ur marriage, rather than leave you
unprotected in this world."

Emma Cavendish could only kiss her grandmother's hands and thank her
through falling tears.

"And now; my child, I must go to sleep. I always want to go to sleep
after anything exciting has happened to me. Good-night, and may Heaven
bless you, my love!" said the old lady, affectionately, as she dismissed
her granddaughter.

While Emma Cavendish was talking with her grandmother, Alden Lytton went
into the parlor, where he found his sister alone, sitting by one of the
windows, gazing thoughtfully out upon the beautiful night.

He drew a chair to her side, seated himself and, with his arm around her
waist, told her of his new-born happiness.

She congratulated him fervently and earnestly; and then, returning
confidence for confidence, told him of her engagement to the young
minister of Wendover.

For rumor, in Mr. Lyle's and Miss Lytton's case also, had anticipated
the facts, and had reported their betrothal all over the country long
before it was announced to their nearest friends.

Alden Lytton, with all his approving heart, wished his sister joy in her
prospective union with the worthy young clergyman.

And then the two, talking together over their future, decided that they
must write at once to their Uncle John Lytton and inform him of their
engagements.

Alden undertook to write a letter on the part of both his sister and
himself that night.

And, on further discussion, it was decided that at the close of her
visit to Blue Cliff Hall, Laura should go to Lytton Lodge to make a
visit to her relatives there.

The entrance of Emma Cavendish put an end to the discussion, and was the
occasion of new congratulations.

The next morning Madam Cavendish sent for Alden Lytton and Emma
Cavendish to come up to her room together.

And she then and there read them a grave and affectionate little lecture
upon the duties and responsibilities of an engaged couple, gave them her
blessing and dismissed them to go to church.

That Sunday morning every one at Blue Cliffs knew of the betrothal of
Mr. Lytton to the young mistress of the Hall.

And on Monday morning all the county knew it just as well as they had
known it a month before it happened.

And every one said over once more what they had already said so
often--that it was a great pity the daughter of the late Governor
Cavendish should be allowed to throw herself and her wealth away upon a
penniless