ow the fastidious eye of affection discovered many
deficiencies. The pictures must be changed in position; some wanted
more, some less light; the curtains were too heavy, the flower vases too
gorgeous.

"Does he mind these things much?" I ventured to ask.

"He likes to see every thing round him elegant and classic," replied
Edith; "he has the most fastidious taste in the world. I am so glad,
Gabriella, that you are pretty, that you are really classically
beautiful, for he will think so much more of you for being so. He ought
not, perhaps; but one cannot help having a fine taste. He cannot abide
any thing coarse or unrefined."

"He will not think of me at all, I am sure he will not," I answered,
while a vivid blush of pleasure at her sweet flattery stole over my
cheek.

CHAPTER XVI.

It was my office to gather and arrange the flowers, to adorn the
mansion, in consequence of Edith's lameness. This I did every morning
while they were sparkling with dew and the fragrance of night still
imprisoned in their folded petals. I delighted in the task; but now I
could not help feeling unusual solicitude about my floral mission. I
rose earlier than usual, and made fearful havoc in the garden and the
green-house. My apron dripped with blossoms every step I took, and the
carpet was literally strewed with flowers. The fairest and sweetest were
selected for the room _not yet occupied_; and though one day after
another passed away and he came not, the scent of the blossoms lingered
in the apartment, and diffusing in it an atmosphere of home love,
prepared it for the wanderer's return.

Every afternoon the carriage was sent to the depot, which was several
miles from Grandison Place, to meet the traveller, and again and again
it returned empty.

"Let us go ourselves," said Mrs. Linwood, beginning to be restless and
anxious. And they went--she and Edith. Though it was Saturday and I was
free, I did not accompany them, for I felt that a stranger to him should
not "intermeddle with their joy."

Partaking of the restlessness of baffled expectation, I could not fix my
mind on any occupation. I seated myself in the window recess and began
to read, but my eyes were constantly wandering to the road, watching for
the dust cloud that would roll before the advancing carriage.
Dissatisfied with myself, I strolled out on the lawn, and seating myself
on the rustic bench with my back to the gate, resolutely fastened my
eyes to the page