elp me in a
matter of business. I have been for some time trying to make up my
mind to sell Diana's Grove, I have put off and put off the doing of it
till now. The place is my own property, and no one has to be
consulted with regard to what I may wish to do about it. It was
bought by my late husband, Captain Adolphus Ranger March, who had
another residence, The Crest, Appleby. He acquired all rights of all
kinds, including mining and sporting. When he died, he left his whole
property to me. I shall feel leaving this place, which has become
endeared to me by many sacred memories and affections--the
recollection of many happy days of my young married life, and the more
than happy memories of the man I loved and who loved me so much. I
should be willing to sell the place for any fair price--so long, of
course, as the purchaser was one I liked and of whom I approved. May
I say that you yourself would be the ideal person. But I dare not
hope for so much. It strikes me, however, that among your Australian
friends may be someone who wishes to make a settlement in the Old
Country, and would care to fix the spot in one of the most historic
regions in England, full of romance and legend, and with a
never-ending vista of historical interest--an estate which, though
small, is in perfect condition and with illimitable possibilities of
development, and many doubtful--or unsettled--rights which have
existed before the time of the Romans or even Celts, who were the
original possessors. In addition, the house has been kept up to the
_dernier cri_. Immediate possession can be arranged. My lawyers can
provide you, or whoever you may suggest, with all business and
historical details. A word from you of acceptance or refusal is all
that is necessary, and we can leave details to be thrashed out by our
agents. Forgive me, won't you, for troubling you in the matter, and
believe me, yours very sincerely.

"ARABELLA MARCH."

Adam read this over several times, and then, his mind being made up, he
went to Mimi and asked if she had any objection. She answered--after a
shudder--that she was, in this, as in all things, willing to do whatever
he might wish.

"Dearest, I am willing that you should judge what is best for us. Be
quite free to act as you see your duty, and as your inclination calls. We
are in the hands of God, and He has hitherto