stars tell us they are in the same Hand."

CHAPTER XIII.

Shall I sit alone in my chamber,
And set the chairs by the wall,
While you sit with lords and princes,
Yet have not a thought at all?

Shall I sit alone in my chamber,
And duly the table lay,
Whilst you stand up in the diet,
And have not a word to say?--Old Danish Ballad.

"Oh, Norman, are you come already?" exclaimed Margaret, as her brother
opened the door, bringing in with him the crisp breath of December.

"Yes, I came away directly after collections. How are you, Margaret?"

"Pretty brave, thank you;" but the brother and sister both read on each
other's features that the additional three months of suspense had told.
There were traces of toil and study on Norman's brow; the sunken look
about his eyes, and the dejected outline of his cheek, Margaret knew
betokened discouragement; and though her mild serenity was not changed,
she was almost transparently thin and pale. They had long ago left off
asking whether there were tidings, and seldom was the subject adverted
to, though the whole family seemed to be living beneath a dark shadow.

"How is Flora?" he next asked.

"Going on beautifully, except that papa thinks she does too much in
every way. She declares that she shall bring the baby to show me in
another week, but I don't think it will be allowed."

"And the little lady prospers?"

"Capitally, though I get rather contradictory reports of her. First,
papa declared her something surpassing--exactly like Flora, and so I
suppose she is; but Ethel and Meta will say nothing for her beauty, and
Blanche calls her a fright. But papa is her devoted admirer--he does so
enjoy having a sort of property again in a baby!"

"And George Rivers?" said Norman, smiling.

"Poor George! he is very proud of her in his own way. He has just been
here with a note from Flora, and actually talked! Between her and the
election, he is wonderfully brilliant."

"The election? Has Mr. Esdaile resigned?"

"Have you not heard? He intends it, and George himself is going to
stand. The only danger is that Sir Henry Walkinghame should think of
it."

"Rivers in Parliament! Well, sound men are wanted."

"Fancy Flora, our member's wife. How well she will become her position."

"How soon is it likely to be?"

"Quickly, I fancy. Dr. Spencer, who knows all kinds of news (papa says
he makes a scientific study of gossip,