white muslin
curtains at the vine-clad windows and a white dimity spread on the bed,
and white flower enameled cottage furniture completing the appointments.

"This is a room for a pretty girl rather than for a grim miner," said
Victor Hartman, looking admiringly around the little apartment.

"I call it the 'Chamber of Peace,' and that is why I put you in it,"
said Mr. Lyle.

After they had washed and dressed they went down together to the cozy
little dining-room, where they did such justice to the tea-dinner as
made Aunt Nancy's heart crow for joy.

And when that was over they went into the snug little parlor and sat
down to talk over their plans.

It was then that Mr. Lyle informed Victor Hartman that he was doing all
the work of the parish during Dr. Goodwin's hopeless indisposition, and
that he had been doing it for the last twelve months.

"You will succeed him here as rector, I presume?" said Victor.

"I presume so; but I do not like to speak of that," gravely replied Mr.
Lyle.

"No, of course you do not. And I really beg your pardon. I should not
have spoken myself, only in my girl's interests. You see, I felt a
little curious and anxious to know where her future life would be likely
to be passed, and I thought it would be a much happier life if passed
here, near her dear friend Miss Cavendish, that's all," explained
Victor.

"You seem to consider that quite a settled matter," replied Mr. Lyle, a
little incoherently, and blushing like a maiden.

"Yes, of course I consider it all quite settled! You, in your
earnestness, can not conceal your liking for my girl, and she, in her
innocent frankness, does not even try to conceal hers from you. And I
heartily app