m the crowd by the love that, in linking us together, had hallowed
each to the other. Mrs. Ashleigh's letters were more general and
diffusive,--detailed the habits of the household, sketched the guests,
intimated her continued fear of Lady Haughton, but had said nothing more
of Mr. Ashleigh Sumner than I had repeated to Mrs. Poyntz. However, in
my letter to Lilian I related the intelligence that had reached me, and
impatiently I awaited her reply.

Three days after the interview with Mrs. Poyntz, and two days before the
long-anticipated event of the mayor's ball, I was summoned to attend
a nobleman who had lately been added to my list of patients, and whose
residence was about twelve miles from L----. The nearest way was through
Sir Philip Derval's park. I went on horseback, and proposed to stop on
the way to inquire after the steward, whom I had seen but once since his
fit, and that was two days after it, when he called himself at my
house to thank me for my attendance, and to declare that he was quite
recovered.

As I rode somewhat fast through the park, I came, however, upon the
steward, just in front of the house. I reined in my horse and accosted
him. He looked very cheerful.

"Sir," said he, in a whisper, "I have heard from Sir Philip; his letter
is dated since--since-my good woman told you what I saw,--well, since
then. So that it must have been all a delusion of mine, as you told her.
And yet, well--well--we will not talk of it, doctor; but I hope you have
kept the secret. Sir Philip would not like to hear of it, if he comes
back."

"Your secret is quite safe with me. But is Sir Philip likely to come
back?"

"I hope so, doctor. His letter is dated Paris, and that's nearer home
than he has been for many years; and--but bless me! some one is coming
out of the house,--a young gentleman! Who can it be?"

I looked, and to my surprise I saw Margrave descending the stately
stairs that led from the front door. The steward turned towards him,
and I mechanically followed, for I was curious to know what had brought
Margrave to the house of the long-absent traveller.

It was easily explained. Mr. Margrave had heard at L---- much of the
pictures and internal decorations of the mansion. He had, by dint
of coaxing (he said, with his enchanting laugh), persuaded the old
housekeeper to show him the rooms.

"It is against Sir Philip's positive orders to show the house to any
stranger, sir; and the housekeeper has done v