ho had entered her service as kitchen-maid, was very soon a
favourite, and had been advanced to the situation of Mrs Austin's own
attendant Mrs Austin considered her a treasure, and she daily became
more partial to and more confidential with her. Such was the state of
affairs, when one morning, as Austin was riding to cover, a gentleman of
the neighbourhood said to him, in the course of conversation--

"By-the-bye, Austin, have you heard that you have a new neighbour?"

"What!--on the Frampton estate, I suppose; I heard that it had been
sold."

"Yes; I have seen him. He is one of your profession--a lively, amusing
sort of Irish major; gentlemanlike, nevertheless. The wife not very
high-bred, but very fat, and very good-humoured, and amusing from her
downright simpleness of heart. You will call upon them, I presume?"

"Oh, of course," replied Austin. "What is his name did you say?"

"Major McShane, formerly of the 53rd Regiment, I believe."

Had a bullet passed through the heart of Austin, he could not have
received a more sudden shock, and the start which he made from his
saddle attracted the notice of his companion.

"What's the matter, Austin, you look pale; you are not well."

"No," replied Austin, recollecting himself; "I am not; one of those
twinges from an old wound in the breast came on. I shall be better
directly."

Austin stopped his horse, and put his hand to his heart. His companion
rode up, and remained near him.

"It is worse than usual; I thought it was coming on last night; I fear
that I must go home."

"Shall I go with you?"

"O, no; I must not spoil your sport. I am better now a great deal; it
is going off fast. Come, let us proceed, or we shall be too late at
cover."

Austin had resolved to conquer his feelings. His friend had no
suspicion, it is true; but when we are guilty we imagine that everybody
suspects us. They rode a few minutes in silence.

"Well I am glad that you did not go home," observed his friend; "for you
will meet your new neighbour; he has subscribed to the pack, and they
say he is well mounted; we shall see how he rides."

Austin made no reply; but, after riding on a few yards farther, he
pulled up, saying that the pain was coming on again, and that he could
not proceed. His companion expressed his sorrow at Austin's
indisposition, and they separated.

Austin immediately returned home, dismounted his horse, and hastened to
his private sitting-room. Mr