oute_ for Charlottesville. She will be a great
loss to the domestic circle at Blue Cliffs, I think."

"And who the mischief is Mrs. Grey?" inquired the sorely puzzled Uncle
John.

"She was one of the assistant teachers--the drawing-mistress, in
fact--at Mount Ascension. But she lost her situation there. And she
became the guest of Emma Cavendish. Afterward she was engaged to Mr.
Cavendish. But his death prevented the marriage," Laura explained.

And at this point of the conversation "Mandy" made her appearance at the
door and said that supper was on the table.

And old Mrs. Lytton arose and invited the company to follow her to the
dining-room.

After supper, as it was a clear, mild, star-lit evening, Mr. Craven Kyte
remounted his horse and resumed his journey to White Perch Point.

After his departure, when the family were once more assembled in the big
parlor, Laura took her letter out and put it in the hands of John
Lytton.

Uncle Jacky read it through, and then quoted a part of it to the family
circle.

"'Tell that affectionate and hospitable Uncle John that I need you so
much more than he does. Or show him this letter. All the Lyttons are
gallant and chivalrous gentlemen.' That's so!" put in Uncle Jacky,
nodding his red head. "'He is no exception. And he will not oppose my
wish, I feel sure.' Now that is what I call taking a fellow at a
disadvantage!" growled John, holding the letter before his eyes and
staring at it. "Well, I suppose I must let you go, Laura, seeing she
makes such a point of it. But they want Alden, too. And Alden they can't
have! Where is the fellow, anyhow? And why wasn't he at supper?"

"He and Charley are down at Uncle Bob's house, getting bait for another
fishing match to-morrow. I told Mandy to keep the supper hot for them,"
answered Aunt Kitty.

And soon after this the little family, who kept very early hours,
separated to go to rest.

Laura and her two cousins were the first to leave the room.

Aunt Kitty and Miss Molly followed.

When they were gone old Mrs. Lytton turned upon her son and said:

"Jacky, I ho-ho-hope you a'n't a goin' to be sich a contrairy fool as to
stand into the light of your own flesh and blood?"

"Why, what the mischief do you mean, mother? I a'n't a standing into
nobody's light, much less my own flesh and blood's!" exclaimed John,
raising his red head.

"Yes-yes-yes, you are too! You're a standing into your own dear
nephew's, Alden Lytton's, ligh