air. What a vision of elegance she was! The blue serge coat and
skirt was exactly like those which the village dressmaker had made for
their own wear--exactly like, and yet how different! The sailor hat was
of a shape unknown in northern regions; each little detail of her attire
was perfect in its unobtrusive beauty, and with every movement of the
hand came the flash of precious stones. If she had been a whit less
like herself Norah would have been awed by the presence of this elegant
young lady; but it was the old Lettice who flung her arms round her neck
the moment they were left alone together in their own room; the old
Lettice who kissed, and hugged, and caressed with a hundred loving
words.

"Oh, Norah, I _have_ wanted you! I longed for you so, but father would
not let me write. It was a horrid, horrid time, and I was wretchedly
lonely. Dear, darling Norie! I am so glad to be back."

"And, oh, Lettice, I am so glad to have you! I have a hundred questions
to ask. Let me look at your ring. It is a beauty, far nicer than the
ordinary row of diamonds. And are you awfully happy? I was very much
surprised, you know; but if you are happy, it doesn't matter what anyone
else thinks!"

"N-no!" said Lettice slowly. "Yes, of course I am happy. It hasn't
been as nice as I expected, for Miss Carr has behaved so queerly, and
father was not pleased. But--oh yes, I am quite happy. Madge is
delighted about it, and Arthur does everything I like. He is very
kind!"

"You funny old Lettice! Kind! of course he is kind!" cried Norah
laughing, and kissing the soft, fair cheek. The flush of excitement had
faded by this time, and the girl's face looked pale and wan, while the
blue shadows beneath her eyes gave a pathetic expression to the sweet
face. "Lettice," cried Norah anxiously, "how ill you look! You were
excited before, and I didn't notice it, but you are as white as a ghost,
and so thin! Aren't you well, dear? Have you a head-ache? Can I do
anything: for you?"

"Oh, no, no!" Lettice stretched out her arms over her head with a long,
weary sigh. "I shall be quite well now that I am at home, and with you,
Norah. I have been tired to death in London lately. You have no idea
how tiring it is to be engaged. I have stood such hours and hours at
the dressmaker's being tried on, and Arthur and I were always going to
the house. The workmen are so stupid; they have no idea of colourings.
The drawing-room was